Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

118 Great Quotes By A.P.J. Abdul Kalam That Will Serve As Wind Beneath Your Wings

Famous As: Aerospace Scientist & 11th President of India
Born On: October 15, 1931
Died On: July 27, 2015
Born In: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
Died At Age: 83

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who served as the 11th President of India, was a remarkable man who left his indelible marks on several fields ranging from science to politics. A scientist by profession, he held a degree in aerospace engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology. Renowned as ‘The Missile Man Of India’, his writings, books, lectures, thoughts, views and life have been a guiding light to generations and will remain so. A highly knowledgeable man with vast experiences in a varied number of fields, he was also a skilled writer. He authored several books, and loved children. He had many dreams, dreams that transformed into thoughts and thoughts that resulted in action, dreams for entire nation and dreams that should not let us sleep. On this page, we bring to you wisdom distilled in the form of short but profound quotes by one of the the most beloved men in the history of India that are sure to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to take the actions necessary for leading a beaming and purposeful life.

If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.

If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Small aim is a crime.

Small aim is a crime.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
There are a number of women who have brought about immense change in society.

There are a number of women who have brought about immense change in society.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me.

Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Today, India is a nuclear weapons state.

Today, India is a nuclear weapons state.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.

Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation.

The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
My 2020 Vision for India is to transform it into a developed nation. That cannot be abstract; it is a lifeline.

My 2020 Vision for India is to transform it into a developed nation. That cannot be abstract; it is a lifeline.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
My view is that at a younger age your optimism is more and you have more imagination etc. You have less bias.

My view is that at a younger age your optimism is more and you have more imagination etc. You have less bias.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Nations consist of people. And with their effort, a nation can accomplish all it could ever want.

Nations consist of people. And with their effort, a nation can accomplish all it could ever want.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.

To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.

Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
For success of any mission, it is necessary to have creative leadership. Creative leadership is vital for government, non-governmental organisations as well as for industries.

For success of any mission, it is necessary to have creative leadership. Creative leadership is vital for government, non-governmental organisations as well as for industries.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.

We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions.

One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I was a disadvantaged child from a non-educated family, yet I had the advantage of being in the company of great teachers.

I was a disadvantaged child from a non-educated family, yet I had the advantage of being in the company of great teachers.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Do we not realize that self respect comes with self reliance?

Do we not realize that self respect comes with self reliance?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
If we are not free, no one will respect us.

If we are not free, no one will respect us.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
God is everywhere.

God is everywhere.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.

Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I love the sea.

I love the sea.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
To become 'unique,' the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine until you reach your destination.

To become 'unique,' the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine until you reach your destination.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.

Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
For me, there is no such thing as a negative experience.

For me, there is no such thing as a negative experience.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.

Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Small aim is a crime; have great aim.

Small aim is a crime; have great aim.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is harmony in the house; when there is harmony in the house, there is order in the nation; when there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.

Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is harmony in the house; when there is harmony in the house, there is order in the nation; when there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The wealth of information now available at the click of a finger amazes me.

The wealth of information now available at the click of a finger amazes me.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The Bay of Bengal is hit frequently by cyclones. The months of November and May, in particular, are dangerous in this regard.

The Bay of Bengal is hit frequently by cyclones. The months of November and May, in particular, are dangerous in this regard.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.

Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The President's post should not be politicised. Once a president is elected, he is above politics.

The President's post should not be politicised. Once a president is elected, he is above politics.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Tell me, why is the media here so negative? Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognise our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

When you look at the light bulb above you, you remember Thomas Alva Edison. When the telephone bell rings, you remember Alexander Graham Bell. Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. When you see the blue sky, you think of Sir C.V. Raman.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

It's when children are 15, 16 or 17 that they decide whether they want to be a doctor, an engineer, a politician or go to the Mars or moon. That is the time they start having a dream, and that's the time you can work on them. You can help them shape their dreams.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
There has to be a global mission of human progress.

There has to be a global mission of human progress.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I'm not an expert on the arms race.

I'm not an expert on the arms race.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
When grand plans for scientific and defence technologies are made, do the people in power think about the sacrifices the people in the laboratories and fields have to make?

