You Have to Dream, He Said
Of the many quotes by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam that stay in my mind, the one that stands out is this – “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” In my opinion, no truer words in the land of achieving dreams have ever been said. Like for many people from our generation, Dr. Kalam still remains a constant source of inspiration for me.
Dr. Kalam and I
We did not have a long or even a short association. However, I count myself as a fortunate few who have happened to see him, not just once, but twice. The first time I saw him was during the National Children Science Congress 2006 at Sikkim Manipal University. I was there as a child scientist, representing my home state of Uttar Pradesh.
The next time was more of a meeting. This was during the centenary celebration at my school – the Government Inter College – in February 2011. He was kind enough to come as the Chief Guest, mainly because of the efforts of Mr. Ansari, the principal of our school. Our interaction during the event, in all likelihood, will remain etched in my memory forever.
The Effect He Has
Dr. Kalam’s books and speeches still inspire me. He, in a sense, was and still is India’s only “people’s president.” When once asked if he saw himself as a “President, Scientist, Writer, or Missile man,” he was quick to reply that he was a “teacher.” No matter what I grow up to become, this is one quality I hope to retain for the rest of my life – that of wanting to impart knowledge.
The effect Dr. Kalam has had on me over the years is profound, as I’m sure, is the case with many others too. I, for one, hope his legacy lives on forever.
A Legacy That Inspires
As I navigate through the vast landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership, I often find myself coming back to the teachings of Dr Kalam. His philosophies have not only guided me through numerous challenges but also inspired me to dream big and strive for greatness. His life journey is a testament to the power of determination, humility, and unwavering spirit, values that I continually strive to embed in my professional ethos.
The legacy of Dr Kalam is timeless. It is about believing in the power of dreams and their ability to shape the world. It is about the belief that each one of us can make a difference and that each one of us has a responsibility to create a positive impact. His emphasis on dreaming, aspiring, and relentless pursuit of goals has instilled in me a sense of purpose and ambition. His teachings remind me that it’s not just about what we achieve for ourselves but about how we can contribute to society and create a world in which future generations can thrive. I carry his legacy and aspire to pass it on to others, particularly the next generation of dreamers, leaders, and innovators.
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