Satav Shweta Kaluram :B.Sc (cs) Second Year
COLLEGE OF COMPUTER SCIENCES WAKAD ,PUNE
Wings of Fire is the autobiography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of
India’s most inspiring leaders and scientists. This book tells the story of
his journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to becoming the “Missile
Man of India” and the 11th President of the country. Written in simple
and honest language, it shows how hard work, dedication, and a strong
belief in God helped Dr. Kalam achieve greatness.
The book begins with Dr. Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram, a small
coastal town. He describes his loving family, including his father, a
humble boat owner, and his mother, who played a big role in shaping his
values. Even though the family was not rich, they were happy and closeknit. This part of the book teaches the importance of staying grounded
and valuing relationships.
Dr. Kalam’s education forms a major part of the book. He talks about his
school days, where his teachers encouraged him to dream big. His
teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, ignited his interest in science and space.
Later, Dr. Kalam studied aerospace engineering, a subject he was deeply
passionate about. His dedication to learning and improving himself is a
recurring theme throughout the book.
The book also gives an inside look at India’s space and missile programs.
Dr. Kalam played a significant role in developing India’s first satellite
launch vehicle (SLV) and missile projects like Agni and Prithvi. He
shares the challenges, failures, and successes he faced during these
missions. His approach to teamwork and leadership is inspiring. He
believed in empowering others and creating an environment where
everyone could contribute.
One of the key lessons from Wings of Fire is resilience. Dr. Kalam talks
about moments of failure but never gives up. Instead, he learns from
these experiences and works even harder. His story motivates readers to
face challenges with courage and determination.
The book also reflects Dr. Kalam’s deep faith in God and spirituality. He
believed that science and spirituality could go hand in hand. His humility,
even after achieving so much, is another quality that stands out.
In addition to being an inspiring story, Wings of Fire highlights India’s
progress in science and technology. It shows how individuals like Dr.
Kalam contributed to making the nation self-reliant in defense and space
research.
In conclusion, Wings of Fire is not just an autobiography; it is a guide to
living a meaningful and purposeful life. Dr. Kalam’s journey teaches us
that dreams can come true with hard work, perseverance, and a positive
attitude. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for motivation and
inspiration to achieve their goals. It encourages us to dream big and work
towards making those dreams a reality.

Waghchaure Pratiksha Dattatray, F.Y.Biotechnology, G. E. Society’s RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College, Nashik Road, Nashik

“Wings of Fire: An Autobiography” is a truly inspiring life story of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of India’s most renowned scientists and the 11th President of India. Co-authored with Arun Tiwari, the book takes us on a journey through Kalam’s life, from his humble beginnings in Rameswaram to becoming a key figure in India’s space and missile programs.

The autobiography is divided into four parts:

Orientation: This section explores Kalam’s childhood, early education, and the influence of his parents and mentors.

Creation: Here, Kalam shares his contributions to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the development of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV).

• Propitiation: This part highlights Kalam’s leadership in missile development under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

• Contemplation: In this final section, Kalam reflects on his spiritual beliefs, vision for India, and the values that shaped his life.

Throughout the book, Kalam emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and dreaming big, while showcasing his dedication to India’s progress in science and technology.

Waghchaure Pratiksha Dattatray, F.Y.Biotechnology, G. E. Society’s RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College, Nashik Road, Nashik

Vaishnavi Machhindra Sonwane, TY BCA, G. E. Society’s RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College, Nashik Road, Nashik -422101

