Turning Points continues the remarkable story of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam from where Wings of Fire left off. It brings together lesser-known aspects of his career and presidency, including reflections on moments of controversy that he addresses for the first time. Above all, it charts the ongoing individual and collective journey toward transforming India into a developed nation by 2020 and beyond.
In Pathways to Greatness, Kalam shifts the focus from economic progress to the development of national character. He explores what truly makes a nation great, compares India’s standards of living with those of other countries, and reflects on lessons drawn from his travels and interactions with people across the nation. The book presents thoughtful insights and citizen oaths designed to inspire responsibility, unity and shared purpose. Completed just months before his death in 2015, it reflects his enduring belief that India can lead the world on pathways to greatness.
In A Manifesto for Change, written with co-author V. Ponraj, Kalam offers a sequel to India 2020 (published in 1998). Reaffirming his vision of a developed India, he examines the practical steps needed to achieve that goal. These include harnessing the energy of the nation’s youth, fostering a united and constructive Parliament, and implementing development strategies that bridge the urban-rural divide while strengthening infrastructure from the grassroots upward. Calling for a move beyond antagonistic politics, Kalam presents a clear and purposeful blueprint for national progress and collective achievement.
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam) served as the eleventh President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
Born in 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalam studied aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He played a central role in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3, contributed to the building and operationalization of the country’s strategic missile systems, and was a key figure in the 1998 nuclear tests.
As a respected public figure, he remained widely admired for his commitment to education, national development and social harmony. He dedicated himself to the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2020, travelling extensively to teach at IITs and IIMs, address conferences and engage with students and citizens across the country.
V. Ponraj is a scientist from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO, Bangalore. He worked closely with Dr Kalam as an adviser on science and technology and public policy from 2007 to 2014, and served as Director (Technology Interface) at the President’s Secretariat from 2003 to 2007. He has been actively involved in the Developed India missions pioneered by Dr Kalam and is currently pursuing a PhD.
