Wings of Fire by APJ Kalam with Arun Tiwari

 

“Wings of Fire” is the autobiography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a former President of India and an eminent scientist. The book is co-written by Arun Tiwari.

The book is divided into four parts:

Orientation (1931 to 1963): 

This part covers Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where he was born into a working-class Tamil Muslim family. It details his interactions with his family, friends, and teachers, and his early education leading up to his graduation in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology. As a boy, he sold newspapers to help his brother and overcome his own financial challenges while attaining his education.


Creation (1963 to 1980): 

This section focuses on Kalam’s career as a scientist and innovator. It begins with his work at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on hovercrafts. After nearly four years with DRDO, he joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he was mentored by luminaries like Professor Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Werner Van Braun, and Professor Satish Dhawan. He was part of several important satellite launches during his stint with DRDO, with the crowning achievement being the Project Director of SLV-III, India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (1980).


Propitiation (1981 to 1991): 

The "Propitiation" section in "Wings of Fire" covers the period from 1981 to 1991¹². This period is significant as it marks Dr. Kalam's journey towards becoming the "Missile Man of India"¹.

In 1982, Dr. Kalam rejoined the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as its Director². He provides a firsthand account of some of the most significant scientific innovations of the country during this period². These include the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program of India, and its constituent missiles like Akaash, Naga, Trishul, and especially Agni, the Indian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile series².

His leadership qualities are clearly visible during this period, particularly in his role in shaping up the Guided Missile Development Program¹. His contributions during this period have raised India to the level of a missile power of international reckoning¹.

Contemplation (Beyond 1991): 

The last part starts with him becoming the Scientific Advisor to India’s Defense Minister in 1992. In this phase of life, he contributed heavily to the nation becoming a nuclear power and reaching its nuclear destiny with the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan in 1998.

As ex-officio chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C), he went to chart out a vision of India 2020 as the World welcomed the new millennium.

Conclusion:

Throughout his life, Kalam carried an unusual mix of spiritual convictions with a spirit of scientific inquiry. His expertise in rocket science and space technology propelled India to become a shining example for young nations. He was popularly known as the ‘Missile Man’ of India. and played a pivotal role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. He received honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country’s three highest civilian honors — Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and Bharat Ratna (1997).

Overall, he received many honorary degrees from 30+ universities from across the world