There's an old Japanese proverb that counsels: "Fall seven times, stand up eight."
But how do you get back up when you've fallen flat on your face? Below you'll find 5
tips to help you gather the pieces and pull yourself back together after you've
failed.
1. Always expect success. However, you need to get rid of the notion of the "overnight success" or the "get-rich-quick-scheme". People who appear to be overnight successes have actually spent a lot of time before-hand honing their skill. Success requires a lot of preparation and a prolonged effort. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who feel like failures when something doesn't work immediately and they just give up. If you don't succeed right away this doesn't mean that you've failed. Recognize that setbacks are simply part of the process, and that hard work and perseverance are two of the most important ingredients of success. If you've failed in the short run it simply means you need to take a longer term view of success.
2. Do not identify yourself with your failures. You are not your actions. To say that you have failed many times is not the same thing as saying that you are a failure. Whatever happens, keep referring to yourself, in your conversations with others and in your self-talk, as someone who has the full capacity to succeed.
3. Create a "fame wall". Hang your diplomas or certificates on this wall. You can also add framed photographs of yourself with your friends and family having fun or sharing a close moment. Anything that gives you a sense of accomplishment can go up on the wall. In times of failure, refer to your wall. It will serve to remind you that you have succeeded in the past and that you will succeed again in the future
4. Collect stories of failure about people who have gone on to become successful so that you can use them as inspiration when you're down. For example, consider the following life story.
This person:
At age 22 - Failed in business;
At age 23 - Was defeated for the State Legislature:
At age 24 - Again failed in business;
At age 25 - Was elected to the State Legislature;
At age 26 - His sweetheart died;
At age 27 - He suffered a nervous breakdown;
At age 29 - Was defeated for speaker;
At age 31 - Was defeated for elector;
At age 34 - Was defeated for Congress;
At age 37 - Was elected to Congress;
At age 39 - Was defeated for Congress;
At age 46 - Was defeated for the Senate;
At age 47 - Was defeated for Vice-President;
At age 49 - Was defeated for the Senate;
At age 51 - Was elected President of the United States.
This person was Abraham Lincoln.
5. Keep things in perspective; do not over-generalize. The fact that you've failed at something does not mean that your life is over. It does not mean that your reputation is forever ruined and that you'll never get another chance. Don't make the situation bigger or more pervasive than it really is. Instead, remember the famous line:
"And this too shall pass".
Failure can be a beautiful experience. Why? Because it provides us with an opportunity to develop courage. Or, as Confucius said, Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Anyone who has seen the movie Rocky can never forget the scene in which he continually rises after being knocked down in the ring over and over again. Bloodied and barely able to see, he continues to get up and stagger toward his opponent, while his manager shouts, Rocky, stay down! Stay down!
At one time we were all just like Rocky. As infants learning to walk we would just get up after each fall. We were courageous! What happened? Why did many of us change? Well, as infants, our parents encouraged us. That is, they brought out the courage that naturally resided in us. But as we grew and experienced the jeers instead of cheers of our peers, courage somehow got pushed into a corner of our psyche, and eventually we forgot ever having it.
Its time to say: I wont take it any more; Im going to reclaim my courage! The best way to begin is by realizing that failure is an event, not a person. In other words, if you were to try something new and fail 18 times in a row, you would not be a FAILURE, but a PERSON who has experienced 18 failures. Thats a big difference. So, if theres something you want to do and are unsuccessful, dust yourself off and try again! Remember, the only people who never fail are those who never try.
Success Means Never Giving up
What did Thomas A. Edison say after 10,000 unsuccessful attempts to develop his electric lightbulb? He said, I have not failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work. Edison realized that men do not fail; they give up trying. He realized that success means not giving up. Shouldnt we be following his example?
Failure is more than an opportunity to develop courage. It is also a valuable lesson. When we learn from our mistakes, we can avoid committing them again. Besides, to succeed in life we need experience, and we gain experience by making mistakes. Dont be disheartened by failures; after all, you dont drown by falling in water; you drown by staying there.
Before a missile can hit its target, it needs feedback. Each moment it drifts from the target, the missile detects the error and adjusts its path to realign with its destination. It continues to do so until the moment of impact. Failure is also feedback. It is a reminder that we must take corrective action before we can reach our goal.
