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APJ Abdul Kalam’s powerful quote reminds students that intelligence is not defined by classroom seating or exam marks.
Quote Of The Day By APJ Abdul Kalam: “The Best Brains Of The Nation May Be Found On The Last Benches”
When Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said, “The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches,” he was not glorifying poor academic performance. He was challenging a mindset.
In many classrooms, the “last benchers” are often labelled. They are deemed to be distracted, mischievous, average, or uninterested. The front rows are usually associated with toppers, discipline, and academic excellence. But Kalam, who was not just a former President of India but also a renowned aerospace scientist, believed intelligence does not sit in a fixed place.
What Does The Quote Mean?
The meaning of this APJ Abdul Kalam quote is simple: talent is not always visible in traditional ways. A student who may not score the highest marks could still have extraordinary creativity, problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, or entrepreneurial thinking.
Academic systems often reward memorisation and exam performance. But real intelligence can show up differently, through curiosity, imagination, risk-taking, and independent thinking.
Kalam himself valued innovation over imitation. He encouraged young people to dream big, ask questions, and think beyond textbooks. When he spoke about “last benches,” he was reminding teachers and parents not to underestimate students who do not fit the conventional mould.
Why This Quote Is Still Relevant Today
In today’s competitive education system, marks often become the sole measure of success. Students feel pressure to top exams, crack competitive tests, and follow predictable career paths. Those who struggle academically may feel inferior or overlooked.
This is where APJ Abdul Kalam’s inspirational quote becomes powerful. It tells students that your seat in a classroom does not decide your future. Your ideas do.
Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators were not always academic toppers. Many were curious minds who questioned rules, explored unconventional paths, and learned outside structured systems.
A Message For Teachers And Parents
This quote is not just a motivation for students. It is guidance for educators and families. Every child has potential, but not every child shines in the same way. Encouragement, mentorship, and belief can transform a “last bencher” into a leader.
Kalam consistently urged the youth of India to dream and work towards a developed nation. By saying that the best brains may sit at the back, he was democratising intelligence. He was saying: brilliance has no fixed seat.
February 12, 2026, 10:30 IST
