Who you are, can be determined by what kind of people you surround yourself with. Finding better people to be around is easier said than done. Fortunately, there is a way around this, renowned Indian Author Robin Sharma mentions in his book “Who will cry when you die”. He asks to pick your ten role models, the idols by who you want to get influenced. After that, try to learn about them, read their biographies, follow and know more about their life. That’s how, if not physically but at least mentally, you will surround yourself with these great personalities, and that will determine who you will be becoming in the future.

I took Robin Sharma’s advice and made my list of idols. I must say it was a piece of great advice and you must also try following it. One of my favourites is arguably the most beloved person in our country; he is Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. His books inspire people, creates a sense of patriotism, ignites a hunger for knowledge. Some of his books which inspired me are, “Wings of Fire”, “Ignited Minds”, “My Life”.

“The story of my life has become intertwined with the story of this country. And somewhere along the way, as I met a million children living in all kinds of conditions across this land, I too learned from a million minds.“

– Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

The above lines show how humble and down to Earth he is, even after his extraordinary achievements/contributions which has allowed India to stand shoulder to shoulder with world superpowers.

He believed that youth is the voice of the future; they are the ones who will fly with wings of fire and turn dreams into reality. I want to share the lessons which he wants every youth to learn. I won’t state in detail, to encourage you to read his book, “My Life: An Illustrated Biography” or at least chapter 10 from it.

Lessons:

1. Set an Aim in life
2. Acquire knowledge to accomplish that aim
3. Work Hard towards the goal
4. Learn to Manage your failures to beat temporary setbacks
5. Undertake task that leads to bliss:- All of Kalam’s achievements gave him immense happiness. But developing lightweight (90% lighter) callipers for children affected with polio, that’s what gave him bliss.
6. Read Good Books
7. Ask yourself, what I will be remembered for?

Oaths for Youth

1. I will have a goal and work hard to achieve that goal. I realize that a small aim is a crime.
2. I will work with integrity and succeed with integrity.
3. I will be a good member of my family, a good member of the society, a good member of the nation and a good member of the world.
4. I will always try to save or better someone’s life, without any discrimination of caste, creed, language, religion or state.
5. I will always protect and enhance the dignity of every human life without any bias.
6. I will dream to become a great writer or a great poet of the world.
7. I will always work for a clean planet Earth and clean energy.
8. As a youth of my nation, I will work and work with courage to achieve success in all my tasks and enjoy the success of others.
9. My national flag flies in my heart and I will bring glory to my nation.

Wow, these words of APJ Abdul Kalam always gives me goosebumps, what about you, doesn’t this great man inspire you?

Takeaways from this post:-

1. Make your list of idols. And know about them more.
2. Learn and try following the lessons which APJ Abdul Kalam wants you to learn.

Take care, bye 🙂