We can rejoice in our failures because each one brings us that much closer to success. The great Babe Ruth put it this way, Every strike brings me closer to the next home run. Also, heres what Thomas J. Watson, Founder of IBM, had to say on the subject, Would you like me to give you a formula for... success? Its quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. Youre thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isnt at all... you can be discouraged by failure -- or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember thats where you'll find success.
Which is better, to try something and fail or to try nothing and succeed? I think you will agree it is far better to try. Remember, there are three kinds of people: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who say, What happened? If we wish to belong to the first group, we have to take risks and try. So, lets start today by defying failure, learning from our mistakes, and forging ahead.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Departing speech
A P J Abdul Kalam Departing speech
Friends, I am delighted to address you all, in the country and those living abroad, after
working with you and completing five beautiful and eventful years in Rashtrapati
Bhavan. Today, it is indeed a thanks giving occasion. I would like to narrate, how I
enjoyed every minute of my tenure enriched by the wonderful association from each one
of you, hailing from different walks of life, be it politics, science and technology,
academics, arts, literature, business, judiciary, administration, local bodies, farming,
home makers, special children, media and above all from the youth and student
community who are the future wealth of our country. During my interaction at
Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and at every state and union territory as well as through my
online interactions, I have many unique experiences to share with you, which signify the
following important messages:
1. Accelerate development : Aspiration of the youth,
2. Empower villages,
3. Mobilize rural core competence for competitiveness,
4. Seed to Food: Backbone for agricultural growth
5. Defeat problems and succeed,
6. Overcome problems through partnership,
7. Courage in combating calamities,
8. Connectivity for societal transformation,
9. Defending the nation: Our pride and
10. Youth movement for Developed India 2020.
Now let me share with you each of the messages.
Accelerate Development: Aspiration of the youth
While there were many significant events during my tenure, a question from a little girl
Anukriti of Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir School, of Darwa village from Haryana,
during children’s visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 22, 2006, rings in my mind ever
after.
Anukriti asked me “why India cannot become a developed nation before the year 2020”. I
appreciated the question and said it was indeed a thoughtful question and assured her that
that her dream would be taken to the highest institution of the nation and we would work
for it to achieve before 2020. This question reflects how the desire to live in developed
India has entered into the minds of the youth. The same feelings are echoed by over
fifteen lakh youth, whom I have met so far and who represent the dream of the 540
million youth of the nation. The aspirations of the young to live in a prosperous, safe and
proud India should be the guiding factor in whatever profession we contribute.
Empower Villages
Friends, I recall my visit to Nagaland on 26th October 2002, soon after my assuming
office as President. It was a unique experience for me at Khuzama village to meet tribal
village council members and discuss with them the village progress and the dream of
village citizens. I was very happy to see the empowered village council functioning with
financial powers and taking decisions. I saw a prosperous village with fruits and
vegetables production. However, there is a need for providing physical connectivity in
Nagaland through quality roads for enabling faster movement of products from villages
to the market. That meeting gave me a powerful message about the transformation which
can take place to the 600,000 villages of India, if all the villages are empowered to deal
with their development and are well connected among themselves and with the urban
societies.
Mobilizing rural core competence for competitiveness
Now I would like to talk about the initiative of Periyar Maniammai College of
Technology for Women, Vallam, Tanjore of Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
(PURA) complex involving 65 villages with a population of 3 lakhs. This includes
provision of three connectivities - physical, electronic and knowledge - leading to
economic connectivity. Periyar PURA has health care centers, primary to post graduate
level education and vocational training centers. This has resulted in large-scale
employment generation and creation of number of entrepreneurs with the active support
of 1000 self-help groups. Two hundred acres of waste land has been developed into a
cultivable land. The villagers are busy in cultivation, planting Jatropha, herbal and
medicinal plants, power generation using bio-mass, food processing and above all
running marketing centers. It provides a sustainable economic development model for the
whole region.
During the last eight months, people of Periyar PURA villages technologically supported
by Periyar Maniammai College of Engineering for Women have worked with experts
from Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on various products, for which core
competence and raw material are available in Thanjavur district. They developed
internationally competitive prototypes for 55 life style products with support of JETRO
specialists and feedback from exhibitions at Delhi and Tokyo. This co-operative venture
has enhanced the innovative ability of the people of all the 65 villages enabling them to
develop and produce internationally acceptable products. I have seen similar type of
PURA being established in many states. The whole country needs 7000 PURA to
bridging the rural – urban divide.
Seed to Food: Backbone for agricultural growth
Let me now share with you, the enriching experience I had, while meeting more than
6000 farmers from different States and Union Territories visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan.
They evinced keen interest in the Mughal Gardens, the Herbal Gardens, the Spiritual
Garden, the Musical Garden, the Bio-diesel garden and the Nutrition Garden and interact
with the Horticultural specialists. Recently, during my address to the agricultural
scientists while participating in a National Symposium on “Agriculture Cannot Wait”, I
summarized the many practical suggestions given by farmers. We have to double the
agricultural production with reduced land, reduced water resources and reduced
manpower and improve the economic conditions of the nation through the principle of
“Seed to Food” since agriculture is the backbone of the nation. We should empower the
farmers to protect and nurture the fertile land for second green revolution. Meeting the
Scientists and the Farmers has given me the confidence
that the nation is poised to increase the agricultural GDP growth by atleast 4% per annum
through the partnership of farmers and agricultural scientists and industries particularly
for value addition.
Defeat the problems and succeed
On the evening of February 24, 2007, at Coimbatore, I had a very beautiful experience.
As I got ready for meeting the first person out of twenty appointments, a wheel chair was
in sight with a smiling person probably in his late fifties; unfortunately he has no hands
and legs. His radiant face was revealing his happy state of mind. He introduced himself
as Vidwan Coimbatore SR Krishna Murthy. I greeted him and asked him how this had
happened. He smilingly said that it was from by birth. He thanked God, his parents,
teachers and many others for giving him confidence, training and help. I asked him, what
I could do for him? He said, “I don’t need anything from you. I would like to sing in front
of you”. I readily agreed. He sang melodiously the Saint Thyagraja’s pancha ratna kriti
entharo mahanubavulu in Sriragam giving me a glimpse of his talent. I was quite touched.
What is the message? Despite being physically challenged, the latent talent of music
could blossom in this
person with his positive attitude and perseverance, encouraged by the parents, teachers,
academics and rasikas. Now he wants to give, give and give his art to inspire others. Of
course, by his merit of music, in July 2007, he performed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan art
theatre.
Overcome the impact of disaster through partnership
I had the opportunity to experience the Indomitable Spirit of the people and children of
Jammu & Kashmir even as they were just recovering from the devastating earthquake in
2005. I visited Urusa village on 26th November 2005 which has been adopted by the
Western Air Command, Air Force for providing relief and medical aid to the residents of
that area. When I went there, I found that the school building had been severely damaged.
I met all the school children and the village citizen of Urusa. The villagers apprised me of
their losses and had all praise for Army and Air Force role in rescue and relief operations
along with state government. I appreciate the courage of the people of Urusa in defeating
their problems. They have actually become the master of the problem rather than
allowing problems to become their master. Despite the severe loss due to the earthquake,
the children and the members of the village participated in the relief operation with the
Armed Forces
bravely and were smiling when I went to meet them. They interacted with me and said
that the school was functional in the temporary tents. Here, I also witnessed the
participation of acting Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir along with State Government
authorities in on-the-spot settlement of relief grants to be provided to the victims whose
houses had been damaged in the earth quake. I have experienced many such acts of
courage from our citizens when faced with severe challenges.
Courage in combating calamities
In 2005, I met the Tribal Council Leaders, Students, Children of Chuckchucha village
during my visit to Car Nicobar Islands. While various reconstruction and rehabilitation
activities were in progress, during the discussions with the members of tribal council, I
realized the unique trait among the Car-Nicobar islanders. Even though there were many
human losses due to the Tsunami of 26 Dec 2004, the tribal islanders had taken
possession of affected victims as their children and there is nothing like orphanage in
Car-Nicobar Islands. Touched by their courage, I composed few verses called “Sea
Waves” which reads as follows:
Sea Waves
We are the children of Sea waves,
Sea waves are my friends.
When they become angry,
Sea waves give the challenges.
God has given the courage,
To challenge the sea waves.
And we will succeed,
We will succeed
With Almighty’s grace.
