A simple message that can help you in brightest and darkest times.

Manasvee Kasture
Nov 4 · 3 min read

It is given by one of the greatest teachers in the world.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, A great scientist and Former President of India. One of greatest teachers we had.

In morning, I was sitting peacefully among my family and sipping tea. It was an auspicious occasion of Diwali, a biggest Indian festival. My father came out rushing from his room and tells me to click a picture.

I looked around in the door and saw some of society’s security watchmen coming. My father handed them envelopes so that they can buy gifts of their choice for their family.

He asked me to click a picture with them, all smiling.

This kind of usual act for my father reminded me of a life mantra that I learned from one of the greatest teacher in world — Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

— — — — —

Dr. Kalam and his student were invited to a birthday party of Dr Sri Sri Shivkumara Mahaswamiji in Karnataka, India. In that event, Swamiji stood strong and addressed people. The astounding fact is that Swamiji was celebrating his 102nd birthday.

When Dr. Kalam were asked by his student that ‘what it is that keeps man so emotionally and physically strong, and what it is that gives a man inner strength?’.

Dr. Kalam’s thoughtful answer was :

‘The very spirit of What Can I Give’

Dr. Kalam asks us to think on this one exact question ‘What Can I give?’

Can you give food to hungry, education to aspiring, can you entertain the sad?, can you care for the old, can you provide to the needy?

— — — — —

This Indian festival of Diwali resonates with this principle of giving. It tells us to remember and value each and everyone and share our happiness equally.

This festival’s significance and Dr. Kalam’s words taught me this lesson so perfectly that I would never forget it.

Root Cause of all of our problems

Dr. Kalam discusses the root cause of problem. Off course it is opposite to the life mantra.

Root cause of problems is ‘What can I take’ mindset?

Because of such mindset, we become selfish and get caught up in situations.

Man keeps on thinking what it is for me in this?

We keep on thinking of taking from other humans, nature, and environment which is leading us to destruction.

So let’s replace this mentality of ‘What can I take’ with ‘What can I give?’

It is not always in physical forms, but a kind act would help. A smile can make a difference. A blessing that can always be remembered.

Letting people live the way they want would be kind of giving sometimes.

In words of Dr. Kalam

“If we are weak, we become selfish; If we are empty, we take; If we are filled, we automatically give to all”

Such an amazing mantra that works in circles: we feel full when we give and when we feel this way, we tend to give more.

Let’s start this virtuous cycle. and live upto Dr. Kalam’s greatest life mantra.

— — —

This story is taken from a great book — ‘What Can I Give?’. If anyone wishes to learn more about Dr. Kalam and his teachings, This book is highly recommended.

Thank you so much!

— — —

Manasvee Kasture

Written by

Indian. I love dogs, nature, and every story that is genuine. I write about Self experienced personal development and Marketing. Help others grow together!:)

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