Title :
Wings of Fire: An
Autobiography
Author: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam , Arun Tiwari
Publisher: Universities Press (1999)
Cost: Rs 275/-
ISBN: 978-8173711466
About the Book
Wings of Fire is an
autobiography of Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of
India It was written by President Kalam and Arun Tiwari. The
autobiography first published in English, has so far been translated and
published in 13 languages.
Life of Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam and his achievements is a living example for millions of youth. At this
age also he is the perfect youth icon. Missile man of India, man of true
visionary, after completing his tenure decided to pen down his experience, not
only to give the credit to his seniors but to inspire the youth of country by
giving example from his life. Whatever the circumstances are, everyone can
touch the epitome of success. Kalam is a true visionary who gave the country
the vision of becoming a developed nation by year 2020. He lays emphasis on the
youth being the ambassador of this vision.
This book is considered
as a Bible for every student and youth of the country and has been adopted in
compulsory reading list in many schools and universities.
Apart from the very indicative title, the chapters of the book
are also touching –orientation, creation, propitiation, and contemplation.
Orientation contains 32 years of his early life – days as a child,
going through adolescence and getting into rocketry. His description of the
people, who shaped his life, interweaving religion and education, is a charming
part of the book that almost nobody would miss reading.
Chapter 2 entitled ‘Creation’ describing the
next seventeen years till 1980 covers his struggle at ISRO going from
one-engineer-amongst-many to the successful project director of SLV bringing
pride to the nation through the technological achievement of putting a
satellite in the orbit.
The next ten years are set out in chapter 3. These constitute
the outstanding accomplishments at DRDL. The way he transformed the laboratory
from one which had a weak heart with little confidence to one which felt a
sense of strong self-esteem and could feel proud by contributing developed
missile systems to the services, is a remarkable saga.
The last chapter entitled ‘Contemplation’ contains
a condensation of ideas and thoughts arising out of his colourful life, the
awards that he received (the highest honour, namely Bharata Ratna that he
received does not find a mention in this book) and some messages for the future
generation.
The
name APJ Abdul Kalam in itself commands respect. And this book is just a
glimpse of the reasons behind that. The autobiography is a must read as many
number of times as you can. Or better to read it slowly and in peace.
And do keep an highlighter with you. On every other page you will find such beautiful observations and teachings that you will want to highlight it to read again.
And do keep an highlighter with you. On every other page you will find such beautiful observations and teachings that you will want to highlight it to read again.
In
short, its not only a must read but a must keep and must cherish book.
