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My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions
My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Actions is the life story of India's eleventh President, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who started off as an insignificant little boy Rameswaram, but ended up becoming the President of the country, besides being a brilliant scientist as well. The book portrays the struggle that Dr. Kalam had to endure, as he climbed the ladder of success in life.
He speaks at length about each and every individual who impacted his life, during his formative years as a child and even when he was a young adult. He speaks about those who were the closest to him, such as his father, who loved God deeply. He also talks about his mother and her kindness. Apart from his parents, he speaks about his mentors, who molded his thoughts and directed his actions.
My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Actions is a book that offers you many emotional accounts by Dr. Kalam, which speak of his life in a small town by the Bay of Bengal. He tells his readers about the many times when he would feel dejected in life and was on the verge of giving up. He mentions that he gained strength in those times from spirituality and certain books. All in all, the book gives you valuable and first-hand information on life itself.
He speaks at length about each and every individual who impacted his life, during his formative years as a child and even when he was a young adult. He speaks about those who were the closest to him, such as his father, who loved God deeply. He also talks about his mother and her kindness. Apart from his parents, he speaks about his mentors, who molded his thoughts and directed his actions.
My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Actions is a book that offers you many emotional accounts by Dr. Kalam, which speak of his life in a small town by the Bay of Bengal. He tells his readers about the many times when he would feel dejected in life and was on the verge of giving up. He mentions that he gained strength in those times from spirituality and certain books. All in all, the book gives you valuable and first-hand information on life itself.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
138 books1,771 followersAvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (Tamil: அவுல் பகீர் ஜைனுலாப்தீன் அப்துல் கலாம்) usually referred to as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, was one of India's most distinguished scientists. He was an Aerospace engineer, professor, and chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. During his term as President, he was popularly known as the People's President.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
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March 17, 2015
My learnings:
(1) Adversities always presents opportunities
(2) There is a larger energy or force than can crush our ambitions and goals in the blink of an eye. The only way forward is to survive, and then rebuild your life.
(3) Our country needs citizens who trust their individuality which cannot be manipulated by people with unscrupulous agendas
(4) It does not matter how large or small your sphere of activity is, what matters finally is the commitment that you bring to your work.
(5) Destiny, traditions, situation will test the women again and again. Yet, she will find a way to guide her family out of any crisis and she will do it with such love that it will inundate your heart.
(6) When faced with adversity, we discover hidden resilience and courage - something that already existed.
(7) Books gave me dreams, which became mission.
(8) Events of great magnitude shift something with in us at a fundamental level
(9) When we reach pinnacle of success, we tend to ignore the numerous sacrifices that have gone behind it.
(10) In sadness, you are truly alone. That's when your true self is revealed to you
(11) The best way to win is not to covet the win too much. Keep a calm and open mind to new challenges.
(12) The line between leadership and bullying is a thin one.
(13) Our mind is unbelievably elastic and can expand as much as we let it. The belief in yourself that comes along in life changing.
(1) Adversities always presents opportunities
(2) There is a larger energy or force than can crush our ambitions and goals in the blink of an eye. The only way forward is to survive, and then rebuild your life.
(3) Our country needs citizens who trust their individuality which cannot be manipulated by people with unscrupulous agendas
(4) It does not matter how large or small your sphere of activity is, what matters finally is the commitment that you bring to your work.
(5) Destiny, traditions, situation will test the women again and again. Yet, she will find a way to guide her family out of any crisis and she will do it with such love that it will inundate your heart.
(6) When faced with adversity, we discover hidden resilience and courage - something that already existed.
(7) Books gave me dreams, which became mission.
(8) Events of great magnitude shift something with in us at a fundamental level
(9) When we reach pinnacle of success, we tend to ignore the numerous sacrifices that have gone behind it.
(10) In sadness, you are truly alone. That's when your true self is revealed to you
(11) The best way to win is not to covet the win too much. Keep a calm and open mind to new challenges.
(12) The line between leadership and bullying is a thin one.
(13) Our mind is unbelievably elastic and can expand as much as we let it. The belief in yourself that comes along in life changing.
September 14, 2013
After a real long time I read a book that kept me thinking and smiling. Our ex-President does it right again. He journeys through our heart. ‘My Journey’ is a book that has different stories from A.P.J Abdul Kalam’s life weaved together. Written very simply, the stories are deeply humane and poignant as a boy from a far off village in Rameshwarm goes to become the President of a nation of one billion.
The first story is about his father and his morning walk titled ‘The Morning Walk.’. Kalam begins the book in a time when India was slow and still under the British Raj. His father Jainulabdeen owed a patch of land with few coconut trees and later on to support his large family he started a ferry business. Kalam talks about the serenity the walks brought to his father which he himself continues. His father was not a priest but there would always be people around asking him to say a prayer for them or share their agonies and everyday life with him. In his father Kalam reminds us of the good ole man, in corners of our hearts and streets.
