Wings of fire

Name of Reviewer – Sanjana Dilip Gaikwad, Final Year B.A.B.Ed, Ashoka College of Education, Nashik.
It is a very inspiring autobiography of the 11th president of India — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, titled Wings of Fire. This book is an inspiring account of Kalam’s life journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to being one of India’s most popular and respected scientists and leaders. Using absolute Candor and simplicity, Kalam shares his childhood, challenges, obstacles and triumphs, and the contributions of the people in his life that motivated and kicked started his most important life and career decisions. Kalam’s story teaches that perseverance, hard work, and following your dreams are the keys to success. The book is an inspiring read about the human spirit at its core and a great homage to the people who have inspired and supported Kalam throughout his life. “Wings of Fire” is essential reading to get motivated and rise to the challenges.
“Wings of Fire” is a moving and inspirational autobiography that gives an honest insight into the life of APJ Abdul Kalam. Kalam talks about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination through his story. He tells us what are the key take aways from his life experience, he highlights the importance of education, mentors and leadership. One of the most inspiring aspects of the book is Kalam’s passion for science and technology. His experiences working on various projects, including the Agni missile and the Indian space program, are fascinating and provide valuable insights into the world of science and research.
The book also highlights Kalam’s commitment to education and his belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives. He shares his experiences as a teacher and a mentor, and shows how these roles have helped him to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
His writing cadence is direct and raw, providing insights into his life not easily found elsewhere. From that moment, he projected the information he absorbed onto the people he came across in the juvenile system, which serves as a significant inspiration for the book. The language is simple, very accessible, making the book super readable, easy to digest and for obvious reasons it is a transformative book.
Throughout the book, Kalam emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. He shares his experiences working with various teams, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and shows how these experiences have helped him to develop his leadership skills.
The book each expected books have receive great applause from all the critics for its motivational, and positive story. Additionally, it has been best-selling in India and abroad, and has been translated into several languages like English, Hindi, Tamil and many others. This book is proof of the strength of the human will and it serves as a reminder that through diligence and perseverance, all things are attainable.
In summary, ”Wings of Fire” is an inspiring and motivating read that encourages people to follow their dream and goal. A book that everyone seeking true role models need to read if they need encouragement to keep going and do well.

Name of Reviewer – Archana Pant, Final Year B.A.B.Ed, Ashoka College of Education, Nashik.
I issued this amazing book from library and after reading it I started looking at things from different perspective like the struggles of life and the things which I have are enough that are not available to others.
The book is divided into four parts, each detailing a specific phase of his life that are orientation, creation, propitiation and contemplation.
Right from childhood his lessons begin right from his home where his role models were his own parents. APJ Kalam is known for his humbleness and noble character which he acquired from his family .
From phase 1 talks about his early life and education : Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 to a humble Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram. His parents, especially his father Jainulabdeen and mother Ashiamma, made him learn the virtues of hard work, humility, and spirituality despite financial constraints. He excelled in academics and encouraged by family and villagers to study further.
Phase2 is Creation: Career in Aeronautics where Kalam joined the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) and specialized in aeronautical engineering. He started his professional career at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and later at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). During his period at ISRO, Kalam worked on the SLV-III project with which India launched its first satellite, Rohini, into orbit in 1980. This was a launching pad for India as a space-faring nation.
Phase 3 is Propitiation: Contributions to Defense and Technology here Kalam returned to DRDO, where he became involved in India’s missile development program, earning him the title “Missile Man of India.”
Phase 4 is Contemplation: Vision for India .He emphasized education, innovation, and the empowerment of the youth. Kalam believed that India’s strength lay in its human resources and their ability to dream and achieve.
So this is a deeply moving journey of Kalam from nothing to achieving and inspiring everyone. Every page tells a new story and shine in the heart of the reader. My favorite quote from the book which really stayed with me is” We are all born with a divine fire in us ,our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness”.What is truly commendable is his humbleness even after reaching heights and leading our country that teaches us the lesson of simple thoughts and hardwork. It also explains if your plan is not successful then there is another path destined for you which will be far greater just like his dream of joining Indian air force but not able to clear interview later we all know what he achieved with great thoughts and constant efforts. I truly grateful to Abdul Kalam for his teachings and inspiring different generations also Arun Tiwari for co authoring this book. Lessons I learned are resilience in the face of challenges, humility, simplicity and service to nation. He will always be remembered for his simplicity and noble thinking
Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
This quote summarizes the essence of Wings of Fire—the power of dreams and the determination to turn them into reality.
Wings of Fire is not just an autobiography but a guide to achieving greatness through determination and teamwork. It’s a must-read for students, professionals, and anyone seeking motivation to overcome challenges and contribute to the greater good. Thus this book really helped me to dream and follow them without worrying about result because learning is all that matters in the end. I would like to recommend this book to all for turning your dreams into reality.
Thank you