When grand plans for scientific and defence technologies are made, do the people in power think about the sacrifices the people in the laboratories and fields have to make?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
We must think and act like a nation of a billion people and not like that of a million people. Dream, dream, dream!

We must think and act like a nation of a billion people and not like that of a million people. Dream, dream, dream!

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
My hair grows and grows; you cannot stop it - that fellow grows, it grows wild.

My hair grows and grows; you cannot stop it - that fellow grows, it grows wild.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it.

Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Wherever I go, as long as I get a hot vegetable dish, I am okay. If I am in Gujarat, I have Gujarati food. If it's Shillong, it's northeastern.

Wherever I go, as long as I get a hot vegetable dish, I am okay. If I am in Gujarat, I have Gujarati food. If it's Shillong, it's northeastern.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
We have not invaded anyone. We have not conquered anyone. We have not grabbed their land, their culture, their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them.

We have not invaded anyone. We have not conquered anyone. We have not grabbed their land, their culture, their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Measuring nuclear yield depends on multiple parameters - the location and number of instruments, the geology of the area, the location of the seismic station in relation to the test site.

Measuring nuclear yield depends on multiple parameters - the location and number of instruments, the geology of the area, the location of the seismic station in relation to the test site.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Developing nations want to become developed nations.

Developing nations want to become developed nations.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Every nation has to follow a certain policy: Commercial, trade, various other types of policies.

Every nation has to follow a certain policy: Commercial, trade, various other types of policies.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Today, India consumes about 682 watts per capita, far lesser than developed nations. As India develops, it will definitely require a lot more energy.

Today, India consumes about 682 watts per capita, far lesser than developed nations. As India develops, it will definitely require a lot more energy.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
There is not enough funding for basic sciences in India. We have to invest in a big way, and I am pushing that idea.

There is not enough funding for basic sciences in India. We have to invest in a big way, and I am pushing that idea.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
India's trade deficit is because of excess of import over exports.

India's trade deficit is because of excess of import over exports.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
For 2,500 years, India has never invaded anybody.

For 2,500 years, India has never invaded anybody.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
For me, there are two types of people: the young and the experienced.

For me, there are two types of people: the young and the experienced.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
India should walk on her own shadow - we must have our own development model.

India should walk on her own shadow - we must have our own development model.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
War is never a lasting solution for any problem.

War is never a lasting solution for any problem.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.

As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
No religion has mandated killing others as a requirement for its sustenance or promotion.

No religion has mandated killing others as a requirement for its sustenance or promotion.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Regarding marriage, it - somehow, it didn't happen. One fellow in such a big family not getting married is not an issue.

Regarding marriage, it - somehow, it didn't happen. One fellow in such a big family not getting married is not an issue.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
What is politics? Political system is equal to development politics plus political politics.

What is politics? Political system is equal to development politics plus political politics.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.

You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.

Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
A teacher should have a creative mind.

A teacher should have a creative mind.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to the young people.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
It means, people who are in high and responsible positions, if they go against righteousness, righteousness itself will get transformed into a destroyer.

It means, people who are in high and responsible positions, if they go against righteousness, righteousness itself will get transformed into a destroyer.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Science has revealed that the human body is made up of millions and millions of atoms... For example, I am made up of 5.8x10 27 atoms.

Science has revealed that the human body is made up of millions and millions of atoms... For example, I am made up of 5.8x10 27 atoms.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success.

I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
While children are struggling to be unique, the world around them is trying all means to make them look like everybody else.

While children are struggling to be unique, the world around them is trying all means to make them look like everybody else.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Economy forced me to become a vegetarian, but I finally starting liking it.

Economy forced me to become a vegetarian, but I finally starting liking it.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Rameswaram has, since antiquity, been an important pilgrimage destination.

Rameswaram has, since antiquity, been an important pilgrimage destination.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? Is it a legacy of our colonial years? We want foreign television sets. We want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology. Why this obsession with everything imported?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Medical costs are of concern, both in developing and developed countries.

Medical costs are of concern, both in developing and developed countries.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The government, whether state or central, is elected. That means we have a responsibility to elect the right kind of leaders.

