Speech
Speech
Today, I want to share a story—a story that reads like a fable, but is completely true. It’s the story of a boy born in a small, coastal town with
nothing but his dreams, who went on to leave a legacy that’s too vast to measure. This is the story of my role model, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
whose life was like a symphony of science, humility, and boundless imagination.
Imagine for a moment a boy named Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, standing on the shores of Rameswaram, watching the waves and
wondering what lies beyond the horizon. Little did he know that his life would become a journey to explore horizons no one had even dared to
imagine, a journey that would take him to the very forefront of space, science, and ultimately, the hearts of a billion people.
What I find magical about Dr. Kalam is that he lived his life as if he were creating a masterpiece. Each moment, each decision, was like a
brushstroke on the canvas of India’s future. He dreamt of rockets soaring into the sky when such thoughts were almost fantastical. He dreamt
of an India that was strong, self-reliant, and respected on the world stage. And then he rolled up his sleeves and made it happen.
Dr. Kalam’s journey as a scientist was like watching a sculptor at work, tirelessly chipping away, molding, crafting his vision. He was a builder, an
architect—not just of missiles, but of ideas. His work on India’s missile and space programs was revolutionary, but it was his belief in people
that made him truly remarkable. He saw potential everywhere, in every student, in every corner of India, and he devoted his life to igniting that
potential. When he spoke to students, his eyes would light up because he saw in them the future he believed in so deeply.
You see, Dr. Kalam was an artist of possibility, painting dreams in the minds of children and youth. While many leaders give speeches, Dr. Kalam
was a visionary who didn’t just speak about dreams; he invited others to dream with him. In his book Ignited Minds, he didn’t just tell young
people what to think—he asked them to wonder, to question, to be daring. In this way, he was a revolutionary, inspiring a generation not with
force, but with hope.
And as a leader, Dr. Kalam was truly unique. In a world that often praises power and wealth, he lived with such simplicity that it felt
revolutionary. Here was a President who gave away his entire savings for scholarships, who carried a heart so full of compassion that he spent
his free time listening to children, who believed that true leadership was about lifting others up. He reminded us that humility was not a
weakness, but a power.
Dr. Kalam didn’t just inspire through words, or even through actions; he inspired through his very presence. When you look at his life, you see
someone who never wavered in his vision, who kept believing even when the road was difficult, who held onto his ideals with the quiet,
unshakeable strength of the mountains.
And so, when I think of Dr. Kalam, I think of a man who embodied dreams that reach beyond the stars, a scientist whose lab was as much the
skies as it was the hearts of those he inspired. He taught me that greatness is not about wealth or status; it’s about service, it’s about humility,
and it’s about leaving behind a legacy that others can carry forward.
Dr. Kalam may no longer be with us, but his dreams live on—woven into the fabric of our country, burning brightly in the eyes of every young
person who dares to believe in something larger than themselves.
Thank you.
Today, I am honored to speak about someone who has inspired millions, a visionary who truly embodies the spirit of India and the limitless
potential of human beings—Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. To many of us, he is not just a former President, a scientist, or an author; he is a role model
who showed us the power of dreams, humility, and service.
Dr. Kalam’s life story is one of sheer determination and unwavering dedication. Born in a small town in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1931, he
grew up with limited resources but an unlimited thirst for knowledge. He worked tirelessly, from selling newspapers as a young boy to
graduating in aerospace engineering, proving that success is not defined by our circumstances but by our will to overcome them.
As a scientist, Dr. Kalam dedicated decades of his life to India’s space and defense programs. Known as the "Missile Man of India," he was a key
figure in developing the technologies that strengthened India’s defense capabilities, including the country’s first satellite launch vehicle and the
Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Yet, Dr. Kalam always believed that science was a service to society. His work was not about power but about ensuring
the nation’s safety, self-reliance, and progress. For Dr. Kalam, science and technology were tools to uplift people and to create a brighter future
for all.
One of the most inspiring things about Dr. Kalam was his humility and compassion. Even as the President of India, he chose to live simply, to
engage with students, and to listen to the dreams and concerns of the younger generation. He was a President who visited schools and asked
children to think big and dream even bigger. His vision, documented in books like Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, was always centered on
empowering India’s youth to build a better, stronger, and more self-sufficient nation.
Dr. Kalam taught us that education is not just about learning facts; it’s about learning to dream, to ask questions, and to pursue knowledge for
the benefit of society. He reminded us that every one of us has the potential to make a difference, no matter where we come from. His
philosophy—“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action”—encourages us to think beyond our
limitations, to believe in ourselves, and to work hard toward our goals.
Even after his presidency, Dr. Kalam continued to inspire. He once said, “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.” This was how he
lived his life, with tireless dedication and an unbreakable spirit. And fittingly, he passed away doing what he loved most—teaching students. He
left us not with a void but with a vision, a dream of an India that is prosperous, peaceful, and capable of achieving greatness.
Dr. Kalam’s life teaches us that true success is about more than personal achievements; it’s about uplifting others, about service to the nation,
and about making the world
Today, I want to talk about a story that’s being written in real-time, a story of transformation, vision, and boundless potential—the story of
India rising globally. India is not just stepping onto the world stage; it’s shaping it, with a vibrant spirit and relentless drive that echo the
aspirations of over a billion people.
