Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist and President of India, shared an inspiring thought: 'When we face obstacles, we discover hidden reserves of courage and resilience that we did not know about.' This profound quote was articulated in his numerous public speeches and motivational works, particularly in his autobiography 'Wings of Fire,' published in 1999.
Kalam's philosophy was not born in luxury. It was shaped by his personal experience growing up in a modest family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He endured severe poverty in childhood, earning money by selling newspapers, and faced significant institutional setbacks, including the disappointment of not being able to become an Indian Air Force pilot. This quote became a guide for the youth of a developing nation, as he viewed every obstacle not as a dead end, but as necessary experience for unlocking true human potential.
Essentially, this phrase serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of human strength. Kalam emphasizes that courage and resilience are not qualities that can simply be summoned while in a comfort zone; they are hidden reserves, like water trapped deep in a well. The quote addresses the general tendency of people to feel overwhelmed and self-criticize when serious crises arise. Kalam asserts that the very process of struggling with a problem acts as a catalyst, bringing these hidden strengths to the surface. Thus, difficulties cease to be mere painful failures, transforming into vital tools for self-discovery.
To understand the significance of this wisdom, one must examine the remarkable life of Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931–2015). Recognized globally as a scientist, statesman, and writer, Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was known for his simple lifestyle, accessibility, and characteristic long hair, dedicating his entire life to science, education, and supporting the new generation.
A crucial aspect of his life was the close collaboration with another distinguished Indian scientist—the legendary aerospace pioneer Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Both visionaries shared an unwavering belief in India's capabilities, challenged global skepticism, and actively utilized advanced technology to solve the everyday problems of citizens. While Sarabhai acted as the chief strategist and institution builder, recognizing Kalam's talent early on, Kalam became the tireless executor of these grand space dreams. Working under Sarabhai's guidance at the beginning of India's space program, their joint efforts laid the foundation for the country's self-sufficiency in aerospace and defense technologies.
Beyond this historic partnership, Dr. Kalam made a massive impact on the global scientific sphere. He earned the nickname 'Missile Man of India,' leading the development of the indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and heading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), successfully creating strategic missiles such as Agni and Prithvi. As the 'People's President,' he broke traditional political barriers, opening the doors of Rashtrapati Bhavan to ordinary citizens, students, and unsung heroes. Furthermore, he is an inspirational author and educator, having written influential books such as 'Wings of Fire,' 'Ignited Minds,' and 'India 2020,' which outline a plan to transform the country into a developed scientific superpower. Dr. Kalam passed away in 2015 during a lecture for students, and his quote remains his enduring legacy, reminding every person that the strength to overcome any storm resides within them.
In life, time is not constant: sometimes there are joyful moments, and sometimes we are surrounded by problems. When any misfortune arises, most people make the same mistake. They start asking questions like: why did this happen to me? What is my fault? Or why am I in this difficult situation?
Popular motivational speaker Gor Gopal Das explains this idea with a simple example. Imagine a snake bites you on the road. What will you do? Will you chase after that snake to find out why it bit you? Or will you immediately go to the doctor for treatment? Obviously, the sensible decision is to treat the wound, not to chase the snake.
However, in real life, we do the exact opposite. We continue to pursue the problem and feel helpless. According to Gor Gopal Das, the question 'Why did this happen to me?' constantly keeps us in the past (yesterday), which we can never change. Instead of getting upset about difficulties, we should ask ourselves the right questions.
As soon as we change our question and ask ourselves: 'What can I do to fix the current situation?', our thinking transforms. This single question moves us from a state of weakness to a state of strength. Our mind exits the trap of 'why' and begins to look for solutions, meaning 'what to do'. Therefore, when a sudden major problem arises in life, one should focus not on the problem itself, but on finding a solution. It is necessary to consider what this situation teaches and what is within your power at the moment. Only by asking the right questions can one remain happy and move forward in life.
