150+ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Quotes That Will Leave you Awestruck and Inspired

APJ Abdul Kalam quotes are a testament to the wisdom and vision of the late Indian President. Abdul Kalam, also known as the Missile Man of India, was a renowned scientist and leader who inspired millions with his words and actions.

His quotes on topics such as education, hard work, and leadership have resonated with people around the world and continue to inspire and motivate people to this day. Here are some of Dr. Kalam’s famous quotes to motivate and inspire you:

Also read: 200+ Rabindranath Tagore Quotes: Gurudev’s Timeless Words in Bengali, Hindi, and English

110 Famous Abdul Kalam Quotes

Here are some of the most famous Abdul Kalam quotes that have inspired and motivated countless individuals around the world: 

• If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.
• 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.
• Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.
• We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.
• Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.
• Small aim is a crime; have great aim.
• You have to dream before your dreams can come true.
• 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.
• 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.
• Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.
• God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers.
• The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise… Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.
• Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.
• To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.
• If four things are followed – having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance – then anything can be achieved.
• 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.
• To become ‘unique,’ the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine until you reach your destination.
• Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.
• 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.
• The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation.
• If we are not free, no one will respect us.
• 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.
• You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.
• The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers.
• Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.
• War is never a lasting solution for any problem.
• Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.
• Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.
• Do we not realize that self respect comes with self reliance?
• Ultimately, education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth. It is an endless journey through knowledge and enlightenment.
• 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 realise that these resources were always there within us. We only need to find them and move on with our lives.
• Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength.
• 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.
• 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?
• I was willing to accept what I couldn’t change.
• Almost half of the population of the world lives in rural regions and mostly in a state of poverty. Such inequalities in human development have been one of the primary reasons for unrest and, in some parts of the world, even violence.
• Great teachers emanate out of knowledge, passion and compassion.
• Nations consist of people. And with their effort, a nation can accomplish all it could ever want.
• Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.
• Real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect. If only the real sense of education could be realized by each individual and carried forward in every field of human activity, the world will be so much a better place to live in.
• 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 teacher should have a creative mind.
• Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling its spread.
• No religion has mandated killing others as a requirement for its sustenance or promotion.
• No sanction can stand against ignited minds.
• Building capacity dissolves differences. It irons out inequalities.
• I firmly believe that unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success.
• As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.
• For me, there is no such thing as a negative experience.
• In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime.
• For me, there are two types of people: the young and the experienced.
• What is politics? Political system is equal to development politics plus political politics.
• My 2020 Vision for India is to transform it into a developed nation. That cannot be abstract; it is a lifeline.
• Economy forced me to become a vegetarian, but I finally starting liking it.
• All wars signify the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, and they need post-war rebuilding of faith, trust and confidence. 
• 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. 
• There has to be a global mission of human progress. 
• 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? 
• Regarding marriage, it – somehow, it didn’t happen. One fellow in such a big family not getting married is not an issue. 
• My view is that at a younger age your optimism is more and you have more imagination etc. You have less 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. 
• Medical costs are of concern, both in developing and developed countries. 
• Developing nations want to become developed nations. 
• Science has revealed that the human body is made up of millions and millions of atoms. For example, I am made up of 5.8×10 27 atoms. 
• When a nation is surrounded by weaponized nations, she has to equip herself. 
• India can live without nuclear weapons. That’s our dream, and it should be the dream of the U.S. also.
• There are a number of women who have brought about immense change in society. 
• India has to be transformed into a developed nation, a prosperous nation and a healthy nation, with a value system. 
• 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.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• The world has today 546 nuclear plants generating electricity. Their experience is being continuously researched, and feedback should be provided to all. Nuclear scientists have to interact with the people of the nation, and academic institutions continuously update nuclear power generation technology and safety. 
• India’s trade deficit is because of excess of import over exports. 
• I was in high school when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled India’s flag in New Delhi. 
• 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. 
• I’m not an expert on the arms race. 
• For 2,500 years, India has never invaded anybody. 
• The President’s post should not be politicized. Once a president is elected, he is above politics. 
• Smart habitation is an integrated area of villages and a city working in harmony and where the rural and urban divide has reduced to thin line. 
• An economically peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka is the dream of youth of the nation. My message for the youth is to collectively work for an inclusively developed Sri Lanka. 
• 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. 
• Today, India consumes about 682 watts per capita, far lesser than developed nations. As India develops, it will definitely require a lot more energy. 
• It means, people who are in high and responsible positions, if they go against righteousness, righteousness itself will get transformed into a destroyer. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• Every nation has to follow a certain policy: Commercial, trade, various other types of policies. 
• We must think and act like a nation of a billion people and not like that of a million people. Dream, dream, dream! 
• God is everywhere. 
• 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. 
• We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilizational heritage. 
• I have met 18 million youth, and each wants to be unique. 
• Rameswaram has, since antiquity, been an important pilgrimage destination. 
• We must get rid of fossil fuels by developing injection systems for automobiles, which can run on bio-fuel. 
• My hair grows and grows; you cannot stop it – that fellow grows, it grows wild. 
• I was a disadvantaged child from a non-educated family, yet I had the advantage of being in the company of great teachers. 
• While children are struggling to be unique, the world around them is trying all means to make them look like everybody else. 
• We should remember that there are nations which meet more than 30 to 60% of their power requirements through the nuclear power system. 
• The Bay of Bengal is hit frequently by cyclones. The months of November and May, in particular, are dangerous in this regard. 
• India should walk on her own shadow – we must have our own development model. 
• One lesson that every nation can learn from China is to focus more on creating village-level enterprises, quality health services and educational facilities. 
• The wealth of information now available at the click of a finger amazes me. 
• Today, India is a nuclear weapons state. 
• When I took over as president, I studied the Constitution, and the more I studied it, the more I realized that it does not prevent the president of India from giving the nation a vision. So when I went and presented this vision in Parliament and in legislative assemblies; everyone welcomed it, irrespective of party affiliations. 
• New markets could be created by rural potentials, which could lead to rise in the employment. 
• English is necessary as at present original works of science are in English. I believe that in two decades times original works of science will start coming out in our languages. Then we can move over like the Japanese. 
• I love the sea. 
• When grand plans for scientific and defense technologies are made, do the people in power think about the sacrifices the people in the laboratories and fields have to make? 
• The government, whether state or central, is elected. That means we have a responsibility to elect the right kind of leaders. 
• All the scientists and technologists should work in appropriate region, specifically the rural technologies, to transform Indian rural sector. 
• There is not enough funding for basic sciences in India. We have to invest in a big way, and I am pushing that idea.

