This document provides an overview and summary of the autobiography "Wings of Fire" by APJ Abdul Kalam. It discusses that the book details Kalam's career as a defense scientist in India and his role in developing key defense technologies. It then summarizes some of the key events from his early life and education in India. Finally, it outlines some of his accomplishments working for ISRO and developing important missile systems for India like Agni, as well as quotes and lessons he shared.
2. About the Book:
2
.
It is an autobiography of Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen
Abdul Kalam
Written by Abdul Kalam himself with Arun Tiwari.
This is the story of a person who had an
unparalleled career as a defence scientist,
culminating in the highest civilian award of India,
the Bharat Ratna.
This is also the saga of independent India’s
struggle for technological self-sufficiency and
defense.
3. 3
We all are born with divine
fire in us. Our efforts must
give wings to this fire.
5. 5
Born in the family of small boat-
maker.
He inherited honesty and self-
discipline from his father
And faith in goodness and deep
kindness from his mother Ashiamma
Basic Education at a local school in
Rameshwaram.
Studied B.Sc from Trichi.
Then did Aeronautical Engineering
from MIT, Madras
6. ”
6
“When troubles come, try to
understand the relevance of
your sufferings. Adversity
always presents opportunity
for introspection.”
8. What fascinated him most at MIT was the sight of
two decommissioned aircrafts displayed there for
demonstration.
He felt a strange attraction towards them and
decided to fly his own aircraft.
He didn’t know anything about Aeronautical
Engineering.
Had lot of disappointments, distractions but he
never gave up because his father’s word anchored.
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9. “He who knows others is
learned but the wise one is
the one who knows himself.
Learning without wisdom is
of no use”
9
10. 10
.
At the MIT farewell, his
professor Mr. Sponder said to
him-
“Let God be your hope,
your stay, your guide and
provide the lantern for
your feet in your journey
into the future”
12. After MIT he had two options: Air Force and
Directorate of Technical Development and Production
at Ministry of Defense.
Indian Air Force Directorate of
Technical
Development and
Production at
Ministry of
Defense
12
13. 13
Air Force- An Unfulfilled Dream
Opportunity to join the Air force just
slipped through his hands.
He was shattered.
14. He trekked down to Rishikesh from Delhi. He met
Swami Sivananda
He told him about his unsuccessful attempt. Swami
smiled and said-
“Accept your destiny and go ahead with your life.
If you don’t get what you want then you are not
destined for that. What you are destined to
become is not revealed yet but it is predetermined.
So forget the failure, as it is essential to lead you to
your destined path.”
14
20. 20
First planned to launch on 20 April,
1989
Failed
Then launched on 1 May, 1989
Again failed
Whole world made fun of India.
He was determined.
His country deserved nothing less than
the success.
Then on 8 May
21. 21
The Dream became Reality
And finally on 22nd May
Agni took its first successful flight.
Major achievement in our continuing
efforts to safeguard our independence
and security by self-reliant means
Those 600 seconds of takeoff were the
most memorable moments of his life.
Planted 1000 saplings after the success
for the blessings of mother Earth.
24. 24
For all your days prepare
And meet them ever alike
When you are the anvil, bear
When you are the hammer,
strike.
25. 25
Bread baked without
love is bitter bread that
feeds but half a man’s
hunger. Those who
cannot work with their
heart achieve but a
hollow, halfhearted
success that breeds
bitterness all around.
26. 26
When your hopes and
dreams are dashed,
search among the
wreckage, you may
find a golden
opportunity hidden in
the ruins.
27. While working at NASA he realized:
“What makes life in Indian Organization
difficult is the widespread prevalence of this
very contemptuous pride. It stops us from
listening to our juniors, subordinates and
people down the line.”
27
28. 28
The youth of today must unlearn the self-defeating way of life. The culture
working only for material possessions and rewards must be discarded
because this wealth is of no use if you are unhappy and struggling to be at
peace in your life.
29. 29
God has not promised ,
Skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways
All our life through;
God hasn’t promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But god has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor
Light for the way.