APJ Abdul Kalam's autobiography depicts an extraordinary life: a child born into a little-educated family of boat-owners in Rameswaram---a small pilgrim town in Tamilnadu---who grew up to lead India's space research and missile development programmes, and emerged as one of the most important scientist-leaders of our time. Wings of Fire is a powerful story of courage and belief, as much an individual journey as the saga of independent India's search for scientific and technological self-sufficiency. This simplified and abridged version now makes Dr Kalam's inspirational story accessible to all readers. A comprehensive glossary provides help in the understanding of technical terms.

Strong Roots

1. Early Influences
2. Education Provides a Solid Foundation
3. Preparing to Start a Career
   Exercises for Chapter 1 – 4
4. Work Begins in Earnest
5. From Hovercraft to Rockets
6. Adding Momentum to Space Research
7. Balancing Defense Technology with Space Research
   Exercises for Chapters 5-8
8. Dreaming of Satellites
9. The End of an Era
10. Leading a Team
11. Dear ones Pass On
    Exercises for Chapters 9 – 12
12. Work Bring Solace
13. Setbacks, Failures and Friends
14. Success at Last
15. Moving On
    Exercises for Chapters 13 – 16
16. A New Job and a Wedding
17. Making Our Own Missiles
18. An Infusion of Young Blood
19. About Motivation and Working Well
    Exercises for Chapters 17- 20
20. Earth to Fire : Prithvi to Agni
21. The Fire of Success: Recognition and Love
22. Sharing Insights
23. Looking Ahead
    Exercises for Chapters 21- 24