Imagine a nation where ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge technology, where tradition fuels innovation, and where diversity doesn’t divide
but multiplies the strength of a people. This is the new India. From our bustling cities to our green villages, we’re seeing an unprecedented
wave of progress, and it’s not just changing India; it’s impacting the entire world.
Economically, India is shifting paradigms. Today, we’re not just a consumer market; we’re a creator, innovator, and a global business hub.
Startups are blossoming across the country, fueled by youthful energy and new ideas. We have built the world’s third-largest startup
ecosystem, drawing eyes from Silicon Valley to Shanghai. With initiatives like "Digital India," we’re not just taking our economy online—we’re
creating a tech-savvy society, empowering every citizen with the tools to dream and build.
Let’s talk about technology and space. India’s recent Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon’s south pole wasn’t just a scientific feat; it was a
testament to Indian resilience, determination, and our leap into a space frontier once reserved for a few. And in fields like artificial intelligence,
biotech, and renewable energy, Indian scientists and innovators are paving the way, creating technologies that address problems from
healthcare to climate change—not just for India, but for the world.
In culture, too, India has become a powerhouse. Bollywood has a global audience; Indian music, yoga, and cuisine are celebrated worldwide,
and our festivals light up cities across the globe. When the world practices yoga or celebrates Diwali, it’s a beautiful reminder of India’s ability
to connect cultures, fostering unity in diversity.
One of the most profound aspects of India’s rise is our commitment to global responsibility. From our pioneering role in the International Solar
Alliance to providing essential medical aid to over 150 countries during the pandemic, India has become a beacon of global solidarity. We’re
proving that progress isn’t about leaving others behind; it’s about lifting everyone up together. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to
find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” and India is embodying this ideal on a global scale.
In the arena of global diplomacy, India’s voice has grown stronger, and its values clearer. India stands for peace, cooperation, and dialogue—a
bridge between nations, offering solutions and promoting harmony. Whether at the G20 or in the United Nations, India brings a unique
perspective shaped by its history of resilience and its vision of a fair, just world.
India’s rise on the global stage is a story of billions—of farmers and scientists, artists and engineers, students and teachers—all working
together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a story of a nation that honors its past while racing toward the future, of
people whose dreams are as boundless as the ocean and as high as the stars.
So, as India rises, it doesn’t rise alone. It rises as a friend, a partner, a force for good. The world is witnessing the rise of an India that believes in
the power of unity, the potential of diversity, and the promise of a better tomorrow for all.
Today, I am thrilled to speak about a topic that fills every Indian with pride—India’s rise on the global stage. Over the last few decades, India
has transformed itself, emerging as a leader across various fields and cementing its place as a key player in the international arena. This journey
of growth, innovation, and resilience has not only shaped India’s present but is also paving the way for an exciting future.
India’s global rise is evident in multiple dimensions. Economically, India is among the fastest-growing major economies in the world, and it
stands as a beacon of stability and opportunity. With a rapidly expanding middle class, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a commitment to
digital innovation, India is attracting attention and investment from all corners of the globe. The government’s focus on initiatives like “Make in
India” and “Digital India” is empowering entrepreneurs and creating new jobs, positioning the country as a hub for manufacturing and
technology.
In the realm of technology and innovation, India’s influence is undeniable. As a country with one of the largest numbers of STEM graduates,
India is producing the talent that fuels global innovation. Indian scientists, engineers, and IT professionals are driving breakthroughs in fields like
artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration. India’s Mars Orbiter Mission was a historic achievement, and the recent
Chandrayaan missions are a testament to India’s capabilities and ambitions in space.
India’s global influence also extends to culture. Bollywood movies, traditional music, yoga, and Indian cuisine are celebrated worldwide, and
festivals like Diwali are now recognized globally. Our rich cultural heritage has become a source of soft power, fostering goodwill and respect
across continents.
Moreover, India is increasingly seen as a leader in addressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare. India’s commitment to
renewable energy, through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, has positioned it as a leader in sustainable development. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines and medical assistance to over 150 countries, demonstrating its dedication to global health and
humanitarianism.
India’s growing voice on the global stage is also reflected in its diplomacy. With a commitment to peace, cooperation, and multilateralism, India
has established itself as a responsible and respected global player. Whether through its role in organizations like the United Nations, the G20,
or the BRICS, India is actively contributing to global stability and development.
India’s rise is not just about progress within our borders—it’s about making a positive impact on the world. As we celebrate India’s
achievements, let us remember that this journey is a collective effort. Our nation’s strength lies in its unity and diversity, in the dreams and
hard work of every Indian, and in the ideals of peace, resilience, and innovation that drive us forward.
In closing, India’s rise on the global stage is not just a moment—it’s a movement. It’s a story of ambition, resilience, and the power of collective
dreams. As we look to the future, let us continue to work together to build a nation that not only stands tall but also stands as a source of
inspiration and progress for the entire world.
Thank you.