This book is a Biography of Former President as well as a legendary aerospace scientist, Dr.APJ Abdul kalam, who served as 11th president of Indian From 2002-2007
He was born in a middle-class Tamil family in the island town of Rameshwaram in the earstwhile Madras state.
In his childhood, Dr. Kalam inherited honesty. and self-descipline from his father and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother. As a child, Dr kalam never felt any religious difference among his friend circle in his upbringing.
The book further describes his spiritual point of views on the different cultural Mythologies. The text also reflexts the non-extremist relegios aspect of Dr.kalams personality. The potrayal of every struggle in his life is finely elaborated which motivates the reader.
The Journey of his life is expressed which enlightens the flame of wisdom in the mind of reader and ignites the pure thought process of reader.
Education Journey includes the time span which he spent in Madaras Institute of
Technology while studing aeronautical enginee there.
Later on he joined DRDO and worked as a scientist there.
Journey towards his achivements includes
1) The crucial role he played in Indias nuclear tests (1998)
2) Development of Agni and Prithvi missiles.
these segments also includes the moments of failure and it teaches the reader how to get back after failure.

Pushkar Makarand Pargaonkar , Student TY BBA (IB), MES Senior College Pune

“Wings of Fire” is an autobiography written by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. The book tells the story of his life from his childhood in Rameswaram to his time as a scientist and later as the President of India. The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different stage of his life.
The first part of the book, “Orientation,” 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 remained determined to succeed and went on to study aerospace engineering.
The second part of the book, “Creation,” focuses on Kalam’s career as a scientist and his contributions to India’s space and missile programs. He also discusses the challenges he faced during his tenure as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Indian government.
The third part of the book, “Propitiation,” 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, “Contemplation,” 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.

Khushi Jaiprakash Giri Student civil ( SY) Rajgad Dnyanpeeth Technical Campus Dhangwadi
In this book, Dr. Abdul Kalarn shares hind journey from humble beginnings and the challenges he faced in his personal and Professional life. He also discusses the principle of positive thinking that helped him achieve Success. The book also highlights indias Struggle for technological independence and Self defense.
The story begins with kalam as a boy around 1930 in the village of Rameswararn where he lived with his parents and four brother and one sister. In this boolt, the author tells us how the role of family, relatives. Friends and society contribute to individuals life Kalam describes his village where everyone lives in harmony Religious discrimination was unknown of that time
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 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.
This is a very inspirational book for the beginner and how to start the journey when you have nothing to lost.

Prof. Pravin More
Shri Padmamani Jain College, Pabal

Wings of Fire is not just the autobiography of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, but a timeless testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and vision. Co-authored by Arun Tiwari, this book offers readers a panoramic view of Kalam’s journey from the humble streets of Rameswaram to the high echelons of India’s scientific and political landscapes. Written in a reflective and motivational tone, the book appeals not only to aspiring scientists and students but also to anyone striving to achieve greatness through unwavering determination and self-belief.

