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'Wings of Fire', a much talked-about book of recent times, is the autobiography of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, President of India. It is no exaggeration to say that he has brought future scientists and leaders of India within the covers of this book.

This book is written for the common man in India, for whom Dr Kalam has boundless love. He shares a sincere and genuine relationship with the poor and downtrodden. The book talks about his childhood days, some important incidents that took place in his life, about people who contributed to his growth and their involvement, his family and the faith he has in the youth of India. The book is written with so much feeling that the reader feels as if Kalam was talking on a one-to-one basis.

'Wings of Fire' has been translated into Tamil by M Sivalingam, who has done full justice through his lucid and comprehensive style of writing.

The book deals with various dimensions of Kalam - like the author in his childhood days, as a student, as a scientist - which will definitely touch the reader's heart.

'Wings of Fire' has created a saga with one-and-a-half lakh prints having been sold so far. This is a record by any standard.

Not content with reaching only the general public, Kannadasan Pathipagam has undertaken the task of publishing the book in Braille form.

"I was inspired to undertake this work when I saw the English version of the book in Braille. Previously, the blind people were taught through Braille but later on, they started learning through audio tapes. They are allowed to have 'writers' while writing exams.

"I was worried if the Braille system of learning would come to an end slowly and I wanted to do something about it. When I saw the reception this book got from the students, I decided to publish it in Braille form," says Gandhi Kannadasan, proprietor of Kannadasan Pathipagam.

"I approached the Indian Academy for the Blind (IAB) in Madurai, who make computer keyboards in Braille form. Through them, Kannadasan Pathipagam is making efforts to publish the book in Braille format.

The books are to be distributed free to blind schools in Tamil Nadu. Apart from this book, Kannadasan's 'Arthamulla Indhumadham' is also being published Gandhi them in Braille form.

Kalam, who has lauded efforts of the publisher, has written in the foreword that he felt very happy when he heard about Gandhi kannadasan's efforts. He has conveyed his thanks to him and to his colleagues for their noble work.

Gandhi Kannadasan says that their aim is to bring such popular authors' books in Braille form.

To keep up with the changing times, the publishers are bringing out the book 'Arthamulla Indhumadham' in CD format and may also launch it as an e-book. The CD is to be released June 25.

Their next plan is to sell 'Wings of fire' to students at a discounted price: Though it cost Rs 100, they would like to sell it for just Rs 50!

This also has a touching story behind it. Some poor students had written to Kalam about their inability to buy his book and asked him to help them out. This was the outcome of Kalam's efforts in response to their letters.

KT Sri
Translated by Radha N