You might remember the ‘What Can I Give?’ movement started by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2012. One of the youngsters by his side for the length of this anti-corruption movement was Srijan Pal Singh. Some years ago, the IIM-Ahmedabad grad was looking for a two-month internship ahead of joining an American company, after completing his MBA, by his own admittance, with “a very big ego”. But meeting Kalam became a turning point in Srijan’s life and the two-month internship became a seven-year association, where he worked with him as a scientific adviser. 

What Can I Give? — Life Lessons From My Teacher, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Penguin Books, Rs 250) is a book written by him in the former President’s memory, to mark his first death anniversary on July 27. 

Kalam’s autobiography — Wings of Fire — continues to feature on Top 10 non-fiction lists nearly 17 years after publication, and many of his other titles are bestsellers as well, especially Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India. 

With Srijan Pal Singh, Kalam co-authored bestsellers like Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future, Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development and Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity.  
Here is some wisdom that we picked up from What Can I Give?

• Every child should do one task every day to make their mother smile. When a mother smiles, the family smiles. When families smile, the nation is happy.

• When you can’t control the variables, learn to ignore the consequences. If you don’t look at the fears which are beyond your control, you will find it easier to counter them. 

• Criticism is debt, which needs to be paid off with applause.... Once you have criticised someone, constantly assess if your criticism was correct. Be the first to applaud them when they do something wonderful.

• Good deeds are done by extending compassion and empathy and not by extending money. Money is actually the easiest thing to give, it is difficult to share emotions. 

• Goodbyes should be short, really short. Short goodbyes create lasting memories.

I love reading Dr Kalam’s books because... Tell t2@abp.in