The government, whether state or central, is elected. That means we have a responsibility to elect the right kind of leaders.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I was in high school when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled India's flag in New Delhi.

I was in high school when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled India's flag in New Delhi.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers.

The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I have met 18 million youth, and each wants to be unique.

I have met 18 million youth, and each wants to be unique.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Great teachers emanate out of knowledge, passion and compassion.

Great teachers emanate out of knowledge, passion and compassion.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers.

God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength.

Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Writing is my love. If you love something, you find a lot of time. I write for two hours a day, usually starting at midnight; at times, I start at 11.

Writing is my love. If you love something, you find a lot of time. I write for two hours a day, usually starting at midnight; at times, I start at 11.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I was willing to accept what I couldn't change.

I was willing to accept what I couldn't change.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
No sanction can stand against ignited minds.

No sanction can stand against ignited minds.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Let me define a leader. He must have vision and passion and not be afraid of any problem. Instead, he should know how to defeat it. Most importantly, he must work with integrity.

Let me define a leader. He must have vision and passion and not be afraid of any problem. Instead, he should know how to defeat it. Most importantly, he must work with integrity.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
We must get rid of fossil fuels by developing injection systems for automobiles, which can run on bio-fuel.

We must get rid of fossil fuels by developing injection systems for automobiles, which can run on bio-fuel.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
If four things are followed - having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance - then anything can be achieved.

If four things are followed - having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance - then anything can be achieved.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.

Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
All wars signify the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, and they need post-war rebuilding of faith, trust and confidence.

All wars signify the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, and they need post-war rebuilding of faith, trust and confidence.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Science is global. Einstein's equation, E=mc2, has to reach everywhere. Science is a beautiful gift to humanity, we should not distort it. Science does not differentiate between multiple races.

Science is global. Einstein's equation, E=mc2, has to reach everywhere. Science is a beautiful gift to humanity, we should not distort it. Science does not differentiate between multiple races.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
All the scientists and technologists should work in appropriate region, specifically the rural technologies, to transform Indian rural sector.

All the scientists and technologists should work in appropriate region, specifically the rural technologies, to transform Indian rural sector.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
One of the more difficult tasks for me as president was to decide on the issue of confirming capital punishment awarded by courts... to my surprise... almost all cases which were pending had a social and economic bias.

One of the more difficult tasks for me as president was to decide on the issue of confirming capital punishment awarded by courts... to my surprise... almost all cases which were pending had a social and economic bias.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
New markets could be created by rural potentials, which could lead to rise in the employment.

New markets could be created by rural potentials, which could lead to rise in the employment.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Over the years, I had nurtured the hope to be able to fly; to handle a machine as it rose higher and higher in the stratosphere was my dearest dream.

Over the years, I had nurtured the hope to be able to fly; to handle a machine as it rose higher and higher in the stratosphere was my dearest dream.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise... Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.

The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise... Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling its spread.

Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling its spread.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
In a democracy, the well-being, individuality and happiness of every citizen is important for the overall prosperity, peace and happiness of the nation.

In a democracy, the well-being, individuality and happiness of every citizen is important for the overall prosperity, peace and happiness of the nation.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
We should remember that there are nations which meet more than 30 to 60% of their power requirements through the nuclear power system.

We should remember that there are nations which meet more than 30 to 60% of their power requirements through the nuclear power system.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Building capacity dissolves differences. It irons out inequalities.

Building capacity dissolves differences. It irons out inequalities.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
How accurately can the law fix the crime? There has to be a mechanism for very fast action. The law is like this: catch them and punish them.

How accurately can the law fix the crime? There has to be a mechanism for very fast action. The law is like this: catch them and punish them.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
India has to be transformed into a developed nation, a prosperous nation and a healthy nation, with a value system.

India has to be transformed into a developed nation, a prosperous nation and a healthy nation, with a value system.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
One lesson that every nation can learn from China is to focus more on creating village-level enterprises, quality health services and educational facilities.

One lesson that every nation can learn from China is to focus more on creating village-level enterprises, quality health services and educational facilities.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.

Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.

Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.

Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.

Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
When a nation is surrounded by weaponized nations, she has to equip herself.

When a nation is surrounded by weaponized nations, she has to equip herself.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam