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What Can I Give?: Life Lessons from My Teacher, A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM
A book in memory of the country’s most loved teacher.
Dr Kalam is often remembered as a teacher par excellence, whose words, thoughts and very life were lessons in many ways.
This book is dedicated by his student Srijan Pal Singh, who worked closely with him, right till the last day of his life. Recollecting his mentor’s values, oaths and messages to the youth, Srijan beautifully shares the lessons Dr Kalam taught beyond the classroom. A peek into his daily routine, travels, reflections on various national and international issues, anecdotes and quips, this book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
Featuring many little-known stories and never-before-seen photographs, as well as certain expressions that were classic Dr Kalam, this heart-warming memoir will inspire and enlighten, immortalizing the words and actions of a beloved leader.
Dr Kalam is often remembered as a teacher par excellence, whose words, thoughts and very life were lessons in many ways.
This book is dedicated by his student Srijan Pal Singh, who worked closely with him, right till the last day of his life. Recollecting his mentor’s values, oaths and messages to the youth, Srijan beautifully shares the lessons Dr Kalam taught beyond the classroom. A peek into his daily routine, travels, reflections on various national and international issues, anecdotes and quips, this book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
Featuring many little-known stories and never-before-seen photographs, as well as certain expressions that were classic Dr Kalam, this heart-warming memoir will inspire and enlighten, immortalizing the words and actions of a beloved leader.
- GenresNonfictionIndia
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2016
66 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 10, 2025
a beautiful book about a beautiful person.
I do believe every book of Jan rashtrapati should be taught at schools. It bounds with his wisdom and insights across a special life time. Kalam makes you take stock of your life and think, what can I give, for a life spent in giving is the only life worth having lived.
what can I give, my whole heart and more.
I do believe every book of Jan rashtrapati should be taught at schools. It bounds with his wisdom and insights across a special life time. Kalam makes you take stock of your life and think, what can I give, for a life spent in giving is the only life worth having lived.
what can I give, my whole heart and more.
July 1, 2020
Engrossing read filled with anecdotes. The Book beautifully depicts the 'Ever simple yet inspiring life of People's President'. The entire plot keeps revolving around the primal idea 'What can i give?' and how this attitude of giving could institute a more happier and compassionate world!
You'd also spot numerous poems recited by him on various occasions and out of those one became my favorite, which he said during his visit to Kentucky U.S.
'The April Bloomers'
I witness your beauty everywhere.
Cheering the hearts and,
Bringing smiles to faces.
O my young friend, ‘What is your name?’ I asked.
‘O Kalam, dear Kalam, in bluegrass
They call us dogwood;
But as the children of spring,
We are the April Bloomers.’
—A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
You'd also spot numerous poems recited by him on various occasions and out of those one became my favorite, which he said during his visit to Kentucky U.S.
'The April Bloomers'
I witness your beauty everywhere.
Cheering the hearts and,
Bringing smiles to faces.
O my young friend, ‘What is your name?’ I asked.
‘O Kalam, dear Kalam, in bluegrass
They call us dogwood;
But as the children of spring,
We are the April Bloomers.’
—A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
April 13, 2017
Very nice book
August 14, 2021
Wealth in every chapter.
A book that lets you know what Abdul kalam is by heart.
A book that lets you know what Abdul kalam is by heart.
August 3, 2020
My thoughts while reading...
-Short chapters, each one is a lesson. Reminds me of How to Win Friends and Influence People
-Srijan is talking about Kalam like he knew him his whole lifetime but he only knew him for 7 years
-The fourth wall breaks are making it weird
-Also there's something about the narrator's voice that feels really weird.
-Maybe because the author is trying to be conversational but it's too factual to be conversational
-I don't actually know a lot about APJ so this is illuminating
-The old general chapter seems out of place, not really a lesson? Just an anecdote?
-A bunch of one shots. Like it
-The short anecdotes at the end of the chapters seem a little unnecessary... They aren't really lessons. The first few chapters built up the lessons format but then it deviated from it. A little more consistency/organization would have been nice.
-For example tolerance jokes have nothing to do with mothers. Makes no sense to put the two together.
-Has a bit of a put him on a pedestal feel
-Okay but was the carpenter's idea implemented? Did it work?
-Can't just end a chapter on a cliffhanger like that.
-Not sure how the order of chapters was chosen... Chronological?
-It is definitely not chronological
-I guess it's just what flows? What connects
-Chronological would have been nice.
-Organization feels very random
-Ending and epilogue were powerful
-Everything was very positive
-I would have liked to read more about his failures or shortcomings. He was portrayed as absolutely prefect which makes him seem unreal, an impossibility that I can't connect with or relate to
Overall
-Could have been better organized
-Wanted more about APJ up and downs instead of just ups.
-Narrator's voice started off weird but I got used to it.
-Some really good messages.
Favorite chapters: 5, 6, 8, 13 (except for the end), 15, 21, 24
-Short chapters, each one is a lesson. Reminds me of How to Win Friends and Influence People
-Srijan is talking about Kalam like he knew him his whole lifetime but he only knew him for 7 years
-The fourth wall breaks are making it weird
-Also there's something about the narrator's voice that feels really weird.
-Maybe because the author is trying to be conversational but it's too factual to be conversational
-I don't actually know a lot about APJ so this is illuminating
-The old general chapter seems out of place, not really a lesson? Just an anecdote?
-A bunch of one shots. Like it
-The short anecdotes at the end of the chapters seem a little unnecessary... They aren't really lessons. The first few chapters built up the lessons format but then it deviated from it. A little more consistency/organization would have been nice.
-For example tolerance jokes have nothing to do with mothers. Makes no sense to put the two together.
-Has a bit of a put him on a pedestal feel
-Okay but was the carpenter's idea implemented? Did it work?
-Can't just end a chapter on a cliffhanger like that.
-Not sure how the order of chapters was chosen... Chronological?
-It is definitely not chronological
-I guess it's just what flows? What connects
-Chronological would have been nice.
-Organization feels very random
-Ending and epilogue were powerful
-Everything was very positive
-I would have liked to read more about his failures or shortcomings. He was portrayed as absolutely prefect which makes him seem unreal, an impossibility that I can't connect with or relate to
Overall
-Could have been better organized
-Wanted more about APJ up and downs instead of just ups.
-Narrator's voice started off weird but I got used to it.
-Some really good messages.
Favorite chapters: 5, 6, 8, 13 (except for the end), 15, 21, 24
November 14, 2016
Living in a world stricken with greed, this book will make you see life from a different perspective. We all are aware of the fact that the 11th President of India was a very fine man, but this book let's you delve deeper into his life and learn the art of giving. I'm still in awe of His(I am an atheist, but if god did exist, it would be him!) greatness, wit, humour and most importantly the empathetic man he was. Many people have the power to change society but very few have the will. A very intriguing book, made me want to finish it in one sitting.
July 20, 2022
This is one great book on a great leader. Written by Dr. Kalam's close aide, this book presents the writer's close experiences and life lessons from the missile man. Filled with anecdotes, some lesser known facts about the nation's most beloved president make it an interesting read. Overall, the book brings out a universal message and learnings from Dr. Kalam, through the words of his closest aide.
September 22, 2016
This book gives further insight into the daily lifestyle and ideologies of Dr. Kalam. Srijan has put his emotions very well, wherever required. There is no need to brief more about the book as it is a marvel in itself, and I consider it as a must read for people seeking greatness by reading about great people.
August 8, 2016
One word: Speechless. The last chapter reduced me to tears. You will live on, as the teacher you always were in the hearts of generations to come.
May 8, 2017
a good book on great teacher
January 28, 2022
The last lines - "His story is far from over. Where is our part in this story? It is in believing impossible dreams like Kalam. It is in trusting one’s ability to change the world. It is in living a life like Kalam. It is in being a Kalam and always asking ourselves— What can I give?"
Kalam's simple yet charismatic personality is something that never fails to surprise us, infact, it's a guiding force to many who follow his ideals.
This book, an enchanting read, familiarises us with many such events where the author, Kalam's student learns 'lessons for life' from his eternal teacher, Prof.Kalam.
Also the fact that the proceeds from this book will be used for "Kalam's Library project" has made me happy!
Kalam's simple yet charismatic personality is something that never fails to surprise us, infact, it's a guiding force to many who follow his ideals.
This book, an enchanting read, familiarises us with many such events where the author, Kalam's student learns 'lessons for life' from his eternal teacher, Prof.Kalam.
Also the fact that the proceeds from this book will be used for "Kalam's Library project" has made me happy!
Read
April 9, 2021This book is a doorway into the life of a (once)living embodiment of all things ethical and good, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam through the eyes and heart of his fortunate protege, Srijan Pal Singh. As one delves further into the book , getting to know about what Dr. Kalam said, did, opined and moved by, one finds themselves gravitating towards him more than ever. The book is an honest source of happy and positive inspiration.
September 16, 2023
Great learnings from the very personal life of everyone's favourite.
April 18, 2020
A must read for everyone, so much to learn from.
July 2, 2018
First and foremost I want to tell one thing about this book, each and every word is diamond and each lesson is master piece. Srijan Pal Singh Sir is most luckiest person in the world since he was with Dr.Kalam till the last day.
I learned many things about our missile man and i want to keep them in mind life long. Like srijan sir said great teachers never die they just transform from mortal humans into Immortal lessons, lessons carried over generations. Life is simple and beautiful when you knew about the way of dealing things that l learned a lot from this.
I am deeply touched with Raghu story. I am inspired by Kathiresan,chellappa and hanumant success stories. Learned some rituals from this book and want to continue them from today.
1. Calling parents everyday at least to say hai
2. Dining table rule (God brought us together since we are like minded people)
3. Respect hard work of every creature (bees story, in his term fellows)
In this book Srijan sir introduced some great books of Dr Kalam who reads them often.
Even in insurance there is no negativity or talking bad about third person. After finishing reading this book what I am thinking is
What Can I Give?
I learned many things about our missile man and i want to keep them in mind life long. Like srijan sir said great teachers never die they just transform from mortal humans into Immortal lessons, lessons carried over generations. Life is simple and beautiful when you knew about the way of dealing things that l learned a lot from this.
I am deeply touched with Raghu story. I am inspired by Kathiresan,chellappa and hanumant success stories. Learned some rituals from this book and want to continue them from today.
1. Calling parents everyday at least to say hai
2. Dining table rule (God brought us together since we are like minded people)
3. Respect hard work of every creature (bees story, in his term fellows)
In this book Srijan sir introduced some great books of Dr Kalam who reads them often.
Even in insurance there is no negativity or talking bad about third person. After finishing reading this book what I am thinking is
What Can I Give?
February 18, 2018
A biography on India's most beloved President, APJ Abdul Kalam, by his student. The book looks at the different roles played by Kalam in his lifetime - friend, student, mentor, teacher, scientist (the famous Missile Man of India), the President...He excelled in each one of these roles - because of his humility, empathy, compassion and childlike sense of wonder. He was a lifelong learner who always strove for the best in himself and others. He continued to encourage others to dream the impossible and to achieve great heights, setting the perfect example himself through his gentle demeanour, thoughtful words and determined actions.
August 18, 2016
The book throws interesting anectodes on specific encounters in the life of Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. Dr.Kalam is a true teacher and this book simply adds a few more chapters for us learn from the great man.
Certainly a book to read and learn.
Certainly a book to read and learn.
October 9, 2016
Easy and quick read. This book deals with the teacher, A.P.J.Abdul Kalam various incidents, anecdotes speak about the person and his qualities, written by his student who worked with him for several years. A True tribute.
November 5, 2016
Got to know Dr. Kalam a little bit closely. Through this book one can witness his simplicity, witty & humorous nature along with his wise teachings. The writer presents in a very beautiful manner so many interesting instances from the life of this noble person.
November 5, 2016
Got to know Dr. Kalam a little bit closely. Through this book one can witness his simplicity, witty & humorous nature along with his wise teachings. The writer presents in a very beautiful manner so many interesting instances from the life of this noble person.
August 28, 2016
an excellent account of how Dr kalam lived and his immense love for India ..the book leaves u in greater awe of the man..they don't make ppl like him anymore
October 9, 2016
Just completed reading this book..A fantastic book by Srijan Pal singh ..give a day to day insight about Dr kalam and his experiences with him....
Thank you
Thank you
Read
May 23, 2020Singh takes you through a beautiful journey with APJ Abdul Kalam, and reading the book feels like accompanying them through their journeys as Kalam gives talks, presentations and attends events. The simplicity of the language is what makes the book powerful. It offers invaluable lessons on leadership, responsibility, social behaviour, mindfulness, hard-work and everything in between and beyond. It is a complete toolkit to inspire anyone to lead a deliberate and worthwhile existence and making their presence in the world and meaningful one.
At times, it can tend to get a little preachy and uncritical of Kalam’s philosophy and ideas. But given that it is meant for everyone from age 10-100, it is a fantastic take on a life well lived. Singh’s sensitive and careful narration illuminates Kalam’s everyday routines, idiosyncrasies and love for everything simple and normally overlooked in everyday life, like a beautiful flower, an ordinary meal, a lovely picture made by a child and so on.
This down-to-earth nature is complemented by Kalam’s daring tasks as a nuclear scientist and missile man and his role is propelling India upwards technologically.
What is even more remarkable about the book is that the more you read, you can see the immense value in all the life lessons. Right from chapter one, one can get a sense of the reeking modesty of Kalam.
Reading the book, one might think he is the most sensitive human that ever walked the earth. His lessons on responsibilities, where he inspired Singh to leave his high-flying job at a US multinational and join his services in the spirit of what he could give back to the society is truly commendable.
Kalam’s take on how criticism comes with a heavy debt and must be followed up with whole hearted appreciation on people’s achievements is one of the most valuable lessons that can be drawn from the book. The point of criticism is to make the person or the idea better and not just to point fingers and belittle people. Simple idea, powerful powerful implications!
There are several people Kalam and Singh meet and interact with and reading the book takes one through those awesome journeys and oh, the people they meet! Absolutely amazing! There are people who are celebrating their 100th birthdays and standing tall and strong as they do, there are people who have created humongous libraries in the middle of deserts and there are people that have fought immense adversities and lead their lives with passion and pride.
I would say, introduce this book in your routine and enjoy one chapter each day and let that one lesson ponder in your head before you jump to the next one. It took me 2-3 months to read the book whilst my other reading and work remained undisturbed. Let this book slowly slips in your psyche and routine and let it leave an indelible mark of pure and powerful wisdom.
At times, it can tend to get a little preachy and uncritical of Kalam’s philosophy and ideas. But given that it is meant for everyone from age 10-100, it is a fantastic take on a life well lived. Singh’s sensitive and careful narration illuminates Kalam’s everyday routines, idiosyncrasies and love for everything simple and normally overlooked in everyday life, like a beautiful flower, an ordinary meal, a lovely picture made by a child and so on.
This down-to-earth nature is complemented by Kalam’s daring tasks as a nuclear scientist and missile man and his role is propelling India upwards technologically.
What is even more remarkable about the book is that the more you read, you can see the immense value in all the life lessons. Right from chapter one, one can get a sense of the reeking modesty of Kalam.
Reading the book, one might think he is the most sensitive human that ever walked the earth. His lessons on responsibilities, where he inspired Singh to leave his high-flying job at a US multinational and join his services in the spirit of what he could give back to the society is truly commendable.
Kalam’s take on how criticism comes with a heavy debt and must be followed up with whole hearted appreciation on people’s achievements is one of the most valuable lessons that can be drawn from the book. The point of criticism is to make the person or the idea better and not just to point fingers and belittle people. Simple idea, powerful powerful implications!
There are several people Kalam and Singh meet and interact with and reading the book takes one through those awesome journeys and oh, the people they meet! Absolutely amazing! There are people who are celebrating their 100th birthdays and standing tall and strong as they do, there are people who have created humongous libraries in the middle of deserts and there are people that have fought immense adversities and lead their lives with passion and pride.
I would say, introduce this book in your routine and enjoy one chapter each day and let that one lesson ponder in your head before you jump to the next one. It took me 2-3 months to read the book whilst my other reading and work remained undisturbed. Let this book slowly slips in your psyche and routine and let it leave an indelible mark of pure and powerful wisdom.