The next story is one of the most beautiful one. It talks of the time his father builds a boat to start the ferry business. His cousin joined in to help. Everyday Kalam would watch the long pieces of woods taking shape and later in years it ignites him to build missiles and rockets for the country. The most profound moment in this book is in this story, when one night a storm blew and the boat was left in shreds; yet his father remained calm. This lesson stayed with Kalam. Years later when he was giving shape to missiles and rain disrupted the count-down, he remained calm thinking of the undisturbed face of his father.
The next story, ‘A working boy at eight,’ is when he was 8 years old. He becomes a newspaper delivery boy to just be an add-on to his family income. It did involve hard work, but definitely taught him the disciple of work life. The following story, ‘Three great hearts resolves a problem,’ is something that needs to be taught in today’s India where we are becoming more and more intolerant each day. It talks of Kalam who was not allowed to sit next to his best friend, who was a Pandit by his new teacher. Without creating much of a hue and cry his father, the Pandit of the village and the Bishop of the church explained it to the teacher that this kind of discrimination is completely unacceptable in their village. What could have created communal disharmony was solved with just a conversation. This is something modern India needs to imbibe.
The next story, ‘My mother and my sister,’ is his description of his closeness with his mother and his eldest sister. It reminds me of an India where most women went through life in the four walls of their house. All their dreams and aspirations were either tied to their brothers or husbands. The following story is about Jalaluddin, his distant cousin and brother-in law who gave him wings to his dreams. It was Jalaluddin who persuaded him to do his high school outside his village and later was a key reason for him to join MIT in Chennai. Jalaluddin also died young, but what strikes the most was the conversation he has with his father, who inspite of the heartbreak accepts it as will of God. The following story is, ‘When I failed.’ It is an honest analysis of his failures and learning in life without trying to be defensive or philosophical about it. When he failed to make through the interview of Air Force Selection Board, he makes a trip to Haridwar and takes a dip at the holy Ganges. There he meets Swami Sivananda himself, who tell him to accept it as destiny. Kalam adds that his being a Muslim never mattered to Swami ji.
The next story is about his love for books. Though a scientist it is fascinating to see how the Quran or the Gita were the books that inspired him to sail along with life. The following story, ‘ A brush with fire,’ is his first hand rendezvous with death, when he was almost caught by fire in the lab, but saved by his dear friend. This story also includes the incident when eight men lose their lives at the Aarokoram crash. After that he went to meet the bereaved families where one widow asked him, “Why did you do this to us?’ He recounts later even within the walls of the Rastrapati Bhawan the wails of the widows and children stayed with him.
The in next one he talks of his mentor ,’Vikram Sarabhai’. This anecdote is an amazing insight to the man Sarabhai was and why India owes him so much. The following story is ‘ A life in science,’ is a beautiful description on his experiences with science, spirituality , hard work, success and most importantly his failures. The last story is ‘Miles to go.’ The title itself says that he believes that he still has miles to cover even after such an eventful life after meeting and inspiring so many people specially the youth.
As, a reviewer for the first time it is difficult for me to find real flaws in this book. It is so impactful that I am sitting down to find a place I can find the dent. May be all I can say, we wish the book was thicker with more stories that could inspire in days like today.
I recommend this book to every Indian and specially to students. It will remind what society needs, and a vision of an India we can definitely proud of.
I can vouch that A.P.J Abdul Kalam will leave imprints on the hearts of people even after he is no more. Through his books generations will learn from and call him a hero.
September 2, 2023
"ربما صار نمطاً ثابتاً في حياتي أن يغيب عن الحياة هؤلاء الأعزاء الأكثر قُرباً لي على نحو مفاجئ ومن غير تحذير مُسبق."
كتاب "رحلتي: تحويل الأحلام إلى أفعال" هو تجميع لمواقف وأحداث هامة بحياة رئيس الهند الأسبق "زين العابدين عبدالكلام"، فالكتاب يلم بسيرته وأبرز ما حدث فيها، وأهم الشخصيات التي ساعدته في حياته، ولكن كما قال الكاتب بشكل روحي ويحمل مشاعر أكثر من سيرته سابقة بالفعل "أجنحة من نار" التي يبدو أنها مُفصلة أكثر من هذه السيرة، ولكن لكل كتاب هدفه كما يرى.
"إن بلدنا يحتاج مواطنين يثقون بفردانتيهم ولا يُمكن التلاعب بهم أو السيطرة على عقولهم بواسطة أجندات فاسدة لأناس عديمي الضمائر."
