India’s 73rd Republic Day

India woke up to its 73rd Republic Day, fluttering the tricolor at every nook and corner of the country. The parade and flag hoisting in the country brought immense patriotism to social media. This parade brings nostalgia reminding us of old school days when we dressed up in crisp whites for the school parade. Do you remember all the wars India fought? Do you remember all the dates we mugged up for our history exams? These questions found answers when we grew up. We found an answer with the news of Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom for the country. Do you know your heroes who are fighting at the borders? Do you know your heroes protecting your sky and water bodies? Watching the Republic Day parade gives immense pride. Many of us enjoy this day as a mere holiday, but the jawans celebrate the existence of the motherland. 

Many people in our country aren’t aware of the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day. Much to the hypocrisy, they give vague reasons for skipping the parade. Many people think you have to watch the faces of corrupt politicians during the parade. What about the soldiers from different regiments marching in a cold breezy winter morning at the Rajpath? Armed forces have been practicing for over weeks to put on a show that would sing about the valor of the country and showcase India as a powerful nation. We are the nation when we talk with limited knowledge of our Armed Forces. 

Everyone in the country should be proud of men and women in uniform. Be proud of the Nation for the Armed Forces. The soldier isn’t privileged enough to enjoy this day as a holiday. “It is an ordinary day for the soldiers guarding Siachen. It is an ordinary day for the soldiers flying jaguars saluting the National Flag. It is an ordinary day for a martyr’s family.” 

You can show your respect to the armed ones fighting for you without even knowing you. They made the most difficult choice of their life: ‘Service before self.’ Go, watch the glimpses of the parade and feel proud of the soldiers. 

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/republic-day-parades-first-marching-contingent-is-worlds-only-active-horsed-cavalry-regiment-2730411

Image source: https://www.financialexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Vijay-Chowk-Republic-Day-2022-PTI-photo.jpg

Book Review: Vijyant at Kargil

How many of us remember reading about war or military history of India? There, may be a handful who have shown interest in reading about the military history away from sci-fi novels. I have been reading about military history for quite some time now. But, I would still love to be tagged as an amateur when it comes to quoting statistics from wars and several military operation happens across India. I have never been fond of reading on a Kindle, yet thanks to the current lockdown situation and trapped in house with limited supply of hard cover books on shelves. I couldn’t miss a book for somehow I remembered reading about this one from the Instagram (IG) post of the co-author Mrs. Neha Dwivedi Chibber. I have following the siblings religious after reading her sister Diksha Dwivedi’s ‘Letters to Kargil’. That book happened to be my first ever non-fictional read and also the first book for which I ever wrote a review. It took me days to figure out the feeling and sense of loss that the families under went after the war. How the war left a lot of families broke and all they had were those letters. When Neha Ma’am announced her book on her IG handle, I was super excited and kept a tab on the book’s release. When the book became officially available on the Kindle, I downloaded the book and finished reading in straight two days. However, it has been really difficult to write a review for the same.

‘Please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow.’

Captain Vijyant Thapar

The book has been written beautifully by Colonel Virender Nath Thapar and Neha Dwivedi. A book about a child, who went on becoming an inspiration for hundreds of officers inducted in the Indian Armed Forces. The story starts with the nuptial knot of young Army officer Virender and his beautiful, modest wife Mrs. Tripta Thapar, where their life began from amidst multiple posting packing bags every now and then. Vijyant (Robin) was the first born to the parents who traveled across military stations and slept under the same sky where jets roared in the sky. Virender Sir proudly named his first born after the battle tank Vijayanta (known as Vijyant), when one evening he was enjoying his tea at Pathankot. The tank transporters where unloading the battle tank Vijayanta, the first indigenous tank of the Indian Army. Vijyant was rightly named in all the sense, his spirit was high and since his childhood days he lived with his parents and was brought up in the plush cantonment area, where men in uniform marched every where. He also belonged to the family where generations had served in the Force. His determination to join the Forces was a dream which he bestowed upon idolized his father returning from work every day in the uniform. Robin was an extra-ordinary child who used military lingo, while playing games with his cousins even at a very tender age.

‘A soldier has to eat whatever he gets in the battlefield to stay alive.’

“The uniforms, the mannerisms, the discipline and the lifestyle drew people to join, and it helped that army officers were held in high esteem by everyone.”

Flip the pages of this book, where you would experience the laughter of a family, units marching in and out, bags being packed every year, new friends in every walk of life, aroma of homely food, and dreams of a boy called ‘Robin’.

There has been never a dull moment in the book. There’s a zeal in every defeat and an added flavor to every victory in the walk of life. How Robin and Birdie walked from every stage of their life, facing defeats gracefully and kissing challenges. I have never been to Indian Military Academy, I have just seen it in the movie “Lakshya”, but when Robin marched in as an Officer.. I did nothing but smile. Not many of us know about war hero and military history and this book is why you should know.

I have been delaying the chapter 18: Knoll. As I knew, we will lose a smiling Robin, an enthusiastic Robin, a Robin uttering “Shera Shera” in difficult moments…. A war would be won, at the cost of many lives.

A uniformed man cannot afford to let the pressures and demands of his job get to him. The consequences can be disastrous.

I am nobody who would have known what it feels like to lose a loved one to war, fighting on front lines while I enjoy my lockdown days at home. But, Colonel Thapar I would like to salute you for this one. I choked at this one.

“On the day Robin was born, Virender had welcomed him with a sharp salute. Little did he know then that he was destined to see him off in the same way. Thus, a proud father in full uniform and a chest full of medals gave him a crisp but heavy salute for the second and last time.”

Neha Dwivedi

I think every one should be reading this one for not just soldiers protecting us from dawn to dusk. Even civilians should read and understand the charismatic figure of Captain Vijyant Thapar, how he lost his future and our today. A proud couple lost their shining child whose smile never faded away in tough times. I can’t imagine the pain which Thapar family underwent during the writing of this book, living the days again. But, certainly I am overwhelmed reading the book about the HERO.

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"The uniforms, the mannerisms, the discipline and the lifestyle drew people to join, and it helped that army officers were held in high esteem by everyone." Flip the pages of this book, where you would experience the laughter of a family, units marching in and out, bags being packed every year, new friends in every walk of life, aroma of homely food, and dreams of a boy called 'Robin'. As a morning ritual of a reader, I did start this one without thinking if I had the heart to take it or my right to review it. No, certainly no. I have read many more in my lifetime, never did I encounter a father writing the book as a tribute to his son, a National Hero. There has been never a dull moment in the book. There's a zeal in every defeat and an added flavour to every victory in the walk of life. How Robin and Birdie walked from every stage of their life, facing defeats gracefully and kissing challenges. I have never been to IMA, I have just seen it in the movie "Lakshya", but when Robin marched in as an Officer.. I did nothing but smile. Not many of us know about war hero and military history and this book is why you should know… ‘Please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow.’ I have been delaying the chapter 18: Knoll. As I knew, we will lose a smiling Robin, an enthusiastic Robin, a Robin uttering "Shera Shera" in difficult moments…. A war would be won, at the cost of many lives. . . . I am nobody who would have known what it feels like to lose a loved one to war, fighting on front lines while I enjoy my lockdown days at home. But, Colonel Thapar I would like to salute you for this one. I choked at this one. . . . "On the day Robin was born, Virender had welcomed him with a sharp salute. Little did he know then that he was destined to see him off in the same way. Thus, a proud father in full uniform and a chest full of medals gave him a crisp but heavy salute for the second and last time." #captainvijyantthapar #kargilwarhero #posthumous #colonelthapar #nehadwivedi #penguinpublishers #indianarmy #recommendedreading

A post shared by Nidhi Srivastava (@nidhantrika) on May 18, 2020 at 12:40pm PDT

Legend in the History- Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan

Reading every article and news clip in the past 48 hours, I am sure most of us have their own opinion about the rivalry of the two nations. We have lost many soldiers in the line of duty and many more under the act of terrorism supported by our neighboring country- Pakistan. In the history of India, there was the surgical strike which made the Indian Army avenge the loss of their soldiers at URI under the heinous attack by the terrorist organizations. Yes, the air strike of Balakot by the Indian Air Force have made it to the history definitely. With the finest defence systems in the world, India retaliated in form of an airstrike to avenge the Pulwama attack. Everyone has been following the news when it comes from India Pakistan. It struck the nation hard when a pilot landed in the enemy territory after ejecting from his MIG-21 Bison. Personally, I had no guts to watch the video of the mob lynching him. I gathered all the strength to read through the articles and tweets regarding his stay at Pakistan. It shook the nation to see an officer being treated in that way. There was rage on Twitter, Facebook and all the social media platforms. The media on both sides just worsened the condition in those 48 hours fighting for their own TRPs, which was disgraceful.

