The basic properties of solitons are outlined. As an example, solitons in optical fibres are discussed. The topological reason for the stability of certain solitons is explained using the Sine-Gordon solitons as an example.The topological stability of Abrikosov vortices in superconductors is explained in the context of the Ginzburg-Landau theory. The interesting behaviour of solitons in  head-on collisions is mentioned.