All the members who were gathered in the village sang the poem with me and exhibited
lots of courage and enthusiasm even though they had gone through severe suffering
during the Tsunami.
Connectivity for societal transformation
I addressed the Pan African Parliament on 16 September 2004, at Johannesburg, South
Africa. This was attended by 53 member countries of the African Union, where I
proposed the concept of Pan African e-Network for providing seamless and integrated
satellite, fiber optics and wireless network connecting 53 African countries at an
estimated cost of US $ 100 million.
As part of the project 12 universities (7 from India and 5 from Africa), 17 Super
Specialty Hospitals (12 from India and 5 from Africa), 53 tele-medicine centers and 53
tele-education centres in Africa will be connected. The pilot project on tele-education and
tele-medicine in Ethiopia has already been commissioned. Indira Gandhi National Open
University has taken up the MBA Course for 34 Ethiopian students of Addis Ababa and
Harmaya Universities. As regards, tele-medicine, the specialists from CARE Hospital,
Hyderabad are providing one-hour live tele-consultation to doctors in Black Lion
Hospital, Addis Ababa in Cardiology and Radiology since November 2006. Using the
Pan African network the Heads of the State in all the 53 countries will be connected for
instant communication. I am extremely happy that Indian experience in bringing the
benefits of technology to the people has enabled us to work with Africa to bring societal
transformation in the African continent.
Defending the nation: Our pride
I visited KUMAR in Siachen Glacier located at 17,000 feet altitude held by the Indian
Army, had a memorable underwater journey in INS Sindhurakshak and flew in a Sukhoi-
30 fighter experiencing 2.5 g. In these three experiences, I personally felt proud of our
ever vigilant Soldiers, Sailors and Air Warriors performing their tasks beyond the call of
their duty even in the most adverse circumstances natural and man made. During the last
five years, I had an opportunity to present colours to many regiments, participate in
number of passing out parades, meet the troops who were going to undertake peace
missions and interact with the family members of our Defence Forces. Our Defence
Forces are in a beautiful mission. When the nation sleeps during night, Members of our
Defence teams are awake to guard us and remain vigilant to counter any threat. The
Nation cherishes the valour, commitment and devotion to duty of our Defence Forces.
Similarly, I had opportunities to interact
with members of our para-military forces, central and state police personnel including
internal security forces who are making immense contribution in augmenting the safety
and security of our citizens under difficult conditions.
Youth movement for Developed India 2020
Recently, in Hyderabad, I met a group of citizens who are putting into practice the motto
of transforming of our youth into enlightened citizen. The Lead India 2020 Foundation
created by Dr. N.B. Sudershan at Hyderabad is training thousands of students in many
districts of Andhra Pradesh in partnership with the District Administration. Particularly, I
happened to know the transformation which has taken place among the students of
Medak district. As per the district authorities the impact of the training on the students is
visible in terms of self-discipline, love for their parents and teachers shedding of stage
fear and recognition of their duties towards the nation. I talked to Ms. Padma, a student
leader from Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare School, Nalgonda who related how she
weaned her father away from smoking after imbibing the spirit of the 10 point oath from
the Lead India Training Camp. This gives me an assurance that the youth of our country
are on the right path
through this mission oriented programme. With the ignited minds of the 540 million
youth below the age of 25, which I consider is the most powerful resource on the earth,
under the earth and above the earth, we have to empower the youth through value based
education and leadership.
Conclusion
I was touched by the variety of Indian panorama, emotional content of the tune, cultural
diversity and unity of minds in the vast land of ours. I have cited these examples just to
give a glimpse of the richness of our tradition and effort being taken by different agencies
to preserve it. There are also many new adventures by institutions and individuals. I have
experienced many of them and learnt a lot about my country and our people. Even while
pursuing our economic growth, we need to do a lot to preserve the rich and diverse
treasures of our culture and civilization. It is our duty for our future generations. This has
to be done in a much larger scale through countrywide participation of multiple
institutions. Our country is blessed with natural resources, has shown considerable
progress in the last sixty years, and above all we have hard working people particularly
the power of the 540 million youth of the country. Every sector of our country has given
me the
confidence that India can become a developed nation well before 2020. Whomsoever, I
met they constantly ask what they can give to the nation. We should constantly strive to
empower such members of the society. With this spirit, I am extremely happy that we are
on the right path. Here I am reminded of a famous poem:
"When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are,
Anything your heart desires,
Will come to you”
This poem is true to all of us, and particularly for our youth and if they aim great, I am
sure they will reach close to the target or the target.
