Book Review | Wings of fire | written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari

 Wings of Fire book is a magnificent autobiography of former 11th Indian People's president and scientist Late Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (APJ Kalam). Scientist cum author Arun Tiwari co-authors this book.




If I have to describe Dr. APJ Kalam in one sentence, I would say “a man of humble beginnings and from humble background and love to live simple life.” In this book tried to mix up an odd mixture of religious convictions with the soul of scientific inquiry. In 1931, Kalam was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and belonged to the Muslim family. Across the whole world, Kalam was also known as “Missile Man” of India.


Dr. Kalam’s worked had worked with several different Indian government organizations which work in the field of defense and space, i.e. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). During his whole life, he apprise us some of the very advanced and breathtaking scientific facts of independent India to the people.


His excellent knowledge in rocket science and space technology has taken India to become a shining star for youthful countries wanting to stamp their understanding and skills not just over the globe. Some Intial pages of this book give tributes to his family and especially to his mother.




The first part of the book is all about the life journey of young Kalam. There’s a interactions with his loved ones, friends, and teachers. The book is filled with various kinds of pictures like learning from teachers, getting out from Rameshwaram, and many more.


Some incidence of his intial schooling were also included in the book like when he was doing a diploma in Aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.


Kalam grew up with a brew of Hindu as well as Muslim culture. However, he was born in a Tamil Muslim family, but still, he loves all religions and culture.



When Kalam was a young, he used to sell newspapers to help his family and improve their financial condition while completing his education. In Wings of Fire, the demand and support of friends and family are picturise, and it turned out to be the life changing moment of Kalam's life.



In the second part of this book, the wrhole focus was on his advancement as a man of science and discoveries. 


After finishing the schooling, Kalam’s professional life begins with the DRDO where he had worked on Hovercraft project.


After working with DRDO, he joined ISRO where he had got  second mentored of his life, who was expert in Science and Technology, Professor Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Werner Van Braun, along with Professor Satish Dhawan, and many more.



While working with DRDO, he has taken part in several satellite launches throughout his spell. In 1980, he was the manager of SLV-III project which is India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle.


At this part of Wings of Fire, he tried to construct a path into the world of science and technology. The book also describes some of his interactions with all other colleges and the ordinary people related to the organization as well as the outside world.




Back in 1982, Kalam joins the defense labs again at the DRDO as a Director. During his period, he was the main member of some most incredible scientific advancements of India like PSLV, most essential missile programs like Akaash, Naga, Agni, Trishul, and Indian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile series.

The book also pays tribute to the best Indian scientific minds and has a pleasant and nostalgic feel for this. Several pictures of Kalam and his mates were added in the book to provide a better insight about his life to the reader. 

In the last part, a new era of Kalam’s life took place. In 1992, He became the scientific advisor in India’s Defense Ministry.



 The nuclear test conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan which gives surprises the entire world and explicit status of “what India Can Do?,” Kalam was one of the very important members of this team.


Kalam has recieved India’s top three civilian awards, i.e. Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma .

Also he has recieved the plenty of degrees from several University.


Summary of book

The book is a journey of a very common and down to earth man who born in a working-class Muslim family to becoming India’s president.


It’s an outstanding tale of a very common and very down to earth person with excellent talents. This book also telling us a journey of a far-sighted leader whose works are far louder than his words.


He lives in a country where communal riots are ordinary. In spite of all, he gives his entire life to his country. Even, he was so patriotic that he died at the stage of IIM, Shillong while giving a lecture to the IIM's Student.


This book is for those people who wants to do something for their Nation and for their Nation's people.

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