May 24, 2025
I have just completed reading the book 🇮🇳 *WHAT CAN I GIVE?* 🇮🇳 stories by _A.P.J.Abdul Kalam & _Srijan Pal Singh._
*_Lessons Learnt:_*
1. 🇮🇳 *_What would you like to be remembered for?_*🇮🇳
2. 🇮🇳 Critical stakes ignite the mind and awaken hidden potential. Difficulty cannot be handled by being scared of how high the peak is. It can be tackled by drawing a path to the peak, and when you toil in the process of scaling that height, you learn and grow.🇮🇳
3. 🇮🇳 It was during these chats I came to realize that he was very well versed in Hindu theology. He once told me that there are six vices in Hindu theology, called Arishadvarga, which prevent man from attaining moksha (salvation). He counted them on his fingers: kama (lust), krodha (anger),
lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride) and maatsarya (jealousy).🇮🇳
4. 🇮🇳 Dr Kalam had achieved greatness not just because of his intelligence. Anyone can be intelligent. He was great because of his high emotional Involvement. Great achievers are not merely smart or productive; they are unimaginably sensitive and compassionate. Emotions directed towards a specific goal make such people more determined; it enables them to push themselves and deliver results far beyond their wildest imagination.🇮🇳
5. 🇮🇳 *To be a giver, you don’t need to be rich. All you need is compassion in your heart and a smile on your face.*🇮🇳
6. 🇮🇳 *_Solution to Corruption:_* We need to eliminate corruption from every household, and from the human character itself. We need Citizens who will put the nation above the rest. The movement has to begin within every person, every family, and then it has to spread to the schools. It has to work towards reforming the generation and it has to create a new meaning of citizenship. To win against corruption, we need strategic thinking, a system reboot—that should begin at home and spread across the nation.’🇮🇳
7. 🇮🇳 Mr. Kalam said, *These are my people.* I have lived a similar life. You see, a person very rarely gets the power to bring smiles 😊on the faces of others. Think about it! Notice how they smile 😊when they see me wave back. Being noticed, being relevant is a basic human quest, one which brings happiness. They will go home smiling, and they will tell their families about this and then the whole family will be happy. With just a wave and a smile 😊, we have the power to make so many people happy. Is it not worth a second of distraction? In life, if you have the power to make someone smile😊, never refrain from taking the time out to do so. Life will gloriously pay you back for the time you invest.’ 🇮🇳
🇮🇳 *HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY*🇮🇳
*_Lessons Learnt:_*
1. 🇮🇳 *_What would you like to be remembered for?_*🇮🇳
2. 🇮🇳 Critical stakes ignite the mind and awaken hidden potential. Difficulty cannot be handled by being scared of how high the peak is. It can be tackled by drawing a path to the peak, and when you toil in the process of scaling that height, you learn and grow.🇮🇳
3. 🇮🇳 It was during these chats I came to realize that he was very well versed in Hindu theology. He once told me that there are six vices in Hindu theology, called Arishadvarga, which prevent man from attaining moksha (salvation). He counted them on his fingers: kama (lust), krodha (anger),
lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride) and maatsarya (jealousy).🇮🇳
4. 🇮🇳 Dr Kalam had achieved greatness not just because of his intelligence. Anyone can be intelligent. He was great because of his high emotional Involvement. Great achievers are not merely smart or productive; they are unimaginably sensitive and compassionate. Emotions directed towards a specific goal make such people more determined; it enables them to push themselves and deliver results far beyond their wildest imagination.🇮🇳
5. 🇮🇳 *To be a giver, you don’t need to be rich. All you need is compassion in your heart and a smile on your face.*🇮🇳
6. 🇮🇳 *_Solution to Corruption:_* We need to eliminate corruption from every household, and from the human character itself. We need Citizens who will put the nation above the rest. The movement has to begin within every person, every family, and then it has to spread to the schools. It has to work towards reforming the generation and it has to create a new meaning of citizenship. To win against corruption, we need strategic thinking, a system reboot—that should begin at home and spread across the nation.’🇮🇳
7. 🇮🇳 Mr. Kalam said, *These are my people.* I have lived a similar life. You see, a person very rarely gets the power to bring smiles 😊on the faces of others. Think about it! Notice how they smile 😊when they see me wave back. Being noticed, being relevant is a basic human quest, one which brings happiness. They will go home smiling, and they will tell their families about this and then the whole family will be happy. With just a wave and a smile 😊, we have the power to make so many people happy. Is it not worth a second of distraction? In life, if you have the power to make someone smile😊, never refrain from taking the time out to do so. Life will gloriously pay you back for the time you invest.’ 🇮🇳
🇮🇳 *HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY*🇮🇳
December 30, 2025
A visionary man's teachings constituting the most basic aspects of life - innovative thinking, compassionate behavior, responsible citizenship! What a man, a life lived to its fullest, Couple of lessons of the book really struck a chord with me and will forever be a point of reference to model my behavior.