أحياناً أتعجب عندما أرى في بلاد أخرى رئيس جاء من خلفية فقيرة، مما اضطره للعمل في صغره كموزع للجرائد في سنة الثامنة! أتعجب لأن في أوطاننا لا بد أن يكون الرئيس قادم من خلفية مُعينة لا يُمكن أن نحيد عنها، وأتعجب أيضاً أن يكون هناك رئيس لدولة بهذه الشفافية، يحكي ويتكلم وكأنه شخص عادي، أعلم رؤساء حتى بعد إنتهاء خدماتهم لا يزالوا يتكلمون وكأن الكلام الخارج من أفواههم مُحصن ويتم حراسته بواسطة أمنه الخاص، فزين العابدين يتحدث عن شعبه بلطف، يؤمن أنهم شعب لا مثيل له وسيقوم بتذليل كل الصعوبات، لديه رؤية حقيقية وعلمية لتطور البلد، هذا الشخص المناسب في المكان المناسب، ورغم مرور فترته الرئاسية لم يتشبث بالكرسي، بل ظل يخدم البلد في مجال الصواريخ والعلم، أعرف أناساً بمجرد ما تلمس مؤخرتهم برودة الكرسي، لا تستطيع أن ترى مؤخرتهم إلا وهي ملتصقة بكرسي الرئاسة! بل والأنكى أنهم يورثون الكرسي إلى مؤخرات أولادهم. غريب أن ترى مثل زين العابدين، ما لك يا رجل؟ ألم تُفسدك السياسية؟ ألم يُغريك المال؟ هذه هي نوعية الرجال التي نحتاجها، رجالاً تعاهدوا على خدمة الوطن وليس جيوبهم وحاشيتهم، ولذلك سنظل في أوطاننا نُعاني ونُعاني.
"أدركت منذ بداية عملي أن السلام مهم للغاية لتطور بلدي، لكن السلام يأتي دوماً مُترافقاً مع القوة: القوة تحترم القوة لذا نحن نحتاج لكي نجعل امتنا تعم بالسلام."
وعلى الرغم أنك ستشعر بطيبة "زين العابدين" ولكنه حازم ويرى القوة كعامل أساسي من أجل السلام، فهو واعي بالعالم الذي يعيش فيه وأن الطيبة وحدها لن تجعله مُحصناً من الحروب، فيجب أن يكون قوياً لينل احترام الأخرين، بل ويرهبوه أيضاً، أنها طريقة السلام الوحيدة في هذا العالم أن يخاف الأخرون من الاشتباك معك، وترى البساطة في حياته، وكلماته، والروحانية المُطلقة، أحياناً أتعجب من أن هناك بشر بكل هذا الصفاء، لا يوجد ضجيج برأسه، ويُفكر بهدوء وتروي، ويرى العالم من أبعاد لا أراها، وربما هذا ما جعل زين العابدين شخص بهذه الأهمية، فهو واحد من أهم رجال الهند، وربما عندما تقرأ هذه السيرة المُختصرة المختلطة بالمشاعر الرقيقة وتذكر حزين لكل من وقف بجانبه وعاش معه، يُمكنك أن ترى العالم من منظور أخر.
سيرة جميلة ودافئة، وبكل تأكيد يُنصح بها.
January 15, 2020
يبدو أن كل هندي قد نال حظا من الحكمة
من أمتع السير الذاتية التي قرأتها رغم محدودية عدد صفحاتها ولكن السطور القليلة قد كتبت بحكمة عميقة ومعاني مكثفة وهذه سمة لمستها في الكتاب الهنود الذين يتجنبون الحشو في الكلام ولكنهم يكثفون المعنى
أعجبني وضوح أفكار وطريقة عرضها بؤسلوب منطقي وربما يرجع ذلك لتأثرة بالرياضيات والفيزياء،
استطيع ان اقول ان الامة الهندية متجسدة في شخص عبدالكلام في عملها الدؤوب وحرصها على العلم
انها أمة جديرة بالاعجاب والحذر ايضا!!!
أمة طموحة جدا وتخطو خطوات مدروسة...
من أمتع السير الذاتية التي قرأتها رغم محدودية عدد صفحاتها ولكن السطور القليلة قد كتبت بحكمة عميقة ومعاني مكثفة وهذه سمة لمستها في الكتاب الهنود الذين يتجنبون الحشو في الكلام ولكنهم يكثفون المعنى
أعجبني وضوح أفكار وطريقة عرضها بؤسلوب منطقي وربما يرجع ذلك لتأثرة بالرياضيات والفيزياء،
استطيع ان اقول ان الامة الهندية متجسدة في شخص عبدالكلام في عملها الدؤوب وحرصها على العلم
انها أمة جديرة بالاعجاب والحذر ايضا!!!
أمة طموحة جدا وتخطو خطوات مدروسة...
February 26, 2021
Missile Man, People's president whatnot. After Gandhiji India saw a great human being who became the role model for many children and the upcoming generations.
At Least 10 people like APJ are needed in Indian politics, who give priority to people of the country rather than party.
A man with a vision and mission - APJ
At Least 10 people like APJ are needed in Indian politics, who give priority to people of the country rather than party.
A man with a vision and mission - APJ
March 31, 2022
So inspiring!!
September 4, 2017
يستعيد الرئيس الهندي الراحل عبد الكلام الشخصيات والمواقف التي أثرت في مسيرة حياته الناجحة من طفولته إلى وصوله سلم الرئاسة في الهند ويتسائل هل البيئة والظروف المحيطة بالشخص تؤثر في مستقبله؟
عالم الصواريخ زين العابدين عبدالكلام في هذا الكتاب القصير لا ينسى ان يذكر الكتب التي أثرت في حياته الشخصية.
تأتي فصول الكتاب كالتالي:
جولة أبي الصباحية على الأقدام
القارب
طفل يعمل وهو في الثامنة
ثلاثة قلوب عظيمة تجد حلاً لمعضلة
أمي وشقيقتي
شقيقتي زوهرا
معلمي الناصح الأول: أحمد جلال الدين
عندما فشلت!!
