India, a land of diverse cultures and rich histories, has always been a place where dreams are nurtured. From ancient times, the spirit of aspiration has been ingrained in the Indian psyche. The story of APJ Abdul Kalam, our beloved “Missile Man of India,” exemplifies this.
In the bustling city of Rameswaram, a small boy named Abdul Kalam lived. He was an intuitive and industrious child who dreamt of soaring amongst the stars. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but his father, a humble boatman, instilled in him the noble values of hard work, humility, and a thirst for knowledge. Young Abdul’s teachers recognized his exceptional intellect and encouraged his passion for science. He faced various hurdles in his journey. He faced discrimination, but he never let it dampen his spirit. With unwavering dedication, Kalam excelled in his academics. He secured a scholarship to study aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. His brilliance and hard work made him a renowned aerospace scientist. His contributions to the nation were immense, as he played a pivotal role in India’s space program, earning him the affectionate title of “Missile Man of India.” He was not just a scientist but also a visionary, a poet, and a true humanist. Kalam believed in the power of education and the importance of empowering youth. The once-young boy from Rameswaram reached the pinnacle of his career when he was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002. His journey from a boy of humble origins to the President of India – the highest office in the country – continues to motivate and inspire people across the nation. It was this person who had once said, “A Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.” Dream is a powerful force that drives us forward and keeps us awake with its relentless pursuit.
Dreamers are visionaries. They are architects of the future. It would be wrong to call them “daydreamers,” as dreamers are those who think of doing something fruitful for society. They possess the innate capability to envision a world where challenges can be overcome and human potential is fully recognized. Dreamers are individuals in a preparatory stage, a stage that comes before becoming “doers.” Doers are those who actively take action rather than just thinking or talking about it. They transform ideas into reality and are one of the important pillars of society. The transition from dreamer to doer is a multifaceted process. It involves individuals embracing challenges as opportunities for learning, acquiring necessary skills and knowledge, and developing a concrete support system. The most critical step is transforming dreams into actions by setting realistic goals and consistently taking steps toward achieving them. While the path is fraught with obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments, resilience, adaptability, and discipline are essential qualities that enable individuals to navigate these hurdles successfully.
Swami Vivekananda, the great spiritual leader and youth icon, epitomized this transition. Narendranath Dutta, a young man from Calcutta (now Kolkata), was a man of contradictions. He was a voracious learner and also a gifted orator. He was an insightful person, yet he was plagued by doubts and insecurities. He often questioned the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. His insatiable quest for truth made him embark on a spiritual journey. He sought answers from various spiritual masters, but none could fully satisfy his yearning. The chance encounter with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Dev proved to be a turning point in Narendranath’s life. Under Shri Ramakrishna Dev’s guidance, Narendranath underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He shed his doubts and insecurities and came to be known as “Swami Vivekananda.” He traveled extensively throughout Bengal, India, and the world to preach the message of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of the soul with the Divine. At the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, he captivated the audience with his powerful oratory. When he began with “Sisters and Brothers of America, I salute you on behalf of the ancient mother of religions,” the audience was stunned by his powerful and captivating address. His words left a lasting impact on the Westerners. It was he who introduced Hinduism to the world as a dynamic and life-affirming religion. His journey from a dreamer to a doer serves as an inspiration to all. Swamiji believed in the power of youth. He once said, “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Believe in that, act on that, and it will be.” His teachings and words still continue to motivate the young generation of India.
Every year, lakhs of aspirants prepare for the UPSC exams, out of which a few thousand are selected. Each year, we encounter success stories floating around on the internet. However, there are a few ones that are not only inspirational but also heartwarming. One such story is the journey of IAS Govind Jaiswal, the son of a humble rickshaw puller, who was born into a poverty-ridden family in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He faced discrimination due to his background. However, these experiences fueled his ambition to achieve success and escape poverty. His journey was not smooth – he had to battle against poverty, hunger, and immense hardships along the way. After graduation, he started preparing for UPSC CSE from Delhi. Finally, in 2006, he cracked UPSC CSE with an impressive All India Rank of 46 and achieved his boyhood dream of becoming an IAS officer. He was only 22 when he achieved this feat. Officer Jaiswal’s story serves as an inspiration to the youth, demonstrating that socio-economic background cannot limit one’s aspirations and determination.
In our lives, we rarely encounter people who possess an indomitable human spirit. So, when we do, their stories take a special place in our hearts. The story of Arunima Sinha is one such example. Her story is one of courage, determination, dedication, and sheer will. In 2011, Arunima Sinha faced a tragic incident. The twenty-four-year-old national-level volleyball player was thrown off a moving train by thieves for refusing to hand over her gold chain. She was run over by a passing train and lost her left leg below the knee. While recovering in the hospital, this braveheart vowed to climb Mount Everest and become adept at walking with a prosthetic leg. Two years later, in 2013, Arunima became the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. This feat proved her determination and courage. She also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mt. Elbrus in Europe, Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia, and Mt. Aconcagua in South America. In 2015, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Now, Arunima is a brand ambassador for the Karnataka Government’s Sports and Adventure Department. She also runs a non-profit school for underprivileged handicapped children. Her life’s journey deeply resonates with the quotation of Shri Krishna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 series Mahabharat:
“मनुष्य के दृढ निश्चय के आगे कुछ भी असंभव नहीं रहता पार्थ I जब भी कोई जीव दृढ़
संकल्प हो कर एक दृढ़ विश्वास के साथ कोई किसी भी काम का बीड़ा उठाता है, तो देवी शक्तियों को
उसकी सहायता के लिए स्वयं ही आना पड़ता है यही कर्म का दैविक विधान है अर्जुन ...।
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
The stories of Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, Govind Jaiswal, and Arunima Sinha, among countless others, serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. Let us create a world where dreams are nurtured, aspirations are encouraged, and every individual has the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future.
The article "From Dreamers To Doers: Inspiring Stories of Youth Changing the World" has been chosen among the top ten articles in The Trailblazers 2025, a national-level article writing competition organised by Youthisthan Foundation to celebrate National Youth Day on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
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