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Forge your Future
“Despite the fact that I spent my childhood in Rameswaram, an isolated island in the south of India, I could get educated, find a job and overcome many obstacles to become the President of my country. If I could overcome all the hardships and achieve what I have, so can you or anyone else. It does not matter where you start from or what you have achieved till date, the important thing is that from this point onwards, you decide what you want and work towards creating your own future. This is the message I want to convey through this book and if it can inspire even one young person to achieve his or her dream, I will feel that my effort has been truly worth it.
In the last fifteen years I have interacted with more than 16 million youth, in face-to face meetings, through emails and over Facebook, and wherever I go I am asked questions. Everyday I receive about 300 emails and spend two hours reading and answering them. This book is based on the questions that I have been asked over the years. In their questions, people are mostly seeking solutions to problems that they are facing in their lives. Answering these questions, I realized that what we call problems may probably be a result of the way we ‘process’ events and situations in our lives and everything that happens in our world. ‘Process’ means the way we perceive and think about them. If we could change the way we ‘process’, then we could possibly change the way we think about our problems and hence also about their solutions. I believe it is possible to do so and that is the underlying theme in my answers.
My answers are based on what I have learnt from my own experiences of life, and from reading books and my interactions with political and spiritual leaders. The replies in my book are presented in a way that they provide a generic message for any one who may be undergoing a similar problem in his or her life.
Your life should be a manifestation of your dreams. That is why I always call upon the youth to dream lofty dreams and invoke in them a vision of their future. And in achieving your dreams, you are bound to face difficulties and obstacles, but with determination and discipline you can always overcome them, just as I have been able to do.” -From the Introduction of the book
It is remarkable that how, APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of India continues to be such a popular public figure even seven years after demitting office. Much sought, much admired, he is an inspiration for the Indian youth and they turn to him for advice, guidance, inspiration, or simply just seeking to be in touch with him. The mentoring, the solutions, the direction, the philosophy he provides are based on the wisdom of his own experiences, as he knows well the trials and tribulations of the hard rocky road of life that he has walked from Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. This book is like a roadmap for life which one can to turn to when needed, and come away reassured that there is always a way out of any situation and that we will be able reach our dream destination. Inspiring and intimate, it provides an insight into the mind and heart of one of the most remarkable leaders of contemporary India. A leader, who at the age of 84 continues to inspire young Indians towards living the life of their dreams.
In the last fifteen years I have interacted with more than 16 million youth, in face-to face meetings, through emails and over Facebook, and wherever I go I am asked questions. Everyday I receive about 300 emails and spend two hours reading and answering them. This book is based on the questions that I have been asked over the years. In their questions, people are mostly seeking solutions to problems that they are facing in their lives. Answering these questions, I realized that what we call problems may probably be a result of the way we ‘process’ events and situations in our lives and everything that happens in our world. ‘Process’ means the way we perceive and think about them. If we could change the way we ‘process’, then we could possibly change the way we think about our problems and hence also about their solutions. I believe it is possible to do so and that is the underlying theme in my answers.
My answers are based on what I have learnt from my own experiences of life, and from reading books and my interactions with political and spiritual leaders. The replies in my book are presented in a way that they provide a generic message for any one who may be undergoing a similar problem in his or her life.
Your life should be a manifestation of your dreams. That is why I always call upon the youth to dream lofty dreams and invoke in them a vision of their future. And in achieving your dreams, you are bound to face difficulties and obstacles, but with determination and discipline you can always overcome them, just as I have been able to do.” -From the Introduction of the book
It is remarkable that how, APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of India continues to be such a popular public figure even seven years after demitting office. Much sought, much admired, he is an inspiration for the Indian youth and they turn to him for advice, guidance, inspiration, or simply just seeking to be in touch with him. The mentoring, the solutions, the direction, the philosophy he provides are based on the wisdom of his own experiences, as he knows well the trials and tribulations of the hard rocky road of life that he has walked from Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. This book is like a roadmap for life which one can to turn to when needed, and come away reassured that there is always a way out of any situation and that we will be able reach our dream destination. Inspiring and intimate, it provides an insight into the mind and heart of one of the most remarkable leaders of contemporary India. A leader, who at the age of 84 continues to inspire young Indians towards living the life of their dreams.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2014
172 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
About the author
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
141 books1,870 followersAvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (Tamil: அவுல் பகீர் ஜைனுலாப்தீன் அப்துல் கலாம்) usually referred to as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, was one of India's most distinguished scientists. He was an Aerospace engineer, professor, and chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. During his term as President, he was popularly known as the People's President.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 23, 2016
Candid, but not very outspoken. Looks spiritual and placating at times. Kalam Sir has shared his vision of the future with this venture. Liked the effort of adding questions by the lucky few readers, and then answering them in a systematic manner. I personally agreed with a few solutions, but was unsatisfied with the others. Well, that's my opinion.
