Little Things Matter
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Detailed Summary
This inspiring autobiographical excerpt from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s memoir, My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions, takes us into the childhood of one of India’s most respected scientists and Presidents. The story describes how, at the young age of eight, Kalam first understood the meaning of responsibility, self-reliance, and family support.
Set during the time of World War II, the story begins with Kalam recalling how news from the outside world would reach the small town of Rameswaram only through newspapers. His cousin Samsuddin, who ran the town’s newspaper distribution agency, was deeply affectionate and encouraging toward Kalam. Due to the war, train services were disrupted, and newspapers were no longer dropped off in the usual way. Instead, they were thrown out of a moving train, and Samsuddin offered young Kalam the task of collecting the bundles and delivering newspapers across the town.
Excited by the opportunity, Kalam accepted it proudly, knowing his work would help support his family during hard times. He noticed that his mother and grandmother were eating less to ensure the children never went hungry. His motivation grew stronger as he realized how much his small income mattered.
His routine became extremely busy. He would wake up before dawn for math tuition, attend Arabic classes, collect newspapers from the railway station, distribute them, attend regular school, and then in the evening, collect payment from subscribers. He would help Samsuddin with accounts and finally listen to the newspaper being read out by elders like Jalalluddin, imagining a world far beyond Rameswaram—a world of Gandhiji, Nehru, Periyar, and other national leaders. He dreamt of one day visiting big cities like Madras and Bombay and perhaps even meeting these great people.
Despite the tiredness, Kalam felt deep joy in being a “working man” at just eight years old. He learned time management, money handling, and the value of punctuality. The train would not wait for him, so he had to be exactly on time. He memorised subscriber names, dues, and learned how to calculate bills mentally. His play, prayers, schoolwork, and responsibilities were all balanced carefully each day.
Though his mother often worried about his health, Kalam continued happily, proud to contribute to his household. He understood, even as a child, that small tasks, if done with love and responsibility, build strong character. This experience, he says, laid the foundation for the disciplined and hard-working adult he later became.
Key Takeaways:
- Responsibility can start at any age.
- Even small acts of work help build confidence and character.
- Helping family in times of need gives real joy.
- Time management, discipline, and dedication are valuable life lessons.