'Indomitable Spirit' by the former president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam

It has been a few days I have started reading a book 'Indomitable Spirit' by the former president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. I really admire him for the kind of work he has done for my country and also for his determination, dedication, and sincerity. In today's world of instant feel good and quick results, I am not getting the kind of satisfaction I wanted to draw from reading this book. However, whatever it is saying makes sense. This book talks about how different people and incidences influence our lives like our teachers, our education system, etc. I didn't have the choice to select my teachers, parents or education system. But, I am looking for something that could make me feel better, happy now. The only message I have drawn from reading this book so far is how to be a good parent, a good teacher and a good influencer. Being a female, you are always reminded that 'your body clock is ticking', sometimes it feels like you are sitting on a time bomb. This book gives me the comfort that the purpose of having a family should not be just filling a gap of your life to make yourself complete and a fit for the society, rather it is a big responsibility and should be taken seriously. Being an independent, educated woman, I have always valued my salary over the joy of contribution to my work field. This book makes me redetermine that the purpose of the job should not be just to earn money and pay the bills rather adding value to society. And purpose of education should not be just able to read and write, rather be a life-long autonomous learner. I think these are the skills that give purpose to our life and keeps the modern-day diseases like depression at bay.

When I reflect back on my own attitude being a lecturer in a college, I had the attitude that just knowing and explaining the academic content to the students is the only job of the teacher. Now, I realize being a teacher is such a big responsibility. What I was doing then was just reacting to the attitudes of the students. I think this is the big takeaway personal realization for me from this book.