Wings of fire

This book contains the life of a simple yet determined person. Everybody can extract so much knowledge and good things from this book. Reading this book is a very heartwarming and beautiful experience.
This book contains a very detailed description of how great things can be achieved through simple thoughts. This book conveys the message of the authors that always keep your dream high, your goal clear, plan perfectly and do hard work.
The story is all about a warm and intensely personal, deeply passionate, common boat – owner’s son who has become India’s most distinguished living technocrat. The pure faith in God and deep kindness, dealing life with positivity, science, and technological advancements, Love toward one country and many more things are mentioned in this book.
The book is full of insights, personal moments, and life experiences from Dr. APJ Kalam, helping us understand his journey to success.
This is the story of a boy who was born in a normal and middle-class family. He had a curiosity about aeronautical engineering. He faced so many failures during launching the satellite called SLV [Satellite Launching Vehicle] but he proved that anything can be achieved by keep trying because when you become a failure then you go one step closer to success.
The author’s narrative of his life journey evokes the reader’s identification with one’s inner fire and potential. 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. The book nicely captures how he inspired himself to achieve his dream and how he accomplished so much.
The book recollects many anecdotes and stories from childhood, his time at school and college, He wrote the time spent at the Langley Research Center, NASA, and Wallops Flight Facility gets a lot of attention.
Personal tragedies have not been left out. 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.
The second half of the book deals with the author, the scientist who made a significant contribution in developing the country’s guided missile program, a pioneering effort for the security of the nation. It’s not with reason that he was nicknamed the ‘ Missile Man of India’.

Vaishnavi Machhindra Sonwane, TY BCA, G. E. Society’s RNC Arts, JDB Commerce & NSC Science College, Nashik Road, Nashik -422101

KHUSHI MALI First Year B Arch, MET’s School of Architecture & Interior Design Govardhan, Nashik

Wings of Fire is an autobiography written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. It tells the story of his life from his childhood in Rameswaram to his time as a scientist and later as president. The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different stage of his life.

The first part of the book introduces the reader to Kalam’s childhood and early education Kalam grew up in a humble family and faced many challenges in pursuing his education. However he remain- ed determined to succeed and went on to study aerospace engineering.

The second part of the book focuses on Kalam’s career as a scientist and his contributions to India’s space and missile programs. It also describes the challenges he faced during his tenure as the chief scientific adviser to the Indian government.

The third part of the book reflects on Kalam’s spiritual and philosophical beliefs. He discusses the importance of spirituality in his life and how it helped him through difficult times.

The fourth and final part of the book looks back on Kalam’s life and the lessons he learned along the way He shares his thoughts on leadership, education,and the role of science and technology in society

The main message of “Wings of Fire” is one of perseverance and inspiration Kalam’s life story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, and his experiences provide valuable insights into the world of science, politics, and leadership.

NAME KHUSHI MALI First Year B Arch, MET’s School of Architecture & Interior Design Govardhan, Nashik

Ku.Kamal Ramdas Kale , T.Y.B.A. Dept. of English, Annasaheb Awate College, Manchar
“Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of Abdul Kalam” is written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari. This book is an autobiography of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India. This story sheds light on the journey of a young boy from Rameswaram to become a renowned scientist. It reflects how simple living, dedication, strong will and hard work led to success. It also shows how cultural unity impacts the lives of individuals.
The story begins with Kalam as a boy around 1930 in the village of Rameswaram where he lived with his parents and four brothers and one sister. In this book, the author tells us how the role of family, relatives, friends, and society contribute to an individual’s life. Kalam describes his village where everyone lives in harmony. Religious discrimination was unknown at that time. A passage that shows the closeness they had:
“The high priest of Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, was a very close friend of my father’s. One of the most vivid memories of my early childhood is of the two men, each in his traditional attire, discussing spiritual matters.”
When he was very young, Kalam wanted to join the Indian Airforce but he was not able to clear the interview. Far from being demotivated, he focused more on studies, started his career in Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), and was involved in the design of a hovercraft. He went to NASA on a training program. He moved to Indian Space Research and there he met Vikram Sarabhai. He also met many geniuses who inspired him. The book also describes leadership and teamwork, while making the projects. It shows how a man becomes a leader whenever there is a successful project or a failed one. The book reveals extensive and detailed project work by Dr. APJ Kalam, which I find distracting from the story of his life. Some readers may find this detailed descriptions boring and unappealing. It highlights the successful execution of “Agni” and other projects.
The book narrates India’s technological achievements at a time, few nations can boast of. It speaks about some brilliant minds who worked behind Indian space research such as Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Brahm Prakash and their contribution towards ISRO. As a reader, this book initially is very interesting particularly the portions from his younger days to a college student like how his family encouraged him. Later, the writing becomes a bit monotonous as it gives minute illustrations of the projects. At the end, he offers advice to the younger generation not to get demotivated and lead a positive life.This book demonstrates how Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s simple living and positive thinking became an inspiration for the Indian youth.