كتبي المفضلة
مشكاة النار المتوهجة
معلمي المفضال: الدكتور فيكرام سارابهاي
حياة عشتها في العلم
ثمة أميال للذهاب أبعد!
من الكتاب:
"يبتغي العلم توفير إجابات لكل الظواهر الطبيعية بينما تساعد الروحانية على معرفة مكاننا في نسيج المخطط الشامل للكون، وفي الوقت الذي يعمل المرء على فهم الكون من خلال العلم ووسائله المتاحة، فإن المرء يتوق في الوقت ذاته إلى اللجوء للروحانية التي تفتح عقل المرء وقلبه على تجارب غير معهودة له كما تمكنه من تحسس طريقه الخاص في هذه الحياة وبإمكاناته الذاتية الخالصة."
عالم الصواريخ زين العابدين عبدالكلام في هذا الكتاب القصير لا ينسى ان يذكر الكتب التي أثرت في حياته الشخصية.
تأتي فصول الكتاب كالتالي:
جولة أبي الصباحية على الأقدام
القارب
طفل يعمل وهو في الثامنة
ثلاثة قلوب عظيمة تجد حلاً لمعضلة
أمي وشقيقتي
شقيقتي زوهرا
معلمي الناصح الأول: أحمد جلال الدين
عندما فشلت!!
كتبي المفضلة
مشكاة النار المتوهجة
معلمي المفضال: الدكتور فيكرام سارابهاي
حياة عشتها في العلم
ثمة أميال للذهاب أبعد!
من الكتاب:
"يبتغي العلم توفير إجابات لكل الظواهر الطبيعية بينما تساعد الروحانية على معرفة مكاننا في نسيج المخطط الشامل للكون، وفي الوقت الذي يعمل المرء على فهم الكون من خلال العلم ووسائله المتاحة، فإن المرء يتوق في الوقت ذاته إلى اللجوء للروحانية التي تفتح عقل المرء وقلبه على تجارب غير معهودة له كما تمكنه من تحسس طريقه الخاص في هذه الحياة وبإمكاناته الذاتية الخالصة."
April 19, 2015
One of the few books that touched me, opened my eyes, and made me a little bit more wiser.
India has a wealth of wisdom... I wish we could have taken some of it, especially that related to nation building and multi-faith tolerance.
This will be a book I will recommend my children to read ... maybe at the age after college!
India has a wealth of wisdom... I wish we could have taken some of it, especially that related to nation building and multi-faith tolerance.
This will be a book I will recommend my children to read ... maybe at the age after college!
July 27, 2017
I am not afraid of death because when I will die then I will get a chance to meet him.
October 28, 2015
One must keep dreaming at various phases of life
Work hard to realize those dreams
Then success is imminent
Dreams are not those that we see in our sleep
But the ones that never let us sleep
Father
He was just a man who lived by his convictions and the tenets of his religion
His mere presence that calmed people and gave them hope
Adversity
When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection
There is a divine power that looks over us, that gently lifts us from our sadness and failures and
miseries
Sea
Sea was an important part of our lives
There is a larger energy and force that can crush our ambitions and plans in the blink of an eye, and that the only way to survive is to face your troubles and rebuild your life
Education
True quality does not come from a great building or great facilities or great advertisements
It happens when education is imparted with love by great teachers
Management
They made the problem go away without letting it grow and fester—the essence of good management in any situation
Conviction
It must always be our inner convictions and strength of beliefs that dictate our actions
Our country needs citizens who trust their individuality, who cannot be manipulated by people with unscrupulous agendas
Destiny
I followed my destiny that took me into the world of science and technology
Harmony
Koran to the Gita to the Holy Bible, together they have made me a product of this unique land of
ours
Childhood
Mine was a happy, secure childhood
Azaan
Now it is a sweet reminder of a beautiful childhood, of parents lost to time
Dreamer
I was a bit of a dreamer
I preferred to curl up with a paper or a book
Sister
Where are her own dreams, I wonder?
