Learning and Dreaming with Sir Kalam

By Shejal Rathod

What does it truly mean to be a student? Is it just about attending classes, memorizing textbooks, and scoring marks? Or is it about curiosity, observing the world, experimenting, and applying what we learn in everyday life? For me, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is the perfect example of a lifelong student. Coming from a small town in Rameswaram, he delivered newspapers to support his family but never stopped being curious about science, flight, and rockets. Later, as the Missile Man of India, he faced failures, tight budgets, and skepticism, yet he always saw challenges as opportunities to learn, improve, and inspire his team. Even when rockets failed, he analyzed, encouraged, and started again. That persistence and humility are what make his life so inspiring.

He once said,

You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

That simple line reminds us that being a student is not only about exams or grades. It is about observing, asking questions, experimenting, and applying knowledge in real life.

I remember my own experiences that taught me similar lessons. When I first tried navigating a busy city alone, I felt nervous and unsure. I stumbled, made mistakes, and learned from each step. By the end of it, I gained confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence, lessons no textbook could give me.

Another small but important learning moment was when I helped organize a community project. At first, I worried I might fail, but collaborating with others and seeing the project succeed taught me teamwork, patience, and the joy of collective achievement. Every student has moments like this, whether it is giving a first presentation, working in a team, or helping someone in need. These are the real-life lessons that make learning meaningful.

Dr. Kalam’s life has many examples that connect with us today. While developing the SLV-III and working on the Pokhran missile tests, he faced repeated failures, doubts from experts, and immense pressure. Yet he kept learning, encouraged his team, and pushed forward. He also believed in taking people along with you, mentoring them, and sharing success with everyone involved. He worked closely with visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai and countless scientists, always giving credit to his team and emphasizing collaboration. That is a lesson for all of us. Success grows when we include and uplift others.

He believed in values like empathy, equality, and fairness. He encouraged young minds to dream big, ask questions, and never feel limited by circumstances. Learning is not just about grades. It is about understanding, experimenting, and applying knowledge to make life better for ourselves and for others.

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

This quote reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey. Every effort, mistake, and small success is part of the process. Curiosity, persistence, and applying what we learn are what truly make a student. We do not need to wait for big achievements. Every day gives us opportunities to observe, try, and grow.

On this Students’ Day, I feel deep gratitude to Dr. Kalam. Thank you, sir, for showing us that dreams are valid, learning is endless, humility can coexist with greatness, and success is sweeter when shared. Your life continues to inspire millions, including me, to stay curious, work hard, lift others along the way, and use knowledge for the greater good.

To all students reading this, let us not limit learning to textbooks or exams. Let us observe, explore, experiment, and reflect. Let us take what we learn and use it to make the world and India a better, fairer, and more inclusive place. Let us honor sir by living the ideals he embodied, dreaming big, being students for life, mentoring and supporting others, embracing challenges as opportunities to grow together, and applying small lessons from daily life.

Thank you, sir, for showing us that a curious mind, a humble heart, and a spirit to lift others can truly change the world.