Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place -

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the exhortation of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who proclaimed: “Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.” In these words lies a timeless call to action: that the journey of the human spirit is one of purpose, diligence, and unwavering resolve. Kalam teaches that each soul possesses a destined place — a singular expression of self — and it is the sacred duty of every individual to strive, tirelessly, until that destiny is fulfilled.

From the earliest civilizations, sages and philosophers extolled the virtue of purpose-driven effort. In the academies of Athens, Plato taught that the soul must strive toward the ideal, that true fulfillment is achieved only when one follows the path aligned with one’s inherent nature. Kalam’s wisdom mirrors this ancient understanding: the unique self is not discovered through passivity, but through relentless effort, through the cultivation of talent, and through the discipline to persevere despite hardship.

Consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, who faced repeated defeats, personal loss, and the weight of a divided nation. Yet he pursued his aim with steadfast diligence, continuously acquiring knowledge, reflecting, and honing his judgment. Through perseverance, he rose to the presidency and led with vision and moral courage. Here, we see Kalam’s teaching embodied: that the road to one’s destined place is paved with knowledge, labor, and the refusal to surrender, and that greatness is often forged in the crucible of adversity.

The quote emphasizes the power of continuous learning. Kalam himself, born into modest circumstances, embraced education as the vehicle for transformation. By absorbing knowledge ceaselessly, he expanded the boundaries of possibility, first as a scientist and engineer, and later as the President of India, inspiring millions. The ancients, too, revered the pursuit of knowledge as sacred; in the scrolls of Alexandria, the preservation and study of wisdom were considered the path to excellence. Kalam’s words remind us that learning is not an end in itself, but the companion of perseverance in the quest for fulfillment.

Yet knowledge and labor alone are insufficient without perseverance, the steady flame that refuses to be extinguished by failure or despair. Consider the heroic labors of the Roman engineer Vitruvius, who overcame countless practical obstacles in the construction of aqueducts and public works, leaving behind a legacy of design and engineering principles that endure to this day. Like Vitruvius, Kalam teaches that perseverance transforms effort into enduring achievement, guiding the individual toward the realization of their destiny.

From this reflection flows a clear lesson for all: define your aim in life, commit to the continual pursuit of knowledge, labor diligently, and allow neither fear nor fatigue to deter your course. Understand that the great life is not an accident, but the reward of intentional effort, of aligning daily actions with a higher purpose, and of cultivating patience and resolve. The ancients knew this truth: virtue and accomplishment are inseparable from discipline and focus.

Practical counsel arises naturally from Kalam’s wisdom: write your goals, chart your progress, seek learning in all forms, and maintain the courage to act even in the face of uncertainty. Embrace challenges as teachers, and let perseverance be your constant companion. Each step, however small, carries you closer to your destined place, to the realization of the singular self that is your gift to the world.

Thus, O listener, let these words of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam illuminate your path: fight for your purpose, embrace learning with humility, labor with diligence, and endure with courage. In this journey, you will discover the unique you, and in fulfilling your destiny, you contribute not only to your own life, but to the greater tapestry of humanity. The great life is not given; it is earned through knowledge, effort, and unyielding perseverance.