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7 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Positive Thinking

Abdul Kalam’s positive thinking quotes have inspired millions with their wisdom and encouragement to dream big and never give up. Here are some of the best:

• A dream is not which you see while sleeping. It is something that doesn’t let you sleep.
• Failure will never overtake me if my definition of success is strong enough.
• Don’t read success stories. You will only get messages. Read failure stories. You will get some ideas to succeed.
• Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never quit.
• The best brains of the nation are found on the last benches of the classroom.
• Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in actions.
• Don’t take a rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.

2 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Education

APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the Missile Man of India, was a renowned scientist and education reformer who left a lasting impact with his inspiring quotes on the importance of learning and growth:

• All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.
• Creativity is seeing the same thing but thinking differently.

4 Abdul Kalam Quotes for Students

Here are some inspiring Abdul Kalam quotes for students:

• If you fail, never give up because FAIL means ‘First Attempt in Learning.
• All Birds find shelter during a rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above the Clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference.
• Books become permanent companions. Sometimes, they are born before us; they guide us during our life journey and continue for many generations.
• The two most important life-goals I would like every youth to have: One, increase the amount of time that you have at your disposal; two, increase what you can achieve in the time available.

3 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Work

Here are some inspiring quotes by Abdul Kalam on the importance of hard work and dedication:

• Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around.
• Thinking is the capital, Enterprise is the way, Hard Work is the solution.
• Be active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others.

3 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Success

Elevate your mindset and reach your goals with these empowering Abdul Kalam quotes on success:

• Without your involvement you can’t succeed. With your involvement you can’t fail.
• Confidence and Hard-work is the best medicine to kill the disease called failure. It will make you a successful person.
• Success is when your “Signature” changes to “Autograph”.

3 Heart-Touching Abdul Kalam Quotes on Love

Experience the depth of love and wisdom through these heart-touching APJ Abdul Kalam quotes on love:

• Forget if anyone hurts you but always remember if someone loves you.
• Don’t declare a holiday on my death, instead work an extra day, if you love me.
• 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.

5 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Life

Here are some uplifting life quotes by APJ  Abdul Kalam:

• To live only for some unknown future is superficial. It is like climbing a mountain to reach the peak without experiencing its sides. The sides of the mountain sustain life, not the peak. This is where things grow, experience is gained, and technologies are mastered. The importance of the peak lies only in the fact that it defines the sides.
• To succeed in life and achieve results, you must understand and master three mighty forces – desire, belief, and expectation.
• The essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in one sentence – What can I Give?
• LIFE and TIME are the world’s best Teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of TIME, and TIME teaches us the value of LIFE.

