On 30 October 1981, a registered envelope arrived at our village. Inside was an interview card inviting me to Madras Medical College for admission to the MBBS course. The city was nearly 400 kilometers away. I had never traveled there, knew no one who could accompany me, and had neither the means nor the confidence to make the journey alone. I never attended the interview. At the time, it felt like the end of a dream. Looking back more than forty years later, after a career in medicine and cancer research in the United States, I realize it was not the end of the story—it was simply the first unexpected turn.
The Path I Traversed: From Kammankattukalam to Kalam "I never imagined that the hands that once held the plow would one day shake hands with Dr. Kalam. During those days, though life was rooted in toil, I never let go of hope or self-confidence. It was this unwavering belief that turned even unimagined dreams into reality. From humble beginnings to extraordinary moments, my journey stands as a testament to resilience and the power of dreams fueled by determination and self-trust."
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Thursday, July 30, 2026
A turning point - everything is happening for good
On 30 October 1981, a registered envelope arrived at our village. Inside was an interview card inviting me to Madras Medical College for admission to the MBBS course. The city was nearly 400 kilometers away. I had never traveled there, knew no one who could accompany me, and had neither the means nor the confidence to make the journey alone. I never attended the interview. At the time, it felt like the end of a dream. Looking back more than forty years later, after a career in medicine and cancer research in the United States, I realize it was not the end of the story—it was simply the first unexpected turn.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Thursday, July 16, 2026
Money or Gratitude
Money Is Valuable, but Trust Is Priceless
Money has value because people assign value to it. Trust, however, is what gives meaning to every financial relationship. A person who borrows money often understands its worth, but sometimes fails to appreciate the sacrifice, confidence, and goodwill of the individual who provided it.
When someone lends money, they are not merely handing over currency; they are extending trust. They believe the borrower will honor their word, respect the relationship, and act with integrity. When that trust is broken through dishonesty, avoidance, or deception, the loss extends far beyond financial damage. Relationships weaken, respect disappears, and confidence is difficult to rebuild.
At the same time, it is important to avoid judging all borrowers alike. Many people borrow because of genuine hardship and repay their debts with honesty and gratitude. The issue is not borrowing itself, but the absence of accountability and respect shown by those who exploit another person's kindness.
A society thrives not merely on wealth, but on trust. Money lost can often be earned again. Trust, once broken, may take years to restore—or may never return at all. Therefore, the true measure of character is not how much one values money, but how much one values the people who place their faith in them.
In the end, money is a transaction; trust is a responsibility. Those who protect both preserve not only their reputation but also their humanity.
