Authored by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Mr Arun Tiwari, the 180-page book ‘The Wings of Fire’ was first published in the year 2000. The book also contains 24 photographs at various stages of his life. It’s not with reason that he was nicknamed the ‘Missile Man of India’. The second half of the book deals with Dr Kalam, the scientist who made a significant contribution to developing the country’s guided missile program, a pioneering effort for the security of the nation.

The time when he lost his father and how he felt when conferred with many awards like the Padma Bhushan have been written in much detail. Personal tragedies have not been left out. The time spent at the Langley Research Center, NASA and Wallops Flight Facility get a lot of attention. The book recollects many anecdotes and stories from childhood, his time at school and college. How he inspired himself to achieve dreams and how he went about accomplishing so much is what the book captures nicely. Dr Kalam by narrating his life journey evokes the reader to identify with one’s inner fire and potential, for he was of the firm belief that each one of us was born with the strength and potential to make a tangible change in the world. It gives us an understanding of his journey to success. The book is full of insights, personal moments and life experiences of Dr Kalam. The ‘Wings of Fire’ is one such autobiography by visionary scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who from very humble beginnings rose to be the President of India. Every common man who by his sheer grit and hard work achieves success should share his story with the rest for they may find inspiration and strength to go on, in his story.

Wings of fire is an autobiography of