My dear citizens, let us resolve to continue to work for realizing the missions of
developed India 2020 with the following distinctive profile.
1. A Nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line.
2. A Nation where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and
quality water.
3. A Nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.
4. A Nation where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious
candidates because of societal or economic discrimination.
5. A Nation which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and
investors.
6. A Nation where the best of health care is available to all.
7. A Nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.
8. A Nation where poverty has been totally eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes
against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.
9. A Nation that is prosperous, healthy, secure, peaceful and happy and continues with a
sustainable growth path.
10. A Nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.
Finally let me thank each one of you for showering your love and affection on me
throughout the last five years by your cooperation and support.
Dear Citizens, I conclude my address by sharing with you my mission in life which is to
bring connectivity between billion hearts and minds of the people of India in our
multicultural society and to embed the self confidence that "we can do it". I will be
always with you, dear citizens, in the great mission of making India a developed nation
before 2020.
May God bless you.
Jai hind.
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
www.presidentofindia.nic.in
Friends, I am delighted to address you all, in the country and those living abroad, after
working with you and completing five beautiful and eventful years in Rashtrapati
Bhavan. Today, it is indeed a thanks giving occasion. I would like to narrate, how I
enjoyed every minute of my tenure enriched by the wonderful association from each one
of you, hailing from different walks of life, be it politics, science and technology,
academics, arts, literature, business, judiciary, administration, local bodies, farming,
home makers, special children, media and above all from the youth and student
community who are the future wealth of our country. During my interaction at
Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and at every state and union territory as well as through my
online interactions, I have many unique experiences to share with you, which signify the
following important messages:
1. Accelerate development : Aspiration of the youth,
2. Empower villages,
3. Mobilize rural core competence for competitiveness,
4. Seed to Food: Backbone for agricultural growth
5. Defeat problems and succeed,
6. Overcome problems through partnership,
7. Courage in combating calamities,
8. Connectivity for societal transformation,
9. Defending the nation: Our pride and
10. Youth movement for Developed India 2020.
Now let me share with you each of the messages.
Accelerate Development: Aspiration of the youth
While there were many significant events during my tenure, a question from a little girl
Anukriti of Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir School, of Darwa village from Haryana,
during children’s visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 22, 2006, rings in my mind ever
after.
Anukriti asked me “why India cannot become a developed nation before the year 2020”. I
appreciated the question and said it was indeed a thoughtful question and assured her that
that her dream would be taken to the highest institution of the nation and we would work
for it to achieve before 2020. This question reflects how the desire to live in developed
India has entered into the minds of the youth. The same feelings are echoed by over
fifteen lakh youth, whom I have met so far and who represent the dream of the 540
million youth of the nation. The aspirations of the young to live in a prosperous, safe and
proud India should be the guiding factor in whatever profession we contribute.
Empower Villages
Friends, I recall my visit to Nagaland on 26th October 2002, soon after my assuming
office as President. It was a unique experience for me at Khuzama village to meet tribal
village council members and discuss with them the village progress and the dream of
village citizens. I was very happy to see the empowered village council functioning with
financial powers and taking decisions. I saw a prosperous village with fruits and
vegetables production. However, there is a need for providing physical connectivity in
Nagaland through quality roads for enabling faster movement of products from villages
to the market. That meeting gave me a powerful message about the transformation which
can take place to the 600,000 villages of India, if all the villages are empowered to deal
with their development and are well connected among themselves and with the urban
societies.
Mobilizing rural core competence for competitiveness
Now I would like to talk about the initiative of Periyar Maniammai College of
Technology for Women, Vallam, Tanjore of Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
(PURA) complex involving 65 villages with a population of 3 lakhs. This includes
provision of three connectivities - physical, electronic and knowledge - leading to
economic connectivity. Periyar PURA has health care centers, primary to post graduate
level education and vocational training centers. This has resulted in large-scale
employment generation and creation of number of entrepreneurs with the active support
of 1000 self-help groups. Two hundred acres of waste land has been developed into a
cultivable land. The villagers are busy in cultivation, planting Jatropha, herbal and
medicinal plants, power generation using bio-mass, food processing and above all
running marketing centers. It provides a sustainable economic development model for the
whole region.
