Bala Samskar Kendras talked about Dr A P L Abdul Kalam, who was born on October 15, 1931, in the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque; his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. His father owned a ferry that took Hindu pilgrims back and forth between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. As a young boy, he sold newspapers in order to add to the family's meager income. 
From a Little Paper Boy to the Head of the Nation
A long time ago, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born into a poor family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His father rented out boats. Due to poverty in his childhood, he used to sell newspapers to help his family while continuing his studies. From a young age, he had a great passion for education and for flying airplanes in the sky. It was then that he decided to dream a big dream.
Young Abdul Kalam completed his Engineering degree and dreamt of becoming a pilot in the Air Force. He worked very hard for this dream, wrote the exams, and attended the interview. But only nine people were required for those posts, and Kalam was in the tenth position. That meant he failed to achieve his dream. Kalam became very disappointed.
Saddened by the failure of his dream, he met Swami Sivananda near the Himalayas one day and shared his grief.
Swami Sivananda gave Kalam a crucial piece of advice: "Do not be disheartened if what you are striving for is not attained. This failure is an indication that God has reserved a different, greater goal for you. Give peace to your mind. Look for the greatness within you elsewhere."
Hearing these words brought a new strength to Kalam. He shifted his focus and began working in the field of science. It was then that he found great mentors like Professor Vikram Sarabhai. Inspired by them, he started developing missile systems and satellites for our nation. Due to Kalam's efforts, India was able to create missiles like Agni and Prithvi. Therefore, the nation proudly called him the 'Missile Man of India'.
Kalam used to read the Bhagavad Gita as well as the sacred Tamil text, Thirukkural. The principle of 'Karma Yoga' (performing actions without attachment to the results) from the Bhagavad Gita deeply influenced his life and his work as a scientist. He had a special reverence for the Second Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita and often quoted its essence. Furthermore, he lived his entire life like a Karma Yogi, serving the nation until the very end.
He served as the 11th President of our country and became an inspiration to millions. Whether in office or not, he always preferred to be among children and students. He always encouraged children, saying, "Dream big. Those dreams turn into thoughts. Those thoughts turn into actions and give you success." In 2015, he breathed his last while delivering a lecture to students. This means that until his last moment, he was dedicated to inspiring students.
Teacher Tasks
Discussion After the Story (Analysis):
●    What advice did Swami Sivananda give to Kalam when he failed?
●    What is 'Karma Yoga'? (Explain to the children that it means doing our duty sincerely and lovingly, without worrying about the results.)
●    How did Kalam practice 'Karma Yoga' in his work as a Missile Scientist? (Explain that his goal was to serve the nation, not to seek money or fame. Mention that he worked with renewed enthusiasm every time he faced a failure.)
Expression of Thought (Creativity):
●    Duty Role-Play: Children should state their daily duty (e.g., homework, cleaning the house, helping elders). They should then role-play how they perform that duty without expecting a reward (without attachment to the result).
Practical Action (Implementation):
●    Enjoying the Process: This week, children should choose a difficult task given by their parents/teacher and try to complete it by only enjoying the work/process, without thinking about what the outcome will be.
Service Pledge: Every morning, take a pledge saying: "Today, I will do one selfless act (without expecting anything in return)."
Your donations are appreciated.
By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com
PayPal: savetemples.org
By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
It is tax-deductible. 
By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979