As the nation remembers Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary today, our e-paper pays tribute to the visionary scientist, teacher, and people’s president who continues to inspire generations. – Editor
Pre-Independence India was blessed with Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and a true people’s leader. Post-Independence, the country was fortunate to witness another such extraordinary figure — Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931. While Gandhiji could not live long in free India, Dr Kalam’s life and work embodied the same spirit of simplicity, humility, and service. He became the beloved of both young and old — a man who remained grounded and approachable despite holding the highest office in the land.
Throughout his illustrious public life, Dr Kalam lived as a man of the people. His deep impact on the youth inspired generations of students and professionals to dream big and dedicate themselves to the nation. If he were alive today, he would have turned 94 — and one can imagine him still among the youth, sharing his characteristic optimism and infectious energy.
Dr Kalam’s scientific temperament often left politicians uneasy. He once disarmed the late Pramod Mahajan, who had asked him to suggest an auspicious time for a launch event. Kalam smiled and replied, “Any time is auspicious as long as the Earth continues to rotate and orbit the Sun.” He believed in the power of human effort, not astrology — a rare conviction in public life.
The spark Kalam ignited was best captured in his autobiography Wings of Fire, which became a household name across India. Even today, the book remains a fixture in every bookstore, big or small. Its message continues to inspire millions who dare to dream despite humble beginnings.
A touching moment in the acclaimed film 12th Fail beautifully reflects that spirit — when the protagonist, too poor to buy Wings of Fire, receives it as a gift from his mentor. The symbolism is profound: Kalam’s words still light the path for those chasing impossible dreams.
His own journey was anything but privileged. Born into a poor Muslim family in Rameswaram, young Kalam sold newspapers to support his family. Yet through discipline, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he rose to become the President of India — an achievement that continues to fill every Indian with pride.
Kalam’s early mentor, a Tamil Brahmin teacher, embodied the inclusive spirit of Sanatana Dharma. That relationship deeply influenced his worldview. He became an ardent admirer of Indian culture — a skilled Veena player and a devoted follower of the legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi. His life was a shining example of how faith and humanity could coexist harmoniously in India’s diverse society.
Kalam’s early career was not without setbacks. His dream was to become an Air Force pilot — a goal he narrowly missed due to selection constraints. Heartbroken, he travelled to Rishikesh and met Swami Sivananda of the Divine Life Society. That meeting changed his life. Swami Sivananda’s advice gave him spiritual strength and clarity of purpose, setting him on the path that would define his destiny — to serve the nation through science, technology, and education.
Having been associated with publishing for over three decades, I was fortunate to be closely connected with Wings of Fire: An Autobiography by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr Arun Tiwari (Universities Press, Hyderabad). To appreciate how Dr Tiwari collaborated with Dr Kalam, one must read this remarkable work.
First published in 1999, the book has since been reprinted over 70 times, translated into nearly 22 languages, and sold more than two million copies — a phenomenal achievement for any biography. My association began when the manuscript reached us during Dr Kalam’s tenure as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, shortly before he assumed office as President in 2002.
Some members of our editorial team initially wondered whether a non-controversial book by a missile scientist would attract readers. But guided by what we call a “publisher’s instinct,” we felt certain it would strike a chord. Kalam’s sincerity and simplicity had a quiet power that transcended genre and audience.
Getting the publishing agreement signed proved tricky. Fortunately, Dr Tiwari, based in Hyderabad, helped facilitate the process. I still remember meeting him in his Banjara Hills office to obtain his signature — even before Dr Kalam had signed. It was a professional risk, but we trusted our conviction. When Dr Kalam later signed the agreement, it felt like a moment of quiet triumph.
Soon after, his election as President in 2002 gave Wings of Fire an even greater aura — but the book’s success had already begun on the strength of its content, not celebrity.
Recently, a colleague from the publishing house invited my spouse and me for morning tea and presented us with the new Expanded Edition of Wings of Fire, featuring over 50 rare photographs. One of the additions includes Dr Kalam’s final lecture at IIM Shillong on July 27, 2015 — poignantly titled “How to Make Our Planet More Liveable.” It was during that very address that he collapsed and passed away — a teacher literally dying in the act of teaching.
Kalam was always ahead of his time. His Vision 2020 document and the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) concept were pioneering efforts to bridge the urban–rural divide. These ideas later inspired several national missions, including the “Smart Cities” initiative. Few leaders have managed to blend science, spirituality, and social vision with such grace.
While re-reading Wings of Fire, I was moved by a photograph of President Kalam gifting Braille editions of the book to visually impaired children from Devnar School for the Blind, Hyderabad. That image took me back to May 2003, when we had organized a small event at Raj Bhavan to celebrate the release of the Braille edition.
My colleague, who managed the project, contacted Dr Kalam’s ever-smiling Private Secretary, Mr Hari Sheridan, who has written a touching foreword in the new edition. To our delight, Dr Kalam agreed to attend the event, along with then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
It was the first time I saw President Kalam in person. As he interacted affectionately with the children, everyone present was moved by his warmth. At one point, when a security officer tried to push me aside, Mr Naidu noticed and gently asked the officer to stand down — a moment etched forever in my memory.
The New Expanded Edition of Wings of Fire, released just before Dr Kalam’s 94th birth anniversary, is a timely reminder for Generation Z — that dreams, when pursued with faith, hard work, and humility, can indeed turn into missions.
Dr Kalam’s life teaches us that greatness does not come from privilege but from purpose. His story continues to inspire young minds to believe in their own wings — to rise above obstacles and serve the nation with courage and conviction.
In the truest sense, he was — and will always remain — India’s People’s President.