Destiny, tradition, situations will test her again and again
She will have to worry and compromise, save and innovate
Jalalluddin
God was almost like a friend. He talked to God, and presented all his problems to Him in the way one does to a living entity
God
Was it possible that in this serene atmosphere of Rameswaram the prayers of so many of the faithful, uttered in different tongues and born from various beliefs, were reaching different gods? It could not be
I was convinced that the one who heard everyone out was a common entity
Death
Death is not something to be afraid of, and I have never seen it that way
Yet, the sadness that it brings cannot be shrugged away
We will go when our time will come, but when some of us go earlier than the others the sadness that wells up within the heart is a reality that one has to go on living with
Failure
I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success
It was unthinkable that the future could turn so bleak with a few words spoken by my professor
Teacher
As your teacher, I had to push you to your limits so that you could recognize your own true potential
Personality
I was a shy, tongue-tied boy
I had to work hard to develop some assertiveness in my personality
I did this by trying to communicate with different people from all kinds of backgrounds
Destiny
Accept your destiny and go ahead with your life
You are not destined to become an air force pilot
What you are destined to become is not revealed now but it is predetermined
Forget this failure, as it was essential to lead you to your destined path
Search, instead, for the true purpose of your existence. Surrender yourself to the wish of God
Goals
Every person who sets out with a goal has had to face unexpected obstacles
We've had to rethink our goals, reorient our paths
Each setback teaches us a new facet of life and something about our own personalities
When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had
And it is only when we are faced with failure do we realize that these resources were always there within us
We only need to find them and move on with our lives
Books
Novels by Leo Tolstoy, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy
Light from Many Lamps, edited by Lillian Eichler Watson
Thirukural by Thiruvalluvar
"Think of rising higher. Let it be your only thought. Even if your object be not attained, the thought itself will have raised you"
Man the Unknown by the Nobel laureate and doctor-turned-philosopher Alexis Carrel
The Koran, the Vedas, the Bhagwad Gita
"The best way to win was not to need to win"
Poetry by T.S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll and William Butler Yeats
T.S. Eliot
Between the conception
And the creation
Between the emotion
And the response
Falls the Shadow
Angels
Books gave me dreams
Dreams resulted in missions
Books helped me confidently take up the missions
Books gave me courage at the time of failures
Good books were for me angels
Touched my heart gently at the time
Change
Events of great magnitude that shift something within us at a fundamental level
These are the times when our sense of self and our ego witness deep changes
Politics
Political rhetoric alone does not build a nation unless it is backed by the power of sacrifice, toil and virtue
Sadness
In sadness you are truly alone. That is when your true self is revealed to you
Moments are our true friends
Joy is fleeting, whereas true happiness and calm can come to us only after intense pain
Grief
For each person I lost I found a new layer of grief to cover myself with
Retrospection
So long that when I think back I wonder if it all happened to me, or is it some story that I myself read in a book somewhere?
Knowledge
Science sought to provide answers to all natural phenomena, and spirituality helped us understand our place in the entire scheme of the universe
Sensory perceptions were not the only source of knowledge and truth
True knowledge lay in exploring the inner self
Mind
Mind is unbelievably elastic
It can expand as much as you let it, and once it opens up, there are no barriers—the belief in yourself that comes as a result is something no one can take away from you
Commitment
Total commitment is not just hard work, it is total involvement
It is also about setting a goal
It is having a goal in front of you that makes a difference to the final outcome of your hard work
Mission
Do not make rocketry your profession, your livelihood—make it your religion, your mission
Cornerstones
Hard work and piety, study and learning, compassion and forgiveness—these have been the cornerstones of my life
Work hard to realize those dreams
Then success is imminent
Dreams are not those that we see in our sleep
But the ones that never let us sleep
Father
He was just a man who lived by his convictions and the tenets of his religion
His mere presence that calmed people and gave them hope
Adversity
When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection
There is a divine power that looks over us, that gently lifts us from our sadness and failures and
miseries
Sea
Sea was an important part of our lives
There is a larger energy and force that can crush our ambitions and plans in the blink of an eye, and that the only way to survive is to face your troubles and rebuild your life
Education
True quality does not come from a great building or great facilities or great advertisements
It happens when education is imparted with love by great teachers
Management
They made the problem go away without letting it grow and fester—the essence of good management in any situation
Conviction
It must always be our inner convictions and strength of beliefs that dictate our actions
Our country needs citizens who trust their individuality, who cannot be manipulated by people with unscrupulous agendas
Destiny
I followed my destiny that took me into the world of science and technology
Harmony
Koran to the Gita to the Holy Bible, together they have made me a product of this unique land of
ours
Childhood
Mine was a happy, secure childhood
Azaan
Now it is a sweet reminder of a beautiful childhood, of parents lost to time
Dreamer
I was a bit of a dreamer
I preferred to curl up with a paper or a book
Sister
Where are her own dreams, I wonder?
