Dr APJ Abdul Kalam believed that parents and teachers shape the future of a child and help in building a strong nation. He said that a child’s first lessons of love, honesty and discipline come from parents at home. Teachers then continue this foundation by giving knowledge, guidance and inspiration in school. Kalam felt that both parents and teachers must work together to help children develop confidence, curiosity and moral values. He often said that when children get support, affection and good direction at a young age, they grow into responsible citizens who contribute to the progress of India.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s View on the Role of Parents
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam strongly believed that the life of a child is shaped first at home. According to him, parents are the child’s first teachers, first role models and first influencers. The lessons a child learns at home remain throughout life. That is why he always said that parents have a deep responsibility in shaping character, values and behaviour.
Kalam often shared incidents from his childhood in Rameswaram. He spoke about how his mother, Ashiamma, taught him kindness, service to others and selflessness, while his father, Jainulabdeen, taught him simplicity, discipline and devotion. He said that the honesty, respect and compassion he learned at home helped him throughout his scientific and leadership journey. Through this, he explained that children observe parents closely and copy their habits, behaviour and thinking. So, parents must show good behaviour, patience and truthfulness in their daily life.
In Kalam’s view, parents must give emotional support and create a peaceful atmosphere at home. He said that modern children face stress and confusion. They need the love, confidence and understanding of their parents. Kalam always encouraged parents to spend time with their children, listen to them, answer their questions and encourage them to think freely. According to him, children should never feel unwanted or pressured. Instead, they should feel safe and inspired at home.
He also believed that parents must encourage dreams. Kalam became a scientist because his parents supported his curiosity. He felt that if parents motivate their children to read, explore and learn new things, the child becomes confident and creative. He said parents should never compare their children with others or put unnecessary academic pressure. Every child is unique, and parents should help them discover their strengths.
Kalam also advised parents to teach moral values. He believed that values like honesty, respect, responsibility and kindness are essential for building a strong nation. Parents should guide children to distinguish between right and wrong, to respect elders, to care for the environment and to act responsibly. According to him, a nation becomes great not only through technology or economic growth but through good citizens, and good citizenship begins at home.
Kalam also emphasised that parents should limit children’s exposure to negative influences. He warned that technology, social media and wrong company can divert young minds. So, he advised parents to monitor activities, give proper guidance and ensure positive habits like reading, regular study, sports and prayer or meditation.
In simple words, Kalam believed that parents are the foundation of a child’s emotional strength, moral character and future success. Their love, guidance and example have the power to shape great human beings and great leaders.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s View on the Role of Teachers
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had immense respect for teachers. He believed that teachers are the builders of the nation because they shape young minds with knowledge, discipline and values. According to him, teaching is not just a profession but a responsibility, a mission and a service to society.
Kalam felt that teachers must inspire students, not just teach from textbooks. According to him, good teachers create curiosity in students and help them develop scientific thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. He believed that education must not be limited to memorising facts. Instead, teachers should make learning meaningful, joyful and connected to real life. He said that a single teacher who inspires students can change the future of many generations.
He also believed that teachers must show passion for their subject. If teachers are excited and knowledgeable, students automatically develop interest. Kalam always remembered his science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, who explained concepts clearly and encouraged him to dream of becoming a scientist. This shows that teachers can deeply influence a child’s career choices and life goals.
According to Kalam, teachers must also act as mentors who guide students during difficulties. He said young people face confusion about career, life choices and personal struggles. Teachers must listen to them, support them and give the right direction. He felt that a teacher’s kind words can build confidence, reduce fear and motivate students to achieve their dreams.
Kalam strongly believed that teachers must teach moral values along with academic subjects. Modern society needs people who are not only skilled but also honest, responsible and compassionate. Teachers should teach discipline, respect, teamwork and good behaviour. He said that a classroom becomes meaningful when students learn how to treat others with fairness and kindness.
He also said that teachers must be role models. Students observe how teachers speak, behave and handle situations. A teacher who is punctual, sincere, fair and calm automatically inspires students to follow the same values. Kalam believed that nothing is more powerful than a teacher’s personal example.
Kalam encouraged teachers to update their knowledge regularly. He felt that due to new technology, global changes and scientific progress, teachers must learn new things continuously. He also suggested using new methods, experiments, discussions, projects and digital tools to make teaching more effective.
He also believed that teachers play a major role in building national development. When teachers inspire students to work hard, think innovatively and act responsibly, the entire nation benefits. He said that teachers have the power to create future scientists, leaders, doctors, artists and entrepreneurs.
Finally, Kalam said that teachers must treat every student equally. No child should feel ignored or left out. A good teacher recognises the hidden talent in every student and helps them shine.
