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This book traces the journey of a soldier of modest background from the root of his profession to almost the pinnacle of the Indian military hierarchy, a rare phenomenon in the present Indian Army.Despite the odds stacked against him from early in life, his determination, hard work, focus and personal integrity propelled him forwards. He demonstrated courage from a young age; as a young IMA cadet he took a train to Lahore immediately after Independence to bring home a stranded maternal uncle – something no one else was prepared to do during those days.
The book describes the Indianization of Gorkha Regiments post Independence and how a large number of Gorkha soldiers opted to serve India instead of the British much to the latter’s surprise. Government of India had to raise a new Gorkha Regiment and several Gorkha battalions to absorb these soldiers.
There is a fascinating account of the author’s journey along with the Battalion under his command, from East to West straight to the battle field during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and move of the Brigade, which he commanded, from Ladakh by Air to the plains of Suratgarh (Rajasthan) during 1971.
Gen Kumar touches on some historic events, including the disaffection among the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and strike by junior Power engineers in Uttar Pradesh as also by All India Railwaymen Federation under George Fernandes.
Some of the more interesting sections bring out the General’s experiences in Mizoram, as Division Commander and as first Director General of Assam Rifles. In Mizoram his counter insurgency operations helped pave the way for a peace dialogue between the Government and Laldenga earning him a PVSM.. As the first DG Assam Rifles he transformed the demoralized and discontented Force into a vibrant and effective para military organization. Finally, Gen Kumar provides the reader his views on some of the most critical problems the Army has been faced with in recent years.
ISBN - 9788170494843
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Pages : 296
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