Destiny, tradition, situations will test her again and again
She will have to worry and compromise, save and innovate
Jalalluddin
God was almost like a friend. He talked to God, and presented all his problems to Him in the way one does to a living entity
God
Was it possible that in this serene atmosphere of Rameswaram the prayers of so many of the faithful, uttered in different tongues and born from various beliefs, were reaching different gods? It could not be
I was convinced that the one who heard everyone out was a common entity
Death
Death is not something to be afraid of, and I have never seen it that way
Yet, the sadness that it brings cannot be shrugged away
We will go when our time will come, but when some of us go earlier than the others the sadness that wells up within the heart is a reality that one has to go on living with
Failure
I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success
It was unthinkable that the future could turn so bleak with a few words spoken by my professor
Teacher
As your teacher, I had to push you to your limits so that you could recognize your own true potential
Personality
I was a shy, tongue-tied boy
I had to work hard to develop some assertiveness in my personality
I did this by trying to communicate with different people from all kinds of backgrounds
Destiny
Accept your destiny and go ahead with your life
You are not destined to become an air force pilot
What you are destined to become is not revealed now but it is predetermined
Forget this failure, as it was essential to lead you to your destined path
Search, instead, for the true purpose of your existence. Surrender yourself to the wish of God
Goals
Every person who sets out with a goal has had to face unexpected obstacles
We've had to rethink our goals, reorient our paths
Each setback teaches us a new facet of life and something about our own personalities
When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had
And it is only when we are faced with failure do we realize that these resources were always there within us
We only need to find them and move on with our lives
Books
Novels by Leo Tolstoy, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy
Light from Many Lamps, edited by Lillian Eichler Watson
Thirukural by Thiruvalluvar
"Think of rising higher. Let it be your only thought. Even if your object be not attained, the thought itself will have raised you"
Man the Unknown by the Nobel laureate and doctor-turned-philosopher Alexis Carrel
The Koran, the Vedas, the Bhagwad Gita
"The best way to win was not to need to win"
Poetry by T.S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll and William Butler Yeats
T.S. Eliot
Between the conception
And the creation
Between the emotion
And the response
Falls the Shadow
Angels
Books gave me dreams
Dreams resulted in missions
Books helped me confidently take up the missions
Books gave me courage at the time of failures
Good books were for me angels
Touched my heart gently at the time
Change
Events of great magnitude that shift something within us at a fundamental level
These are the times when our sense of self and our ego witness deep changes
Politics
Political rhetoric alone does not build a nation unless it is backed by the power of sacrifice, toil and virtue
Sadness
In sadness you are truly alone. That is when your true self is revealed to you
Moments are our true friends
Joy is fleeting, whereas true happiness and calm can come to us only after intense pain
Grief
For each person I lost I found a new layer of grief to cover myself with
Retrospection
So long that when I think back I wonder if it all happened to me, or is it some story that I myself read in a book somewhere?
Knowledge
Science sought to provide answers to all natural phenomena, and spirituality helped us understand our place in the entire scheme of the universe
Sensory perceptions were not the only source of knowledge and truth
True knowledge lay in exploring the inner self
Mind
Mind is unbelievably elastic
It can expand as much as you let it, and once it opens up, there are no barriers—the belief in yourself that comes as a result is something no one can take away from you
Commitment
Total commitment is not just hard work, it is total involvement
It is also about setting a goal
It is having a goal in front of you that makes a difference to the final outcome of your hard work
Mission
Do not make rocketry your profession, your livelihood—make it your religion, your mission
Cornerstones
Hard work and piety, study and learning, compassion and forgiveness—these have been the cornerstones of my life
January 5, 2021
Reader should read it after "Wings of Fire" to get the complete essence of each chapter. This book has more description of few incidents from Dr. Kalam's life. Every chapter has atleast one thing which can be a precious learning. A nice and quick read.
October 9, 2021
Dreams are not those that we see in our sleep, they should be the ones that never let us sleep - Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
This book is an autobiography of Dr Abdul Kalam. He gave instances from own life about accomplishments and failures, mentors and their death, and most importantly, the impact of having a clear vision or dream. It was written beautifully and influenced me a lot.
This book is an autobiography of Dr Abdul Kalam. He gave instances from own life about accomplishments and failures, mentors and their death, and most importantly, the impact of having a clear vision or dream. It was written beautifully and influenced me a lot.
July 29, 2017
I love the fact that this book is written in such a lucid manner and it pretty much reflects APJ who was himself such a humble and down to earth person . These are collection of some incidents in his life which may seem pretty normal to others but held a lot of significance in his life.
Lovely and a light reading material indeed .
Lovely and a light reading material indeed .
July 21, 2023
يستذكر العالم ورجل الدولة الهندي او(رجل الصواريخ) وهو اللقب الأحب إلى قلبه في هذا الكتاب طفولته في بلدته راميسورام و أفراد عائلته الذين كان لهم تأثير في حياته و لكن بشيء من المثالية الزائدة، و في الثلث الأخير من الكتاب يسرد فصولاً قصيرة مما حدث له من تجارب او عن شخصيات عاصرها و يركز على الأخطاء لأنها كانت التجارب الأكبر التي يتعلم منها المرء
سأحاول البحث عن كتابه الأشهر (أجنحة من نار)
سأحاول البحث عن كتابه الأشهر (أجنحة من نار)
September 12, 2013
When I received an email from Rupa Publications, asking me to review APJ Abdul Kalam’s My Journey Transforming Dreams into Actions, I was thrilled. It is a collection of his recollections, in the form of short stories, of various events in his life. As is mentioned in the blurb, “He describes those who have been the closest to him- his father with his love of good, his mother and her great kindness, the mentors who helped shaped his thoughts and outlook.
He has written about his father’s four mile walk every morning to the coconut grove, which he felt added something to his personality, an element of calm to his personality that even strangers approached him for help with their problems. He says that he too starts his day with a morning walk. He mentions in another story that watching a boat come to life from pieces of wood was probably his first introduction to the world of engineering. He learnt that we have to acknowledge the power of nature. As an eight year old, during World War II, when sanctions were imposed on India, he would distribute newspapers to supplement the family income. He talks about how the religious leaders of various religions would meet every Friday evening to discuss the events happening in the town and how they managed to manage matters firmly and openly without letting it grow and fester- his first lesson in management.