May 18, 2015
few months before I read this book! really motivating each question given by this book will be suitable to every one also common one! every answer from Abdul kalam sir's was great some of the answer was very interesting! much read and recommended to all youngsters those want interest to read self help books...thanks apj sir given this wonderful book..
March 3, 2015
It is a nice book but for the people who first time pick up self help book... Really inspirational as the man himself a biggest motivator.... But as a book this is not comparable to othe books he has written... If you are a new reader ... I recommend you this book....
December 20, 2014
Quite a good book. Interesting ideas. Don't read cover-to-cover. Selectively choose.
August 9, 2015
Inspiring. But read selectively.
June 4, 2024
Words from one of the wisest leaders India has ever seen - APJ Abdul Kalam sets forth the vision for a modern and united India free from caste and religious divisions in his responses to hope-filled questions from India’s youth. His vision is the only way India can become a developed country.
December 13, 2019
Best book that I have ever purchased in my lifetime. The question answer format of the book makes it more unique. For me A P J Abdul Kalam was one of the most simple, knowledgeable, inspirational personalities of our nation and still this book inspires me and makes me read more( PS: bought it before marriage and when I was working) Highly recommended to all students and those who want some great words from a great human.
July 25, 2015
Motivating, generating good out of you
I am born with potential
I am born with goodness and trust
I am born with ideas and dreams
I am born with greatness
I am born with confidence
I am born with courage
I'll defeat the problem and succeed
I am born with wings
So, I am not meant for crawling
I have wings, I will fly
I'll fly and fly - Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273)
It is always a pleasure to read the replies on problem from contemporary thinker and philanthropist - Dr. Kalam.
In this book, he answers selected few questions from readers. The subject of question ranges from personal, society, women, building India and competing with world.
Few excerpts from book are as follows:
Discipline is indeed the bridge between goals and accomplishments in life.
Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. - David Ogden Stiers
Their families, as a result, often view their professional jobs as a means of income, rather than as a career.
My mother was is the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her. George Washington
The poor are poor not because they untrained or illiterate but because they cannot retain the returns of their labour. They have no control over their livelihood and it is the ability to sustain their existence that give people the lower to rise out of poverty. - Muhammad Yunus
I am born with potential
I am born with goodness and trust
I am born with ideas and dreams
I am born with greatness
I am born with confidence
I am born with courage
I'll defeat the problem and succeed
I am born with wings
So, I am not meant for crawling
I have wings, I will fly
I'll fly and fly - Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273)
It is always a pleasure to read the replies on problem from contemporary thinker and philanthropist - Dr. Kalam.
In this book, he answers selected few questions from readers. The subject of question ranges from personal, society, women, building India and competing with world.
Few excerpts from book are as follows:
Discipline is indeed the bridge between goals and accomplishments in life.
Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. - David Ogden Stiers
Their families, as a result, often view their professional jobs as a means of income, rather than as a career.
My mother was is the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her. George Washington
The poor are poor not because they untrained or illiterate but because they cannot retain the returns of their labour. They have no control over their livelihood and it is the ability to sustain their existence that give people the lower to rise out of poverty. - Muhammad Yunus
December 31, 2015
A very nice book of advice from Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Dr. Kalam has answered questions on various topics and this book is a collection of these answers. In all the answers Dr. Kalam comes out as a very positive thinking person who believes in the goodness of people around him. He seems naive when he expects everybody to be hardworking and honest like himself.
One answer that proves his naivety is the answer in question to India's relation with China. In this he expresses hope that India and China would join hands and get into a peaceful coexistence. Given the history of China it seems very unlikely that such a situation would ever arise. China has not shown the inclination to adopt the live and let live policy. At the same time his answers shows the amount of hope that he carried.
In one answer that I liked he likens countries to our bodies. He says for a body to effected by a disease two things are required 1) An external body needs to invade it 2) The body must be weak to succumb to its effect. He says in a similar manner for a country to deteriorate it must be weak internally and an external force must attack it. He says that India is primarily a spiritual country and will hence be not impacted much by external forces trying to undermine it.
A wonderful read from a wonderful person.
One answer that proves his naivety is the answer in question to India's relation with China. In this he expresses hope that India and China would join hands and get into a peaceful coexistence. Given the history of China it seems very unlikely that such a situation would ever arise. China has not shown the inclination to adopt the live and let live policy. At the same time his answers shows the amount of hope that he carried.
In one answer that I liked he likens countries to our bodies. He says for a body to effected by a disease two things are required 1) An external body needs to invade it 2) The body must be weak to succumb to its effect. He says in a similar manner for a country to deteriorate it must be weak internally and an external force must attack it. He says that India is primarily a spiritual country and will hence be not impacted much by external forces trying to undermine it.