During the last eight months, people of Periyar PURA villages technologically supported
by Periyar Maniammai College of Engineering for Women have worked with experts
from Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on various products, for which core
competence and raw material are available in Thanjavur district. They developed
internationally competitive prototypes for 55 life style products with support of JETRO
specialists and feedback from exhibitions at Delhi and Tokyo. This co-operative venture
has enhanced the innovative ability of the people of all the 65 villages enabling them to
develop and produce internationally acceptable products. I have seen similar type of
PURA being established in many states. The whole country needs 7000 PURA to
bridging the rural – urban divide.
Seed to Food: Backbone for agricultural growth
Let me now share with you, the enriching experience I had, while meeting more than
6000 farmers from different States and Union Territories visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan.
They evinced keen interest in the Mughal Gardens, the Herbal Gardens, the Spiritual
Garden, the Musical Garden, the Bio-diesel garden and the Nutrition Garden and interact
with the Horticultural specialists. Recently, during my address to the agricultural
scientists while participating in a National Symposium on “Agriculture Cannot Wait”, I
summarized the many practical suggestions given by farmers. We have to double the
agricultural production with reduced land, reduced water resources and reduced
manpower and improve the economic conditions of the nation through the principle of
“Seed to Food” since agriculture is the backbone of the nation. We should empower the
farmers to protect and nurture the fertile land for second green revolution. Meeting the
Scientists and the Farmers has given me the confidence
that the nation is poised to increase the agricultural GDP growth by atleast 4% per annum
through the partnership of farmers and agricultural scientists and industries particularly
for value addition.
Defeat the problems and succeed
On the evening of February 24, 2007, at Coimbatore, I had a very beautiful experience.
As I got ready for meeting the first person out of twenty appointments, a wheel chair was
in sight with a smiling person probably in his late fifties; unfortunately he has no hands
and legs. His radiant face was revealing his happy state of mind. He introduced himself
as Vidwan Coimbatore SR Krishna Murthy. I greeted him and asked him how this had
happened. He smilingly said that it was from by birth. He thanked God, his parents,
teachers and many others for giving him confidence, training and help. I asked him, what
I could do for him? He said, “I don’t need anything from you. I would like to sing in front
of you”. I readily agreed. He sang melodiously the Saint Thyagraja’s pancha ratna kriti
entharo mahanubavulu in Sriragam giving me a glimpse of his talent. I was quite touched.
What is the message? Despite being physically challenged, the latent talent of music
could blossom in this
person with his positive attitude and perseverance, encouraged by the parents, teachers,
academics and rasikas. Now he wants to give, give and give his art to inspire others. Of
course, by his merit of music, in July 2007, he performed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan art
theatre.
Overcome the impact of disaster through partnership
I had the opportunity to experience the Indomitable Spirit of the people and children of
Jammu & Kashmir even as they were just recovering from the devastating earthquake in
2005. I visited Urusa village on 26th November 2005 which has been adopted by the
Western Air Command, Air Force for providing relief and medical aid to the residents of
that area. When I went there, I found that the school building had been severely damaged.
I met all the school children and the village citizen of Urusa. The villagers apprised me of
their losses and had all praise for Army and Air Force role in rescue and relief operations
along with state government. I appreciate the courage of the people of Urusa in defeating
their problems. They have actually become the master of the problem rather than
allowing problems to become their master. Despite the severe loss due to the earthquake,
the children and the members of the village participated in the relief operation with the
Armed Forces
bravely and were smiling when I went to meet them. They interacted with me and said
that the school was functional in the temporary tents. Here, I also witnessed the
participation of acting Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir along with State Government
authorities in on-the-spot settlement of relief grants to be provided to the victims whose
houses had been damaged in the earth quake. I have experienced many such acts of
courage from our citizens when faced with severe challenges.
