I Will Fly – Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Detailed Summary:
“I Will Fly” is a motivational speech delivered by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s former President and one of its most respected scientists. The speech is addressed to students, urging them to have dreams, believe in themselves, and break free from limitations imposed by fear, society, or circumstances.
The speech begins with Dr. Kalam’s experience at a rural development event called Sasthrayaan in a village named Kalamassery. The program aimed to inspire students from rural government schools to pursue professional careers in science, technology, and engineering. Students from different backgrounds were brought together to understand the opportunities in higher education and research.
During an interaction, a shy teenager stood up and nervously asked, “Sir, I don’t have confidence in myself. Can I ever become a marine engineer?” The boy’s fear and lack of self-belief deeply moved Dr. Kalam.
Instead of dismissing the boy, Dr. Kalam saw courage and honesty in the question. He responded not with an academic answer, but with a poem titled “I Will Fly”, encouraging the boy to believe in his own wings—the wings of confidence, courage, and determination.
Poem Extract (from the speech):
I am born with potential.
I am born with goodness and trust.
I am born with ideas and dreams.
I am born with greatness.
I am not meant for crawling,
I have wings, I will fly,
I will fly and fly…
The poem becomes a central part of the speech, symbolising hope, ambition, and the inner power that every individual possesses. Kalam ends by advising students to become a “unique you” rather than copies of someone else. He emphasizes that youth must dream big and shape the future with courage and vision.
Theme:
- Self-confidence and courage
- Importance of dreams and goals
- Upliftment of rural youth
- Belief in one’s unique abilities
- Power of education and guidance
Message:
- Every child, regardless of background, has the potential to rise.
- Fear and low self-worth should never hold you back.
- With determination and belief, you can achieve anything.
Tone and Style:
- Inspiring, emotional, motivational
- Conversational tone using real-life examples
- Includes poetry to connect emotionally with the audience