In another story, he has spoken about his mother who served everyone and God with utmost devotion, selflessness and piety- a lesson that he has carried from her life- commitment. He talks about his sister, Zohra, who used her gold as a guarantee with a moneylender to borrow money required for his admission to a college. Jalalluddin, whom he has mentioned in a lot of stories, was his first mentor. The author mentions that he was the one who introduced him to the world outside, encouraged him, influenced him and instilled in him the power of positive thinking. He even mentions about his disappointment at not being able to join the Indian Air Force, and how he started believing in destiny. He talks about his favourite books and mentions that the religious texts from all religions have influenced him greatly.
He mentions about his brush with death and his realization that a nation is built by the power of sacrifice, toil and virtue. He describes his deeply emotional and intellectual relationship with Dr Vikram Sarabhai, who taught him to look beyond failures and also how the scientific and spiritual leaders can work harmoniously or larger goals. He talks about his life in various scientific institutions of India- his failures and successes in the world of science.
A beautifully written book with a lot of nice stories. My personal favourite is “My mother and my sister”. The stories may be short but the message they carry goes very deep. I would recommend reading one story at a time, slowly to actually understand the deep meaning present there. The charcoal drawings by Priya Sebastian have added a lot of meaning to the chapters.
He has written about his father’s four mile walk every morning to the coconut grove, which he felt added something to his personality, an element of calm to his personality that even strangers approached him for help with their problems. He says that he too starts his day with a morning walk. He mentions in another story that watching a boat come to life from pieces of wood was probably his first introduction to the world of engineering. He learnt that we have to acknowledge the power of nature. As an eight year old, during World War II, when sanctions were imposed on India, he would distribute newspapers to supplement the family income. He talks about how the religious leaders of various religions would meet every Friday evening to discuss the events happening in the town and how they managed to manage matters firmly and openly without letting it grow and fester- his first lesson in management.
In another story, he has spoken about his mother who served everyone and God with utmost devotion, selflessness and piety- a lesson that he has carried from her life- commitment. He talks about his sister, Zohra, who used her gold as a guarantee with a moneylender to borrow money required for his admission to a college. Jalalluddin, whom he has mentioned in a lot of stories, was his first mentor. The author mentions that he was the one who introduced him to the world outside, encouraged him, influenced him and instilled in him the power of positive thinking. He even mentions about his disappointment at not being able to join the Indian Air Force, and how he started believing in destiny. He talks about his favourite books and mentions that the religious texts from all religions have influenced him greatly.
He mentions about his brush with death and his realization that a nation is built by the power of sacrifice, toil and virtue. He describes his deeply emotional and intellectual relationship with Dr Vikram Sarabhai, who taught him to look beyond failures and also how the scientific and spiritual leaders can work harmoniously or larger goals. He talks about his life in various scientific institutions of India- his failures and successes in the world of science.
A beautifully written book with a lot of nice stories. My personal favourite is “My mother and my sister”. The stories may be short but the message they carry goes very deep. I would recommend reading one story at a time, slowly to actually understand the deep meaning present there. The charcoal drawings by Priya Sebastian have added a lot of meaning to the chapters.
Read
May 13, 2021This book shows how different people at different times have influenced the "Missile Man of India". The visionary leader Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam narrates that his childhood and other life experiences have influenced him a lot. Our former president APJ Abdul Kalam had a tough childhood. Their family had around 15 children in total with the only his father as the breadwinner. They just had enough money to meet expenses on food with a bit of savings. In his birthplace(Rameswaram) their was a Hindu priest, Christian saint and his father the Islam Imam who had a great influence on him. These gentlemen opposed the discrimination on the basis of religion. This made their town very peaceful. His cousin brothers were a little learned and identified the love for science in Dr. Kalam. Dr. Kalam had to distribute newspapers to meet their daily needs during the WW2. His mother and sister were very nice. Dr. Kalam learnt that her mother used to go hungry for her kids stomach. His bigger sister had sold her jewelry for the education of Dr. Kalam. Even Dr. Vikram Sarabhai had played a great role in author's life.
Tip: You should read this book to get influenced. Try to understand the sacrifices of our people for our upbringing. I recommend this book to you for developing your personality. Do recommend this books to others if you think that India should have such great visionary leaders like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Tip: You should read this book to get influenced. Try to understand the sacrifices of our people for our upbringing. I recommend this book to you for developing your personality. Do recommend this books to others if you think that India should have such great visionary leaders like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
December 5, 2015
Lovely read.
In this book, APJ shares his Childhood memories and experiences.
Though some of the events,incidents have already been mentioned in his other books, it never fails to impress. It also provides a deeper insight to his life when he was young and also about the hardships that he had to face while doing his studies in School, College etc.
Its basically a Rags to Riches story.
Here, Richness is defined by his kind, honest attitude and not by the size of his pockets !
But however, I was pretty let down by the fact that this book was pretty short.
147 pages only ! But still, It's a book that i recommend everyone to read, For he is , one of the Greatest persons that India has ever seen. :')
Hope he is Happy up there :)
In this book, APJ shares his Childhood memories and experiences.