Courage in combating calamities
In 2005, I met the Tribal Council Leaders, Students, Children of Chuckchucha village
during my visit to Car Nicobar Islands. While various reconstruction and rehabilitation
activities were in progress, during the discussions with the members of tribal council, I
realized the unique trait among the Car-Nicobar islanders. Even though there were many
human losses due to the Tsunami of 26 Dec 2004, the tribal islanders had taken
possession of affected victims as their children and there is nothing like orphanage in
Car-Nicobar Islands. Touched by their courage, I composed few verses called “Sea
Waves” which reads as follows:
Sea Waves
We are the children of Sea waves,
Sea waves are my friends.
When they become angry,
Sea waves give the challenges.
God has given the courage,
To challenge the sea waves.
And we will succeed,
We will succeed
With Almighty’s grace.
All the members who were gathered in the village sang the poem with me and exhibited
lots of courage and enthusiasm even though they had gone through severe suffering
during the Tsunami.
Connectivity for societal transformation
I addressed the Pan African Parliament on 16 September 2004, at Johannesburg, South
Africa. This was attended by 53 member countries of the African Union, where I
proposed the concept of Pan African e-Network for providing seamless and integrated
satellite, fiber optics and wireless network connecting 53 African countries at an
estimated cost of US $ 100 million.
As part of the project 12 universities (7 from India and 5 from Africa), 17 Super
Specialty Hospitals (12 from India and 5 from Africa), 53 tele-medicine centers and 53
tele-education centres in Africa will be connected. The pilot project on tele-education and
tele-medicine in Ethiopia has already been commissioned. Indira Gandhi National Open
University has taken up the MBA Course for 34 Ethiopian students of Addis Ababa and
Harmaya Universities. As regards, tele-medicine, the specialists from CARE Hospital,
Hyderabad are providing one-hour live tele-consultation to doctors in Black Lion
Hospital, Addis Ababa in Cardiology and Radiology since November 2006. Using the
Pan African network the Heads of the State in all the 53 countries will be connected for
instant communication. I am extremely happy that Indian experience in bringing the
benefits of technology to the people has enabled us to work with Africa to bring societal
transformation in the African continent.
Defending the nation: Our pride
I visited KUMAR in Siachen Glacier located at 17,000 feet altitude held by the Indian
Army, had a memorable underwater journey in INS Sindhurakshak and flew in a Sukhoi-
30 fighter experiencing 2.5 g. In these three experiences, I personally felt proud of our
ever vigilant Soldiers, Sailors and Air Warriors performing their tasks beyond the call of
their duty even in the most adverse circumstances natural and man made. During the last
five years, I had an opportunity to present colours to many regiments, participate in
number of passing out parades, meet the troops who were going to undertake peace
missions and interact with the family members of our Defence Forces. Our Defence
Forces are in a beautiful mission. When the nation sleeps during night, Members of our
Defence teams are awake to guard us and remain vigilant to counter any threat. The
Nation cherishes the valour, commitment and devotion to duty of our Defence Forces.
Similarly, I had opportunities to interact
with members of our para-military forces, central and state police personnel including
internal security forces who are making immense contribution in augmenting the safety
and security of our citizens under difficult conditions.
Youth movement for Developed India 2020
Recently, in Hyderabad, I met a group of citizens who are putting into practice the motto
of transforming of our youth into enlightened citizen. The Lead India 2020 Foundation
created by Dr. N.B. Sudershan at Hyderabad is training thousands of students in many
districts of Andhra Pradesh in partnership with the District Administration. Particularly, I
happened to know the transformation which has taken place among the students of
Medak district. As per the district authorities the impact of the training on the students is
visible in terms of self-discipline, love for their parents and teachers shedding of stage
fear and recognition of their duties towards the nation. I talked to Ms. Padma, a student
leader from Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare School, Nalgonda who related how she
weaned her father away from smoking after imbibing the spirit of the 10 point oath from
the Lead India Training Camp. This gives me an assurance that the youth of our country
are on the right path
through this mission oriented programme. With the ignited minds of the 540 million
youth below the age of 25, which I consider is the most powerful resource on the earth,
under the earth and above the earth, we have to empower the youth through value based
education and leadership.
