Arun Tiwari

Arun Tiwari is an Indian missile scientist, author, and professor best known for co-authoring "Wings of Fire," the autobiography of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam. The book, published in 1999, has sold over a million copies, been translated into 18 languages, and is considered a modern classic. As a missile scientist at the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Tiwari made significant contributions to India's military missile development program from 1982 to 1997. His achievements include developing India's first Titanium air bottle for the Trishul and Akash missiles, as well as designing their airframes. In his role as Program Director for civilian applications of defence technologies, Tiwari developed the Kalam-Raju Stent, India's first coronary stent, in collaboration with cardiologist Dr. B Soma Raju. This innovation led to the establishment of Care Foundation and Care Hospitals in Hyderabad, and earned him the Defence Technology Spin-Off Award in 1998. Beyond his scientific work, Tiwari played a crucial role in establishing the Pan-African e-Network project, India's pioneering satellite-based telemedicine system. He has authored several books and continues to contribute to both scientific and literary fields.

Readers primarily know Tiwari through "Wings of Fire," his collaboration with APJ Abdul Kalam. Reviews focus on his ability to capture Kalam's voice and journey. Readers appreciated: - Clear, accessible writing style that makes complex scientific concepts understandable - Faithful representation of Kalam's personality and philosophies - Inclusion of technical details without overwhelming non-scientific readers - Balance between personal anecdotes and professional achievements Common criticisms: - Some sections feel too technical for general readers - Writing can be dry in parts - Limited personal insights from Tiwari's perspective Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.6/5 (80,000+ ratings) - Amazon India: 4.7/5 (15,000+ reviews) - Flipkart: 4.5/5 (8,000+ reviews) One reader noted: "Tiwari manages to capture Dr. Kalam's humility and brilliance without resorting to hero worship." Another commented: "The technical sections could have been simplified further for lay readers."

Wings of Fire Co-authored autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam detailing his journey from a humble beginning to becoming India's leading defense scientist and later President.

Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji Personal account of the author's spiritual encounters and philosophical discussions with BAPS Swaminarayan leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Diamonds Are Forever, So Are Morals Book exploring ethical principles and moral values through real-life experiences and philosophical perspectives.

Abdul Kalam wrote extensively about science, leadership and national development in India, combining technical expertise with accessibility. His books share similar themes to Tiwari's work and often focus on inspiring young readers through real scientific achievements.

Vikram Sarabhai pioneered India's space program and wrote about the intersection of science and national progress. His writing reflects the same focus on indigenous technological development and scientific achievement that characterizes Tiwari's work.

Kasturirangan documented India's space and defense capabilities while serving as chairman of ISRO, providing detailed accounts of technological developments. His works share Tiwari's insider perspective on India's scientific institutions and missile programs.

Raja Ramanna wrote about India's nuclear program and defense research from his experience as a key scientist. His books combine technical knowledge with historical context in a style similar to Tiwari's approach.

Roddam Narasimha published works about aerospace engineering and India's scientific development based on his experience at NAL and ISRO. His writing provides the same blend of scientific detail and national perspective found in Tiwari's books.