About the Author
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015), often referred to as the "Missile
Man of India," was a scientist, educator, and the 11th President of India
(2002–2007). Known for his humility and visionary outlook, he played a
pivotal role in India's missile and space programs.
About the Book
Wings of Fire is an autobiographical account of Dr. Kalam’s inspiring
journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to becoming one of India’s
leading scientists and statesmen. It is a testament to hard work,
resilience, and the power of dreams.
About the Plot
The book chronicles Dr. Kalam’s early life, detailing his humble
beginnings, his education, and his formative experiences that shaped his
aspirations. It delves into his work with the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), highlighting significant projects like SLV-III and
Agni missiles. It also reflects on the challenges he faced and the values
that guided him through his illustrious career.
About the Characterisati
Dr. Kalam emerges as a deeply humble and dedicated individual, whose
passion for science and commitment to the nation shine throughout the
narrative. Other figures, such as his mentors and colleagues, are
portrayed as integral to his journey, emphasizing the importance of
teamwork and guidance.
About the Themes
The book explores themes such as the value of education, the
importance of perseverance, the role of spirituality in personal growth,
and the impact of visionary leadership. It also underscores the
significance of dreaming big and working tirelessly to achieve those
dreams.
About Overall Analysis
Wings of Fire is not just an autobiography but an inspirational guide for
readers of all ages. The blend of personal anecdotes, scientific
achievements, and philosophical reflections makes it a compelling and
motivational read.

Your Opinion
I found Wings of Fire to be an uplifting and thought-provoking book. Dr.
Kalam’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved
through determination and self-belief.
Compare with Similar Works
Compared to other autobiographies by Indian leaders, such as My
Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi, Wings of Fire focuses
more on scientific endeavors and personal growth in the modern era. It
bridges the gap between technological aspirations and spiritual values.
Appreciation/Critique
The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and sincerity. Dr. Kalam’s ability
to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner is commendable.
However, some readers may find the technical details overwhelming or
the narrative flow slightly uneven.

Name of Reviewer: Khedkar Pragati Ramesh (F. Y. B. Pharm) Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Pharmacy, Ahilyanagar. 

Wings of fire

Kalam Avul pakir jainulabdeen Abdul

APJ Abdul Kalams Autobiography, Wings of Fire, covers his early life as well as his role  in indian space research and missile programmes. It tells the narrative of a young boy from a poor family who rose through the ranks of indian space research and missile  programmes to become the country’s president.

This book is an autobiography of dr. A. P. J abdul kalam, former president of india. This story sheds light on the journey of young boy from rameswaram to become a renowned scientist. It reflects how simple living, dedicating, strong will and hard work led to success.

A wing of fire is an autobiographical account of APJ Abdul Kalam’s life, from his childhood to his tenure as the President of India. The book is a testament to Kalam’s journey, filled with struggle, perseverance and determination.
Born in a small village in Tamil Nadu, Kalam’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship. However, his parents unwavering support and encouragement instilled in him a passion for learning and exploration. Kalam’s curiosity and enthusiasm led him to peruse a career in aeronautical engineering, despite the odds being aganist him.
The book takes the readers through kalam’s experiences at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development of Organisation (DRDO). His contributions to the development of India’s space and missile programs are well documented and his leadership played a crucial role in the success of these projects.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Kalam’s humility and willingness to learn. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks.
He never lost sight of his goals and continued to work towards them with unwavering dedication.
Throughout the book, Kalam emphasises the importance of hard work, perseverance and the teamwork. He also highlights the need for a strong and education system and the role that science and technology can play in driving India’s growth and development.
The writing style is simple, yet effective, making the book accessible to readers from diverse backgrounds. Kalam’s use of anecdotes and personal stories adds a touch of warmth and humanity to the narrative.
In conclusion, Wings of fire is an inspiring and motivational book that showcases the power of determination and hard work. Kalam’s life story is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and passion, anyone can achieve their goals and make a difference in the world. This book is a must read for anyone looking for inspiration and guidance on how to overcome challenges and achieve success…