For people who have been praised, Imran Khan on release our IAF soldier as a gesture of “Peace”. Well, then my friend, what do you guys have to say about the “ceasefire violations” in parts of J&K ahead of the release of the IAF soldier. That’s double-faced Pakistan ALWAYS!

Yesterday, 1 March 2019 will be a day which both the nations will never forget. India has made a powerful stand by bringing back its soldier intact under the Geneva Convention. Maybe I wasn’t at peace from the time they kept updating the news from the Wagah border. Returning home from work while having my dinner, I tuned into the news channel at 2152 hours and saw Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman marching in along with senior IAF official. As soon as he reached the Indian side of the border, he was embraced by the defence officials and he didn’t lose his composure even though. There, I was sitting holding my plate and endless tears trickling down my eyes. Well, I don’t know him personally but for what he has suffered physically, mentally and emotionally can’t be described in words. The tears made me realize that- I want to be a citizen worth fighting for. It was an emotional moment for the country, as he returned as a national hero. He has been praised by the forces for his calmness and firmness in front of the Pakistan Army. Well, that’s what the soldiers are made of – Grit, Guts and Gallantry!

Goosebump Moment
Source- Newsx.com

Tribute to the Hero
Source- Latestly

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman- Sir, you brought immense glory to the country. The MIG-21 bison dogfight with Pakistan’s F-16 will remain glorious and hilarious (yes, the memes are commendable). The country is proud of you. We hope the best of health to you and your return to the fighter soon!

नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्

Book Review: The Times We Live In

Title: The Times We Live In

Author: Madhav Thapar

Publication: Notion Press

ISBN: 1644293587 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 220

Blurb: Religion does not breed terrorism, hatred does.
From Madhav Thapar the author of the much loved A Friend Like Karna comes his second novel The Times We Live In. This is a world of terror and treachery, but also patriotism and hope. Spanning the seven decades and more since India and Pakistan gained Independence; it cleverly juxtaposes references to true events with a tale of different generations of two families separated by the bloodiest partition ever.
At the centre of the narrative is the hunt for the dreaded terrorist, code named Cobra. As the faceless enemy spreads his tentacles of terror, the Indian RAW is in relentless pursuit, and the body count rises. The action shifts rapidly from scene to scene across three continents and multiple timelines.
Yet, this is not a thriller alone. In his trademark style, the author brings forward various aspects of human drama: love, sacrifice and family values, even as he unravels the motivation and machinations of a criminal mind.
Suspense till the very end, and twists and turns throughout.

Rating: 4/5

My Review: It took me a while to finish this book with the hassles around in life. I believe maybe it came in at the right time, where the country is going through so much. The terrorist activities at its peak, this book came right on point addressing the situation of terrorism and prevailing notion about religious groups. The author has described the relationship between India and Pakistan, terror attack of 26/11 and how the country is still fighting against the odds to make it to peace. I have been pondering over the point of terrorism since the time I came in contact with some officers from the Defence Forces in India. It is not an easy life that the people in the country are living, be it the people residing in the Kashmir valley, or the people guarding our borders. The author has described beautifully about the relationship of a Hindu and a Muslim during the partition. “Let us pray that this madness will end and we will meet again soon” .  I could visualize the Cafe Leopold described during the Mumbai terror attacks. There is a different vibe in the place dating to the day of the attack and even today. Maybe the couple who breathed their last at Cafe Leopold still reside in the air of its never-ending charm. The author described the secret agents functioning in the country, looking out for the COBRA, going an extra mile in their lives for the protection of the country. The plot has a hint of modernization to it, with a simple language for the readers and more of thrill. A story with a twist where there is Sushma’s long lost love Parvez, Shaukant leaving the ISI gang, Cobra’s target to eliminate Jay and Nishi Kapoor, along with the subsequent events of Indo-Pak meeting. The story has a descriptive plot, which gives the readers a better prespective for its visualization. I enjoyed reading the book and would like to dedicate my blog to the jawans who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack due to the act of terrorism.