A wonderful read from a wonderful person.
Read
November 12, 2024Good learning through case studies and life experience!
August 25, 2015
It is a compilation of e-mails which many young guys sent to Dr. Kalam to seek the advice of day to day confusions. The everyday thought related to eradication of corruption, better education and administration, upliftment of the people below poverty line and bring changes in the politics, Dr. Kalam has answered these through e-mails in such a way that it connects the readers also. A must recommend book from my end!
Happy reading!
Thanks!
Siddharth Malkania
http://siddharthmalkania.com/
Happy reading!
Thanks!
Siddharth Malkania
http://siddharthmalkania.com/
February 24, 2015
Not as great as Ignited Minds. But nevertheless, reading and understanding any sentence originating from the mind of this great man is always a pleasure.
Same questions with almost the same answer are included. That could have been avoided.
But inspiration, it surely provides.
Kalam's own experiences at DRDO and ISRO are fun to read, though there is other enjoyable material.
Same questions with almost the same answer are included. That could have been avoided.
But inspiration, it surely provides.
Kalam's own experiences at DRDO and ISRO are fun to read, though there is other enjoyable material.
January 2, 2015
The eleventh president of India, a teacher, a scientist, author, the most popular leader amongst youth has discussed some vital and complex issues of modern India raised by the youth. The book can prove to be a tour guide to many.
December 21, 2014
perfect :)
January 26, 2015
inspirational. powerful.
Read
October 16, 2015Location: GG5 IRC
Accession No: DL027641
Accession No: DL027641
November 10, 2015
Poorly edited. Has a lot of spelling and grammatical mistakes.
October 30, 2016
This book contains 5 themes. The questions that are under this category are answered.
September 19, 2025
I was fortunate to meet Dr Kalam and to talk to him when I was a student and I surely would have loved this book back then but after having my shares of ups and downs in life I felt that the whole tone of this book was too utopian. Moreover, the tone was quite preachy and at times I felt that the solutions he gave don’t really work in real life situations and in the socioeconomic fabric of our nation. But overall it can be a good motivational book for someone who is picking up the first self help book to read but in all fairnes, this book was not for me !
May 27, 2020
Every time whatever we face ...
From the book "Use the difficult situation you are facing to tap into your spirituality and build upon it to achieve something meaningful." His life and work speak these words and continues to inspire us.
From the book "Use the difficult situation you are facing to tap into your spirituality and build upon it to achieve something meaningful." His life and work speak these words and continues to inspire us.
June 5, 2020
My initial impression was that this book is a motivational book and is not meant for everybody, but to my surprise this book holds some really good piece of advice for the youth. I got this book for free in prime reading.
December 22, 2020
இந்த புத்தகம் பல மொழியில் மொழிபெயர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளது, நான் இந்த புத்தகத்தை தமிழ் மொழியில் படித்தேன்.
உண்மையில் இந்தப் புத்தகம் ஒரு கலந்துரையாடலுக்கான புத்தகம். இங்கு கேள்விக்கு விடை மட்டும் அளிக்கப்படவில்லை தன்னம்பிக்கையும் திணிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. என்றுமே அப்துல் கலாம் ஐயா ஒரு மேதை தான்...
உண்மையில் இந்தப் புத்தகம் ஒரு கலந்துரையாடலுக்கான புத்தகம். இங்கு கேள்விக்கு விடை மட்டும் அளிக்கப்படவில்லை தன்னம்பிக்கையும் திணிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. என்றுமே அப்துல் கலாம் ஐயா ஒரு மேதை தான்...
June 16, 2018
Inspirational.
September 23, 2018
Mind opener book.
January 10, 2019
Good read.....
February 15, 2019
Amazing book ,
Felt like a lot of critical appreciation can be given.
My respect towards sir APJ Abdul Kalam has increased a lot after reading this book.
Felt like a lot of critical appreciation can be given.
My respect towards sir APJ Abdul Kalam has increased a lot after reading this book.
November 22, 2019
Highly inspiring.Sir has touched so many fields and has discussed how India can be developed and how to lead a better life.His ideas and thoughts are mind-blowing.I salute you sir.
February 1, 2020
This books is really amazing, that made me understand many things about development, unity and even life. This is very important book that everybody in the world must read and understand and apply.
April 11, 2021
This book is good for anyone new to the writings of Dr Kalam. But in comparison to his other books which I've read, this felt average and often too idealistic at some places.
April 22, 2021
A book that had solutions of all my life problems.....Really Kalam Sir will always the most inspiring person. A peson of high ethics and morals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews