Page 236 - https://ia800806.us.archive.org/12/items/mwk-eng-book/Leading-a-Spiritual-Life.pdf
P. 236
Abdul Kalam – A Philosopher Scientist
The real categorization is that people are either actual
haves or potential haves. Those who today apparently
belong to the category of have-nots can convert their
potential into actuality, and thus enter the category of
haves.
Dr. Kalam once said, “If a country is to be corruption
free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly
feel there are three key societal members who can make
a difference. They are the father, the mother and the
teacher.” This statement is a very correct analysis of the
issue of nation building, because a person develops his
personality in his formative period, during which he
is under the supervision of his parents and teachers.
If these three members of society resolve to make the
child a right person, then within one generation the
whole situation of India will undergo a drastic change.
Regarding the youth, Dr. Kalam said: “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.” If we express these qualities in
one word, it can be said that young people should make
‘excellence’ their goal, they should not accept anything
less than striving for the excellent. In doing so, not only
will they reach great heights of success, but will also be
able to reform the society along constructive lines.
It is said that even amidst his tight schedule, Dr.
Kalam found time to put pen to paper, almost every
day. This is a very creative habit because if a person
restricts himself only to routine office work, he will
235