A BRIEF NOTES ON 'WINGS OF FIRE' CHAPTER 1

ABDUL KALAM "WINGS OF FIRE" - CHAPTER -I

Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, speaks about his life in autobiography, "Wings of Fire." The book tells the story of how he went from being a poor South Indian lad to help ing India develop its nuclear weapons and then win the presidency. This autobiography is divided into four sections. The first section covers the early years of Kalam. He has the utmost regard for his mentors, friends highlighted in this section

Abdul Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil family in the island town Rameswaram in 1931. He was a short boy with ordinary looks. His father Jainulabdeen, was a wise and generous man, and his mother. Ashiamma, was an ideal homemaker. He and his family lived in their ancestral house. Though Kalam's parents lacked wealth and education they were highly charitable and fed several outsiders every day.He grew up in a secure environment materially and emotionally, His hometown was the central place for pilgrims.His house was situated near famous siva temple.Most people in their neighborhood were Muslims. He resided on Mosque street. Living side by side as neighbours, Hindus and Muslims experienced harmony and tranquility. His father and Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the temple's high priest, were good friends. They talked about spiritual issues. Through his father, Kalam learned about the importance of prayer and the divine power that can lift individuals from confusion and misery.

Kalam was just about six years old when his father built a sailboat  ferry to take pilgrims from Rameswaram to Dhanuskodi and back. Initially, his father made a good living. But unfortunately, a major cyclone struck the Rameswaram coast in the meantime. Though the boat wrecked in strong winds, Kalam's father stayed calm. He was actually worried about a larger catastrophe caused by a gale. The cyclonic storm caused the Pamban Bridge to collapse and claimed the lives of a train full of passengers that was crossing over it.

Jallaluddin, Kalam's brother-in-law, encouraged him to excel in his studies and shared his knowledge of educated people, scientific discoveries, contemporary literature, and medical science achievements. His first cousin, Samsuddin, had a significant impact on his boyhood. It was through him that Kalam could earn his first wages. In Rameswaram, newspapers would travel from Pamban to Rameswaram station with the morning train. As a one-man operation, Samsuddin's newspaper agency served the 1,000 literate residents. The most sought-after newspaper was Dinamani. The suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station during World War II forced Samsuddin to look for a helping hand to carry the newspaper bundles, for which Kalam filled the slot. Jallaluddin shared stories about the war in Dinamani. Kalam also collected and sold tamarind seeds to a provision shop when the prices surged during this period.

Kalam attended Rameswaram Elementary School in Rameswaram for his final education before continuing his studies at Schwartz High School in Ramanathapuram.


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