“Religion does not breed terrorism, hatred does” – rightly said by the author

Thank you Vinfluecers for the copy 🙂 I enjoyed reading the book.

Book Review: Shoot, Dive, Fly

Book Title: Shoot, Dive, Fly: Stories of Grit and Adventure from The Indian Army

Author: Rachna Bisht Rawat

ISBN-10: 0143428675

ISBN-13: 978-0143428671

Pages: 208

Publisher: Penguin Random House India

Format: Paperback

Blurb: Learn all about an exceptional way of life SHOOT, DIVE, FLY aims to introduce teenagers to the armed forces and tell them about the perils—the rigours and the challenges—and perks—the thrill and the adventure—of a career in uniform. Ballroom dancing, flying fighter planes, detonating bombs, skinning and eating snakes in times of dire need, and everything else in between—there’s nothing our officers can’t do!
Read twenty-one nail-biting stories of daring. Hear from some amazing men and women about what the forces have taught them—and decide if the olive-green uniform is what you want to wear too.

My rating: 4.8/5

Review: Defence was getting too much in my head lately, so this purchase indeed. I kept reading this book, chapter by chapter, as every chapter has a charisma of its own. I believe defence forces have a lot to teach and offer to every one of us, irrespective of the ranks and services. This book is an ultimate guide for people who wish to make it to the defence forces. You wish to be a paratrooper or a shooter or maybe a cyber-security expert, this book is going to guide you through the process. In life, there are things you regret… you regret taking a subject and ended failing in that. However, for some of us this book would be a regret… why didn’t I get to learn about the options the Indian Defence Forces has for us. Why on earth, it took me a while to be defence crazy. Movies make us believe that defence is sexy, well this book would make you defence is a class apart. For the matter of fact, yes, defence is class apart.

‘What manner of men are these who wear the maroon beret?’ – The Parachute Regiment

Every story described in the book is a lesson. Yes, lesson of bravery, pride and confidence that the men guiding our borders portrayed. They lost limbs for us, they took bullets for us, they lost friends to the borders and still they continued guarding us. There couldn’t have been a better description of the Indian Army.

What’s a day in the Indian Army likes?

You could fly a chopper to work, keep a gun handy, row across a freezing lake to attack a terrorist camp or climb down a gaping hole to rescue a child- and its all in a day’s work. You never get bored.

The word from the elite class of the country would definitely move each one of you reading it. There is a lot more pride in reading the act of bravery and chivalry, the officers have shown in the past decade and are still continue to serve the country. General Cardozo- who is the only person to cut off his own leg, belongs to the olive-green squad. You cannot be more proud of him for doing this and yet emerging as one of the confident personalities. Then, you have Major D.P. Singh who fought against himself…defeated his own stamina and emerged as a India’s only blade runner.

“From fighting as a soldier during the Kargil war, to battling death and becoming India’s first amputee marathon runner, he also works to inspire many other” – Huffington Post

Captain Sandesh Kadam (now, Major Sandesh Kadam) is one of the paratrooper in the Army. His parachute didn’t open at the height of 5,000 feet. He didn’t give up after this malfunctioned fall. He is quoted in the talk with the author, where he describes about the 3 remaining free falls he has to make… which will make him a combat free-faller. It gave me goose bumps when he said “I want to wear that insignia on my chest”.

“Some men are meant to spread their wings and fly!”                      

Indian Defence Forces are short of soldiers but there aren’t short of bravery and enthusiasm. I believe this book should be read by everyone opting or not opting for the forces. This read will boost your confidence and guide you through the pain. You feel being heart-broken is most painful on this earth, try fighting with bullets pierced in your body. You feel losing your expensive phone is the only sorrow, you never know what the pain of losing a limb is.

“We wore our injuries like war medal”, that’s what the Indian Army is all about.

Quotes from the Book:

“All our battles are fought in the mind, between the two people who reside inside us”

“Winning against yourself is the most difficult thing in life and those who have won this fight have the power to change things”

“I don’t think anyone is fearless- except the Gorkhas” – General Cardozo

“The best way to empower a person is to take everything away from him. When you have nothing to lose, there is no fear” – Captain Navin Gulia

“The warriors of the future might never carry a gun”

This book is more than a book, it’s a feeling!

