An Autobiography of

Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

WINGS OF FIRE

By:

Jeby Benzy

Halcyons

CONTENTS1. Dr Kalam’s Life Journey2. Political Views3. Personal Life4. The King of Many Firsts5. Interesting facts about Dr Kalam6. Awards and Honors7. Books by Dr Kalam8. Inspiring thoughts by Dr Kalam

Dr Kalam’s Life Journey

Dr. Kalam was born at Rameswaram in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu, to a working class Tamil Muslim family. He received his degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1958.

Father-Jainulabdeen, Mother-Ashiamma.

Specialized in Aero Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

He initially worked in DRDO in 1958 and then joined ISRO in 1963.

Dr Kalam has made significant contribution to Indian satellite and launch vehicles of ISRO and also in the missile programme of DRDO.

He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO's launch vehicles programme and configurations.

He rejoined DRDO in 1982 and conceived the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) for indigenous missiles.

He was Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development from July 1992 to December 1999.

As Chairman, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), he generated the Technology Vision 2020 documents.

Dr. Kalam has served as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, in the rank of Cabinet Minister, from November 1999 to November 2001.

He planned a program that produced a number of successful missiles, helping him earn the nickname "Missile Man”.

His work led to the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which reiterated India’s position as a nuclear weapon state.

In the words himself:“Do not look at Agni as an entity directed

upwards to deter the ominous or exhibit your might. It is fire in the heart of an Indian. Do not even give it the form of a missile as it clings to the burning pride of this nation and thus is bright.”

In 2002 Kalam was nominated to succeed outgoing President K.R. Narayanan.

Kalam easily won the elections in 2002 and continued up to 2007.

Kalam sought the ways of science and technology to transform India into a developed country. He is considered a leading progressive, mentor, innovator and visionary in India.

His book "India 2020" strongly advocates an action plan to develop India into a knowledge superpower and into a developed nation by the year 2020.

Kalam is credited with the view that India ought to take a more assertive stance in international relations.

he regards his work on India's nuclear weapons program as a way to assert India's place as a future superpower.

Kalam's belief in the power of technology to resolve society's problems and his views of these problems as a result of inefficient distribution of resources is modernistic.

He also sees science and technology as ideology-free areas and emphasizes the cultivation of scientific temper and entrepreneurial drive.

In this, he finds a lot of support among India's new business leaders like the founders of Infosys and Wipro, who began their careers as technology professionals much in the same way Kalam did.

Personal Life

Kalam observes strict personal discipline, practicing vegetarianism, teetotalism and celibacy.

Kalam is a scholar of Tirukkural; in most of his speeches, he quotes at least one kural.

Kalam has written several inspirational books, most notably his autobiography Wings of Fire, aimed at motivating Indian youth.

Most of his books, reveals his spiritual side.

It has been reported that there is considerable demand in South Korea for translated versions of books authored by him.

He is an idol for all, including children.

The King of Many Firsts

In April 2004, Kalam took his lectures to the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen glacier. The one-time missile man of India braved the chill and spent time interacting with the troops.

On June 8, 2006- He created history by becoming the first president to undertake a sortie in a fighter aircraft, a Sukhoi-30 MKI, from Lohegaon airbase. As a 74-year old, he created a record by becoming the oldest Indian co-pilot to do so.

As President, he donated his income from his first 10 months in office to the NGO created and managed by Mata Amritanandamayi.

Interesting

Facts

Kalam begins his day by reading from the Bhagwad Gita.

Kalam is leading a remarkable ascetic life.

He works for about 18 hours each day.

He plays the 'Rudra Veena'.

Took leave just twice, when his parents died.

He is a self-confessed 'Ram Bhakt'.

Awards and Honors

Ramanujan Award by Alwars Research Centre, Chennai (2000)

Padma Vibhushan (1990)

Veer Savarkar Award (1998)

Bharat Ratna (1997)

Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997)

Prof Y Nayudamma Memorial Gold Medal (1996)GM Modi Award for Science (1996)

HK Firodia Award for Excellence in S&T (1996)

Padma Bhushan in (1981)

National Nehru Award by the Government of MP

Kalam has the unique distinction of having received honorary doctorates from at least thirty universities.

As a sign of his popularity among Indian youth, MTV-

India recently nominated him as one of the prospects for its MTV India Youth Icon for the year 2006 Award.

Books by Dr Kalam

Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam by A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari.

India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Y.S. Rajan.

India-my-dream by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Envisioning an Empowered Nation: Technology for Societal Transformation by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

Inspiring Thoughts by Kalam

"Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”

"When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust.... Withhold your hands from striking, and from taking that which is unlawful and bad..."

A leader can only be free to lead his team when he keeps a burst of all happening around him in real time

To succeed in your mission, you must have single minded commitment. Total commitment is the common denominator among all successful men and women.

Thank You…