About the Book
The definitive biography of India's most loved leader and scientist Aeronautical engineer, rocket scientist, missile man, visionary, teacher and the most inspiring head of state in living memory - Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was all these and more. Unquestionably the most revered Indian leader since Mahatma Gandhi, he transcended all the boundaries and obstacles that came his way in the course of a remarkable life; and he did so with grace and humility. Arun Tiwari tells Dr Kalam's life story with a deep understanding of his formative experiences and character. He charts Dr Kalam's stratospheric rise to prominence - as dramatic as the missiles he championed - giving us unique glimpses into his struggle and tribulations. With the benefit of thirty-three years as Dr Kalam's 'subordinate scientist, co-author, speechwriter and friend', Arun Tiwari captures the essence of Kalam - his influences, his ascetic habits and his passions that fuelled his remarkable life and achievements. Dr Kalam was a man whose expansive soul could combine ardent patriotism with a love of humanity, and rigorous discipline with gentleness and sensitivity that is almost unparalleled in public life. This authoritative portrait of Dr Kalam, enriched by personal experiences and anecdotes, reveals him as a man personifying all the glory and paradoxes of his nation: secular and religious; exalted and humble; schooled and unaffected; dynamic and calm; scientific and spiritual - an Indian above all.
About the Author
Arun Tiwari did his master's in mechanical engineering from G.B. Pant University and joined the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) at Hyderabad as a missile scientist in 1982. He was airframe designer and project manager (system integration) in the first three AKASH missile developmental flights. In 1992, on becoming chief of DRDO, Dr Kalam decided to develop civilian spin-offs of defence technology and appointed Prof. Tiwari as the programme director. As a member of Dr Kalam's team, Arun Tiwari set up the first link of Pan-Africa e-Network of Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL). The network now connects universities and hospitals across the African continent with their Indian counterparts. In 1999, Arun Tiwari co-wrote Wings of Fire, the autobiography of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The book became a modern classic, going into thirty reprints and selling more than a million copies. It has been translated into eighteen languages. He has written twelve books since then. Arun Tiwari is currently consulting to evolve the blueprint for FDI in the defence sector and towards the creation of a strong Defence Technological Industrial Base (DTIB) in India. He is an adjunct professor in the School of Management Sciences, University of Hyderabad.