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Hero of Congo Crisis 1960

How many of us among know about the Defence Forces of India? Maybe a handful. The marching men in the uniform make the greatest sacrifice of their lives protecting the country. Their martyrdom matters for some of us, their course mates shoulder the coffin and their family. For the rest of us, it’s news that would die at the end of the day. Why not take a step forward, and acknowledge the sacrifices made for the country! Why not know the Indian Defence Forces and take a moment to appreciate them for protecting land, sea, and air. Here, know the Hero of Congo Crisis (1960) a gallantry awardee- Param Vir Chakra Gurbachan Singh Salaria.

Gurbachan Singh Salaria was born on 29 November 1935, in a village near Shakargarh – Janwal, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was the second child born to Munshi Ram and Dhan Devi, out of their five children. Munshi Ram was inducted into the Dogra Squadron of the Hodson’s Horse in the British Indian Army. The tales of his father and his regiment motivated Captain Salaria to join the Indian Army at a young age.

After the partition of India, his family moved to the Indian part of Punjab and settled in Jangal village, Gurdaspur district. Captain Salaria was enrolled in the local village school. In 1946, he was admitted to King George’s Royal Military College (KGRMC), Bangalore. In August 1947, he was transferred to the Jalandhar branch of KGRMC. Later, he joined the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy (NDA). On 9 June 1957, he passed out of the Indian Military Academy (INA). He was initially commissioned into the 2nd battalion, 3 Gorkha Rifles. In March 1960, he was transferred to the 3rd battalion, 1 Gorkha Rifles.

A civil war enveloped in Congo after the end of Belgian colonial rule (June 1960). In the first week of July, violence erupted between black and white civilians. Belgium government sent troops to protect fleeing whites and two areas of the country, Katanga and South Kasai, seceded with Belgian support. The Congo government asked the United Nations (UN) for help. On 14 July 1960, the UN-sanctioned help to the country. India was a part of UN initiative to control war situation. Between the period of March–June 1961, India contributed around 3000 men to the UN, under the command of Brigadier K. A. S. Raja.

On 24 November 1960, the UN Security Council approved UN Security Council Resolution 169 allowing the use to force to immediately control the situation and establish peace. During the Resolution 169, two senior UN officers were taken hostage. However, they were released later. Major Ajit Singh of 1 Gorkha Rifles was also taken hostage after his driver was murdered. Roadblocks were erected by enemy forces to prevent communication between the UN.

On 5 December 1961, the 3rd battalion, 1 Gorkha Rifles was tasked to clear a roadblock on the way to Elizabethville Airport at a strategic roundabout. The roadblock was held by 150 gendarmes and two armored cars. The first attack to be made by Charlie Company, led by Major Govind Sharma according to the plan. Captain Salaria, with a platoon from Alpha Company, was to block the way to retreat and to attack if required. The rest of Alpha Company was kept in reserve. However, the Midday was chosen to execute the plan.

Captain Salaria and his troops reached the specified location with their armored personnel carriers. They were positioned around 1,500 yards from the enemy troops. The rocket launcher team soon got close enough to the enemy’s armored cars to destroy them. Though his troops were badly outnumbered by the enemy by about a 4:25 ratio, he charged towards the enemy, engaging in a hand-to-hand kukri assault. Captain Salaria and his men killed 40 enemy soldiers, before being shot twice in the neck. Captain Salaria collapsed at the last line of trenches and succumbed to his injuries.

The close engagement with the Indian troops resulted in the gendarmerie losing about half their men. The enemy troops fled in confusion leaving their dead and the injured men behind. This move helped the main battalion to easily overrun the enemy force, clear the roadblock, and prevent rebels from encircling the UN Headquarters in Elizabethville.

For his duty and courage, and disregard for his safety in the face of the enemy, Captain Salaria was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry award. However, Captain Salaria died due to his wounds.

Other honor awarded to PVC Captain Salaria: In the 1980s, the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) named fifteen of its crude oil tankers in honor of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, PVC was delivered to SCI on 26 October 1984, which served for 25 years before being phased out.