3 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Relationship

Here are some profound APJ Abdul Kalam’s quotes on relationships:

• All relationships comprise of fights, arguments, and misunderstandings. A relationship that gets through all this is said to be a perfect one.
• Once you break someone’s trust, you are never going to be in the same relationship again.
• Sometimes it’s hard to say sorry. Other times it’s the easiest way to keep a relationship going.

3 Abdul Kalam Quotes on Friendship

Here are some of APJ Abdul Kalam’s friendship quotes that inspire us to cultivate strong, meaningful relationships with those around us:

• One best book is equal to hundred good friends, One good friend is equal to a library.
• Old friends are gold, new friends are diamond, If you get a diamond, don’t forget the gold because only gold can hold a diamond.
• Sometimes, It’s better to bunk a class and enjoy with friends. Because, Now when I look back, marks never make me laugh but memories do.

4 Abdul Kalam Quotes about Dreams

Here are some famous Abdul kalam quotes about dreams that help us fight for our dreams:

• When your hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.
• Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
• There is no greater power in heaven or on earth than the commitment to a dream.
• Books were always my friends Last more than fifty years 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. Hence I ask young friends to have books as friends. Books are your good friends.

5 Abdul Kalam Motivational Quotes

Inspiring the nation with his wisdom and leadership, Abdul Kalam’s motivational quotes continue to inspire and motivate people all around the world. Here are a few:

• All Birds find shelter during rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above clouds.
• I’m not a handsome guy, but I can give my hand to someone who needs help. Beauty is in the heart, not in the face.
• Your best teacher is your last mistake.
• No matter what is the environment around you, it is always possible to maintain a brand of integrity.
• The key to my motivation has always been to look at how far I had still to go rather than how far I had come.

4 Abdul Kalam Inspirational Quotes

Here are some inspirational Abdul Kalam quotes to motivate and inspire you:

• The reality of your own nature should determine your speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become tense and high-strung, slow down.
• Don’t fear for facing failure in the first attempt, because even the successful Maths starts with ‘Zero’ only.
• When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings.
• You cannot change your future, but, you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.

5 Abdul Kalam Birthday Quotes

Here are some inspiring Abdul Kalam birthday quotes to celebrate the life and legacy of the Missile Man of India:

• Happy birthday to one of the most inspiring and visionary leaders of our time, APJ Abdul Kalam. Your wisdom, determination, and passion for education and science have touched the lives of countless people around the world.
• Happy birthday to one of the greatest leaders and visionaries of our time, APJ Abdul Kalam! Your wisdom, determination, and passion have inspired millions of people around the world and continue to do so. May your birthday be as special and remarkable as you are!
• Happy birthday to the late APJ Abdul Kalam, a true inspiration to all of us. Your contributions to science, education, and humanity will always be remembered and celebrated. May your legacy continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to make the world a better place.
• Happy birthday to the Missile Man of India, APJ Abdul Kalam. Your contributions to our nation will always be remembered and celebrated.
• Today we celebrate the birthday of the late APJ Abdul Kalam, a true leader and role model for all. Your legacy will live on forever.

3 Abdul Kalam Quotes for Teacher’s Day

Celebrate Teachers Day with these inspiring quotes by APJ Abdul Kalam, a leader and role model for educators everywhere:

• Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level. Happy Teacher’s Day!
• One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions. Happy Teacher’s Day!
• Educationist should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model. happy Teacher’s Day!

3 Good Morning Quotes by Abdul Kalam

Start your day off right with these inspiring good morning quotes by APJ Abdul Kalam:

• Excellence happens not by accident. It is a process. Good morning!
• Luxury and Lies have huge maintenance costs. But Truth and Simplicity are self-maintained without any cost. Good morning!
• Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. Good morning!

4 Quotes for the Death Anniversary of Abdul Kalam

Here are some quotes to honor the death anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam, a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of our nation and inspired millions with his vision and leadership:

• On this day, we remember the great APJ Abdul Kalam, who dedicated his life to the betterment of our nation. His legacy will always be remembered.
• We honor and remember the late APJ Abdul Kalam, who inspired millions with his vision and leadership on this day. Rest in peace, sir.
• On the anniversary of his death, we pay tribute to the Missile Man of India, APJ Abdul Kalam. His contributions to our nation will always be remembered and celebrated.
• Today we remember the late APJ Abdul Kalam, a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of our nation. His vision and wisdom will always be an inspiration to us all.

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