Though some of the events,incidents have already been mentioned in his other books, it never fails to impress. It also provides a deeper insight to his life when he was young and also about the hardships that he had to face while doing his studies in School, College etc.
Its basically a Rags to Riches story.
Here, Richness is defined by his kind, honest attitude and not by the size of his pockets !
But however, I was pretty let down by the fact that this book was pretty short.
147 pages only ! But still, It's a book that i recommend everyone to read, For he is , one of the Greatest persons that India has ever seen. :')
Hope he is Happy up there :)
October 6, 2013
I remember a chilly evening when my mother looked at the mushrooming schools and said "its sad that so many schools don't have a playground".. I responded saying "at least most of the children have basic education ma" she gave that saintly look and replied "over all development is a necessity for a growing mind" - this is the first thing that stuck me after i finished this book - it just strengths my mothers thought. A playground can just be a minuscule in this world of needs for the growing child but the book proves how important it is to have a emotionally strong childhood guided by a mentor, a friend above all a fuming desire to learn. A read for sure !
December 29, 2015
This book is like Bhagavadgita to all dreamers and achievers. This book is a must read for every single child. In this book, Dr. Kalam explained how he and his family/ friends shape his career and how his career shaped his personality and how the persons he met influenced his character and outlook on the life.
May 7, 2021
Very inspiring... A must-read!
November 15, 2021
This book is like a warm reassuring hug, telling you that everything will be fine and at the same time inspiring you to look for the upcoming day, a new oportunity, to not get disarrayed from your goals. There are lot of self help books and a lot many autobiographies of successful personalities but this one feels like a conversation with an old friend. I am baffled at how humbled our late People's President has been. In the simplest way he explained his scientific journey, his attempts and successes, like they were some ordinary activities and yet you feel you understand, that even though you can never hope to be at par with such a "giant amongst the human beings"- a phrase he used twice in the book for two great influences of his life- you still feel an uncanny similarity with your own life. By the time you are at the last page, you realize you wanted to read more, to know more about him, such was the charisma of the Missile Man of our country that even his written words draws people towards him after he is gone.
October 4, 2013
Touching, inspiring and heartwarming, My Journey : Transforming Dreams Into Actions by APJ Abdul Kalam is a must read for the young and old. It will motivate you to aspire for your dreams, try to reach your goal and at the same time teach you that even once you reach the top, staying humble and true to one self is what will help you remain truly loved and respected by all.
Read complete book review - "My Journey : Transforming Dreams Into Actions by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Book Review"
Read complete book review - "My Journey : Transforming Dreams Into Actions by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Book Review"
November 21, 2015
Probably this is the first book from Kalam i read.
I took hardly 6 hours without break to complete.
I read this book at the situation when i messed up with my life.
I felt like cool breezes coming from the sea reached me in my room.
I took hardly 6 hours without break to complete.
I read this book at the situation when i messed up with my life.
I felt like cool breezes coming from the sea reached me in my room.
November 29, 2016
A heart touching and inspiring story that will leave you thinking and questioning about various aspects of life. One of the best parts was that the story was set in an environment I could relate to. The struggle, the sacrifice, the toil described is something that everyone can relate to.
May 23, 2017
Some lessons from this great man's life have been provided. These lessons upto the some extent provide a window to his great thought process. The thought process is inspirational, what motivated him to achieve such a great heights has been also provided.
September 18, 2013
An Inspiring book from India's Missile Man and People's President....Definitely worth a read...
September 27, 2014
a very good book
lots of inspiration from the life of the kalam
lots of inspiration from the life of the kalam
November 4, 2016
He is my idol. Truly motivational :)
July 7, 2020
The first book of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam I read was Wings of Fire. Since then I have loved his way of writing and putting forward his thoughts in a simple and yet charming way. This books is even more beautiful as it starts from the time when he was 8. This book comprises of many stories from his childhood and is kind of a tribute to all the people he adored in his life including his mother and father.
All the lessons in the book can act as a life lesson for anyone going through tough phases of life. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a man of sheer dignity and humbleness. I have utmost respect for him. I’ll read more books by him and the books he referred.
All the lessons in the book can act as a life lesson for anyone going through tough phases of life. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a man of sheer dignity and humbleness. I have utmost respect for him. I’ll read more books by him and the books he referred.
July 19, 2020
Greatest human ever lived!
This is the story of a great President , Scientist and a Professor Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. The most inspirational man that walked the earth. In this book he shares his struggles and learnings from his childhood till his last breath of life. He has dedicated his life to science and teaching. I hope one day his vision can truly come true , although we might have not reached to the stage where he wanted to see India by 2020 but definitely his teachings and knowledge that he has imparted to all of us will surely help us to makes his dreams come true.
This is the story of a great President , Scientist and a Professor Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. The most inspirational man that walked the earth. In this book he shares his struggles and learnings from his childhood till his last breath of life. He has dedicated his life to science and teaching. I hope one day his vision can truly come true , although we might have not reached to the stage where he wanted to see India by 2020 but definitely his teachings and knowledge that he has imparted to all of us will surely help us to makes his dreams come true.
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