Book Review

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.

In short, its not only a must read but a must keep and must cherish book.