"A source of inspiration for every Indian, the country’s twelfth President, Abul Pakir Jainulabedin Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. His father, Jainulabedin, and mother, Aashiamma, were simple, religious-minded people and held an honourable place in society

Dr. Kalam, besides being a capable scientist, an ideal teacher and an excellent writer, had a good knowledge of Indian classical music and played the violin too. He also loved gardening and, despite a very busy work schedule, he was regular with his morning walk, prayers and yoga. He believed we must keep ourselves busy every moment of the day in a meaningful way and, at the same time, take time off to enjoy the fragrance of blooming flowers or watch the myriad colours of the flitting butterflies.

""Quotes by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
“A dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”
“You should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
“All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
“Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.’
“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”
“I am not handsome but I can give my hand to someone who needs help...
Because beauty is required in the heart, not in face...”"

Prashant Gupta, a post graduate from the Delhi University has a vast experience of writing books, especially on teaching English language. He contributes articles regularly to various magazines, journals besides providing editorial services to leading publishing houses.He can be contacted at gupta53@rediffmail.com