Book Review: Wings Of Fire

“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."

-APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam’s autobiography – Wings Of Fire is an account of his life journey. From a boy brought up in a small town of Rameswaram to India’s most renowned scientist and to being the most beloved President of India. It is a deeply passionate account revolving around Kalam’s personal story, an authentic account of the success story of India’s Space Odyssey and missile programme.

Wings of Fire consists of 4 major sections. The first, ‘Orientation’ recounts his life from 1931 to 1963. Kalam provides a very detailed description of his early childhood. The second section of the book, ‘Creation’ describes his life from 1963 to 1980. It states his work at NASA, his work in India’s field of defence and frontiers in the field of science and technology in India.

Third section entitled ‘Propitiation’ accounts the further ten years of his life from 1981 till 1991. He demonstrated the country’s competence in the crucial area of re-entry technology and with tactical missiles like Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash. The launch of Agni as Kalam states was one of the greatest moments of his life. The last section, ‘Contemplation’ is a blend of him looking back at his life, his thoughts and provides the youth with the message that they can always break through their setbacks. “Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness,” was his advice to the youth.

I was deeply moved and at a loss of words when the book ended. This book took me through the world of its own. A world of hope, optimism and passion. This book is like a warm hug, a hug to all the people who want to be something more than they are expected of, a hug to the people who have a lack of clarity and a hug to all the people who regardless of their circumstances have kept on trying. Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam made missions larger than his life. The simplicity and the humbleness with which he took every step of his way remains a highlight of the book. He described all his emotions as he felt them. This book has something to offer to everyone. There’s a lot to learn and you are really missing out if you haven’t given it a read. For it is, ‘the man you know, the journey you don’t.’