Conclusion
I was touched by the variety of Indian panorama, emotional content of the tune, cultural
diversity and unity of minds in the vast land of ours. I have cited these examples just to
give a glimpse of the richness of our tradition and effort being taken by different agencies
to preserve it. There are also many new adventures by institutions and individuals. I have
experienced many of them and learnt a lot about my country and our people. Even while
pursuing our economic growth, we need to do a lot to preserve the rich and diverse
treasures of our culture and civilization. It is our duty for our future generations. This has
to be done in a much larger scale through countrywide participation of multiple
institutions. Our country is blessed with natural resources, has shown considerable
progress in the last sixty years, and above all we have hard working people particularly
the power of the 540 million youth of the country. Every sector of our country has given
me the
confidence that India can become a developed nation well before 2020. Whomsoever, I
met they constantly ask what they can give to the nation. We should constantly strive to
empower such members of the society. With this spirit, I am extremely happy that we are
on the right path. Here I am reminded of a famous poem:
"When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are,
Anything your heart desires,
Will come to you”
This poem is true to all of us, and particularly for our youth and if they aim great, I am
sure they will reach close to the target or the target.
My dear citizens, let us resolve to continue to work for realizing the missions of
developed India 2020 with the following distinctive profile.
1. A Nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line.
2. A Nation where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and
quality water.
3. A Nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.
4. A Nation where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious
candidates because of societal or economic discrimination.
5. A Nation which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and
investors.
6. A Nation where the best of health care is available to all.
7. A Nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.
8. A Nation where poverty has been totally eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes
against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.
9. A Nation that is prosperous, healthy, secure, peaceful and happy and continues with a
sustainable growth path.
10. A Nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.
Finally let me thank each one of you for showering your love and affection on me
throughout the last five years by your cooperation and support.
Dear Citizens, I conclude my address by sharing with you my mission in life which is to
bring connectivity between billion hearts and minds of the people of India in our
multicultural society and to embed the self confidence that "we can do it". I will be
always with you, dear citizens, in the great mission of making India a developed nation
before 2020.
May God bless you.
Jai hind.
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
www.presidentofindia.nic.in
Monday, February 22, 2010
SUN ‘S BEAUTY IS IN THE
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
George Bernard Shaw
When we fail, we might be tempted to think that we have wasted our time and thus regret it. But that’s should not be the case. The fact that you have done something is much better than doing nothing. Many people who despise persons who fail never do anything themselves. Rise up and move on. The regret lies not in doing, but in not doing.
. Understand that failure is there to bring you wisdom
Good people are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure.
William Saroyan
Failure is there not without a reason. It’s there to give you the wisdom you need to succeed. Each failure you encounter increases your wisdom and brings you one step closer to success. If you have this mindset, you will see failure differently. You will see each failure as an opportunity to learn.
Learn as much as possible from the failure
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
Albert Einstein
While failure brings you wisdom, how much wisdom you will get depends entirely on your ability to harvest it. So don’t waste the opportunity to learn; harvest wisdom as much as possible from the failure. If you fail to do this, you may waste a lot of time by repeating the same mistakes in the future.
Don’t give up; maybe you are only one step away from success
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
Thomas A. Edison
The thought of giving up is tempting, especially when we have failed over and over again. But who knows that maybe you are only one step away from success? Will you waste the long journey you have passed when you are already so close to your destination?
So hold on tight and don’t give up. Thomas Edison failed thousands of times to perfect the light bulb. He knew what it means not to give up.
Maintain your enthusiasm
Not only you should keep on trying, you should also do it with the same level of enthusiasm as when you first began. Otherwise your subsequent effort will have less and less power.
So how do you maintain enthusiasm? One good way is by realizing that you are now one step closer to success thanks to the lessons you learn. There’s no reason not to be enthusiastic when you are getting closer to success. Another way is to keep your mind on the destination, which brings us to the next point.
Keep dreaming big dreams
Always have your destination in mind; keep dreaming your big dreams. Spend time to visualize them and let the dreams energize you. Let them make you passionate and enthusiastic. Once you cease dreaming, soon you will also lose your energy and be back to mediocrity. To overcome all the obstacles you encounter you always need a greater why, and that why is provided by your dreams.
Keep your confidence in yourself
Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.
Belva Davis
Keep your confidence in yourself despite the failure. Of course, you need to put a lot of effort and learn as much as possible from the failure, but you have the ability to make your dream come true. Many people who achieve great undertakings have no special trait. They are just ordinary people with extraordinary attitude. Let’s be one of them.
I like to post some of the inspirational quotes that are said by the great personalities
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