GREAT BOOK. GOOD READ. LEGENDARY MAN.
GREAT BOOK. GOOD READ. LEGENDARY MAN.
August 6, 2020
𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝!
In this book, the author(who worked closely with Kalam right till the last day of his life) shares the little incidents and life lessons that he learned from Kalam.
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In this book, the author(who worked closely with Kalam right till the last day of his life) shares the little incidents and life lessons that he learned from Kalam.
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
"𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔- 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔."
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 7, 2021
In this book, the author(who worked closely with Kalam right till the last day of his life) shares the little incidents and life lessons that he learned from Kalam.
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
"𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔- 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔."
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 10, 2021
In this book, the author(who worked closely with Kalam right till the last day of his life) shares the little incidents and life lessons that he learned from Kalam.
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Giving us a peek into Kalam's daily routine and his priceless life values.
This book helps readers get up-close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times.
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of my biggest inspiration and this book not only inspires and enlighten me but also restores my faith in humanity and kindness.
The author has rightly said,
"𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒅����. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔- 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔."
The language is really simple even children can read it and learn priceless life lessons that will stay with them long after they have turned the last pages of the book.
I Recommend this book to everyone! one of my all-time fav books.
5/5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 26, 2025
This seems to be the most underrated book in my opinion. Maybe because of the writing style as it's neither a life story nor a memoir. But it teaches you lessons in almost each and every chapter.
Now I know why Dr. Kalam was called Janrashtrapati Ji aka People's President. He was so humble and compassionate. A person who wanted to become a pilot turned out to be the best teacher, a renowned scientist and a great political figure.
The way Srijan has depicted the lessons he received from Dr. Kalam feels like I was a part of Dr. Kalam's life.
Dr. Kalam wanted India's youth to dream big, work hard, and strive for solution-driven mindset. Srijan has beautifully narrated how Dr. Kalam valued advocated the need to be a Giver in today's greedy world where nobody gives anything without receiving something in return. The way he remained humble and respected people irrespective of their age, religion, or status is a rare quality you'll find in anyone these days.
Now I know why Dr. Kalam was called Janrashtrapati Ji aka People's President. He was so humble and compassionate. A person who wanted to become a pilot turned out to be the best teacher, a renowned scientist and a great political figure.
The way Srijan has depicted the lessons he received from Dr. Kalam feels like I was a part of Dr. Kalam's life.
Dr. Kalam wanted India's youth to dream big, work hard, and strive for solution-driven mindset. Srijan has beautifully narrated how Dr. Kalam valued advocated the need to be a Giver in today's greedy world where nobody gives anything without receiving something in return. The way he remained humble and respected people irrespective of their age, religion, or status is a rare quality you'll find in anyone these days.
October 14, 2017
Talking about this book , well speechless! So beautifully written by Dr. Kalam's closest 'funny fellow' as he used to call Srijan . Dr. Kalam one of the greatest scientist we had always gave importance to the knowledge where even on his last days he was carrying four books which showed that despite having achieved everything he still had child-like curiosity and hunger for knowledge. He always loved children and youth of India and would love to answer the question posed by them. He always encouraged youth of India to do something for the nation. Above all what sets Dr. Kalam apart from others is his humility. Even if he has remarkable achievements in his career and also the biggest civilian award of India, he was always humble and compassionate towards people from all walks of life. Indeed we miss you ,our 'smile' man :') Thank you Srijan for writing this book!
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