Dr. Kalam’s life embodies the idea that no dream is too big when coupled with dedication and perseverance. Wings of Fire encapsulates his philosophy of life, his contributions to science, and his vision for a self-reliant India.
Structure and Summary
The book is divided into four key parts, each symbolizing a phase of Dr. Kalam’s life, and provides a clear narrative arc from his humble beginnings to his professional triumphs and philosophical reflections.
1. Orientation (The Early Years)
This section focuses on Kalam’s childhood in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where he grew up in a modest Tamil Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and an imam, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a devoted homemaker. Despite their modest income, Kalam recalls a happy and enriching childhood imbued with values of simplicity, discipline, and spirituality.
Kalam’s fascination with flight began early, inspired by his observations of birds and his exposure to the science behind it. His teachers and mentors, like Sivasubramania Iyer and Iyadurai Solomon, played pivotal roles in igniting his passion for learning and encouraged him to dream beyond societal and financial limitations.
Key takeaway: The foundational values instilled during one’s early years can shape a lifetime of success.
2. Creation (The Building Blocks of a Career)
In this section, Kalam narrates his academic and early professional journey. After completing his education in physics and aerospace engineering, he joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), where he worked on hovercraft technology.
Later, Kalam moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he became a key player in the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) project. This was India’s first successful attempt to launch a satellite into orbit. Kalam recounts the technical challenges, teamwork, and leadership lessons he learned during this phase.
Key takeaway: Success in any field is a result of collaborative effort, a thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering focus on the goal.
3. Propitiation (Leadership and Innovation)
This section focuses on Kalam’s years at DRDO, where he spearheaded India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The development of missiles like Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and Nag under his leadership earned him the title “Missile Man of India.”
Kalam highlights the challenges of working with limited resources, the need for indigenous technological innovation, and the importance of perseverance when tackling setbacks. His leadership style, marked by empathy, delegation, and the ability to inspire, comes across vividly in this part of the book.
Key takeaway: True leadership lies in empowering others, embracing failures as stepping stones, and keeping the greater good at the heart of every decision.
4. Contemplation (Philosophy and Vision)
The final section of the book reveals Dr. Kalam’s philosophical side. Reflecting on his life, he emphasizes the importance of spirituality, self-discipline, and a higher purpose. He believed that science and spirituality were not contradictory but complementary forces that could drive human progress.
This section also outlines his vision for India’s future—becoming self-reliant in technology, eradicating poverty, and fostering innovation. His deep connection with India’s youth and his belief in their potential to transform the nation are recurring themes.
Key takeaway: A life of purpose and service is the ultimate fulfillment.
Themes and Lessons
1. The Power of Dreams and Hard Work
Kalam’s journey from a small-town boy to India’s “Missile Man” exemplifies the transformative power of dreams backed by relentless hard work. He believed that no dream was too big for those who dared to pursue it.
2. Self-Reliance and Nation-Building
A staunch advocate of self-reliance, Kalam championed the idea that technological independence was crucial for a nation’s sovereignty. His contributions to indigenous missile development and space research underscore this belief.
3. Mentorship and Teamwork
The book highlights the role of mentors like Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, and Brahm Prakash in shaping Kalam’s career. It also emphasizes the collective effort and camaraderie that drive scientific achievements.
4. Science and Spirituality
Kalam’s life reflects a unique blend of scientific temperament and spiritual depth. He believed that spirituality and science together could inspire progress while nurturing humanity.
Writing Style
The narrative is simple and conversational, making it relatable for a wide audience. Despite covering complex scientific projects, the co-author Arun Tiwari ensures clarity by simplifying technical details. Kalam’s personal anecdotes and reflections are presented in a heartfelt manner, allowing readers to connect with him on an emotional level. The book strikes a balance between inspiration and technical insight, appealing to both young readers and seasoned professionals.
Strengths
1. Inspirational Content
The book motivates readers to overcome adversities, dream big, and work tirelessly toward their goals.
2. Historical Insight
It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the early struggles of India’s space and missile programs, providing valuable lessons in innovation and resilience.
3. Holistic Perspective
The blend of personal, professional, and philosophical aspects makes the narrative comprehensive and relatable.
Weaknesses
1. Technical Density
While the book simplifies many technical aspects, certain sections may still feel overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with aerospace or missile technology.
2. Pacing Issues
The transitions between personal anecdotes and professional accounts can feel abrupt at times, affecting the flow of the narrative.
Conclusion
Wings of Fire is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire generations. It is more than an autobiography; it is a guidebook for life, imbued with lessons on resilience, teamwork, and purpose. Dr. Kalam’s story is a reminder that success is not determined by one’s circumstances but by one’s attitude and commitment to excellence.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking for motivation, especially students, young professionals, and aspiring leaders. It captures the essence of Dr. Kalam’s legacy: the power to dream, the courage to act, and the wisdom to serve.

Book Reviewer Pawar Samruddhi Prafull B.A. LL.B. III Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Yashwantrao Chavan Law College karad
The Book One of the most inspiring and popular autobiographies to read is Late Abdul Kalam’s Wings of Fire. In this book, the former president shares his personal experiences and minutest details of his life. It narrates his life, right from the former late president’s rise from humble beginnings to his vision for the country in the year 2020. It has been divided into four parts equally. The first part narrates his early life that includes his parents, teachers and other influential role models. The second part deals with Kalam’s further education, work experience and his involvement with the military projects. The third and the fourth parts are about his ISRO career and the last phase of his life, where he was bestowed upon with several awards and honours. Buy Wings of Fire: An Autobiography online to read more about this great personality who played a pivotal role in shaping our country’s future. About the Author Wings of Fire – An Autobiography was written by Dr Kalam and Arun Tiwari. Kalam examines. Kalam talks about his early life, effort, hardship, luck and chance that led him to become the frontman of Indian space research, nuclear and missile programs. Kalam began his career after graduating from MIT in Chennai, India. He worked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and later moved to ISRO and helped establish Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and pioneered the first space launch-vehicle program. Kalam later moved to DRDO to lead the Indian nuclear weapons program. A former President, and one of the smartest and inspirational Indian personalities that the world has ever seen, Abdul Kalam died on 27 July 2015, during a speech at Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, Meghalaya.
This book contains the life of a simple yet determined person. There is so much knowledge and good things that everybody can extract 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 of Dr. APJ Kalam. It gives us an understanding of his journey of success.

This is a 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, 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. How he inspired himself to achieve his dream and how he went about accomplished so much is what the book captures nicely.

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 left 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’.