![Learning How To Fly: Life Lessons For The Youth [Sep 10, 2016] Kalam, Abdul A. P. J.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71sERFosMeL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I still remember the euphoria generated by Kalam's election to the office of the President of India. At school, (some) teachers only spoke of him for days. By the time his term ended, he was aptly called "People's President". So much was spoken and written about him that there was no doubt in my mind that he was a great man, who was also simple and humble. I read his "Wings of Fire" while still at school, thanks to Amma buying it for me as soon as I asked for it. But, till I read this (bulky) biography of Dr Kalam, I did not entirely understand the enormity of his achievements and the depths of his greatness.
The author, who was Dr Kalam's co-author of "Wings of Fire" (and continued to be his "literary assistant" and sometime "speech writer" since then) has written this extensive biography, that leaves you wondering why were our politicians arrogant to not keep him in the President's Office till his death (like our first President Rajendra Prasad, Kalam richly deserved to be there). He was singularly more qualified than all those who came before him and will definitely be more qualified than all those who come after him to be our Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (his immediate successor was a disgrace to the heights that he took his Office to). He was a President that India discovered at the right time. He was a leader who asked people to dream big so that they could make bigger contributions to their country.
Though his Presidency was the highest point of his life, the richest point was his scientific career. The portions of this book (roughly half in size) that deals with his scientific career made more interesting reading. He was not brilliant academically; he did not even have a Masters degree, leave alone a PhD (a fact that would at one time become an issue when people propose that he be made the chief of IISc) but he worked under great visionaries, who inspired people, who were leaders, importantly Dr Vikram Sarabhai (for whom he had God-like veneration), Dr Brahm Prakash (whom he saw as his Guru and as a father-figure) and Prof Satish Dhawan (from whom he imbibed leadership qualities). Kalam later turned out to be just like them: visionary, with a skill to identify the best talent and inspire them to work with commitment, somebody who could bring on board various people to work for a single cause and above all have a genuine desire to see the country grow in space and defence technologies.
Since Kalam was part of all the major projects at DRDO and ISRO, the book also takes us through the initial story of these two institutions and how scientists there did what they did mostly out of their own talents with little help from outside agencies (there was even a virtual boycott on help by international forces at certain times). All they had was their skill, inspiring leadership, intense love for their country and a desire to see it grow in the fields of defence and space technologies.
It is difficult to summarise in a short review the enormity of Kalam's contributions to these fields. To read this book is the only way we can know what he was and what he did. The book itself makes you feel so satisfied after reading. Every part and every chapter begins with a relevant quote from someone and somewhere. Almost every chapter ends on a very reflective note. The book not only tells you about the life and times of this great man, but also enriches you as a person. You are sure to be elevated to be a better person after reading the book. And that's the biggest compliment I can give to it. In 6 parts and 48 chapters, the author nicely covers Dr Kalam's entire life.
I'm currently reading books on and by Dr Kalam and I'm beginning to discover why he is an important leader in the growth story of our country. He is, I'm beginning to feel, like Vivekananda - a visionary and a leader - who came to inspire an entire generation during his lifetime and the many more to come after his demise. He stressed on India and its citizens having a vision for themselves, both collectively and individually. I'm beginning to see the value of his contributions as I read more. And I only have God to thank for having given me this unquenchable thirst for reading good books very early in life!
This is one of the books that I classify under the tags "Must read by every Indian". And when I tag a book that way, I mean it.
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Top reviews from other countries
Akshay
It is a detailed biography of sorts where the author takes us from Kalam’s journey as a child in Rameshwaram to one of the greatest personalities to ever grace the world
Reviewed in India on June 7, 2018
Manish
Perfect
Reviewed in India on August 1, 2020
Manish
Reviewed in India on August 1, 2020
Loved it.
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