The Light of Spiritual Leadership

This Week's Quotation:

For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.

~ Abdul Kalam

The Light of Spiritual Leadership

Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister

Abdul Kalam, President of India from 2002 to 2007, enjoyed a remarkable career as an aerospace scientist, later serving as chief scientific advisor to the President. He was universally admired for embodying India’s rich spiritual and cultural diversity.

Born into an impoverished Sunni Muslim family, Kalam grew up witnessing regular evening discussions between his father, an Imam, a Hindu priest, and a Christian pastor. This early exposure inspired his belief in the power of dialogue and collaboration. Throughout his life, he sought to unify India’s diverse population with a shared vision and made a practice of meeting spiritual leaders whenever possible.

After his presidency, Kalam returned to teaching, serving as a visiting professor at several institutions in India and China. He launched a youth-driven anti-corruption campaign, encouraging young people with these words:

"If you FAIL, never give up because F.A.I.L. means 'First Attempt In Learning'. END is not the end; in fact, E.N.D. means 'Effort Never Dies'. If you get NO as an answer, remember N.O. means 'Next Opportunity'."

Kalam lived simply, grounded in dedicated spiritual practice. In 2001, he met Pramukh Swami Maharaj. That same year, he authored India 2020, outlining a five-point plan to guide India toward becoming a “knowledge superpower.” The plan focused on:

• Agriculture and food processing
• Education and health care
• Information and communication technology
• Infrastructure development, including electricity and transport
• Self-reliance in critical technologies

Later, Kalam experienced what he described as a “transformative moment.” He asked Pramukh Swami how India could truly achieve the vision he had laid out. The Guru replied that a sixth, essential focus area was missing: the development of spirituality and a strong faith in God. This response profoundly impacted Kalam, reshaping his understanding of national progress not merely as technological and economic advancement, but as something rooted in spiritual awakening and moral leadership.

Kalam embodied humble leadership grounded in authentic spiritual values. His love embraced all people and all life. His wisdom remains a beacon of peace in our world, inviting us toward inclusivity, visionary aspiration, and the deep insight that love belongs everywhere.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.