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  • Category: Books

    Got a signed copy of the book: Reading it

    The autobiographical book written by Lt. Gen. KJS 'Tiny' Dhillon (Retd.) has become a super-duper hit. I pre-ordered the book on Amazon and as promised by the author, got a signed copy of the book. The title of the book is "Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye". By the way, this was the reaction of Lt. Gen. Dhillon as 15 (Chinar) Corps Commander at the press conference immediately after liquidating the Pulwama terrorists in February 2019.

    The autobiographical book describes how the author rose in life keeping behind two terrible personal tragedies. He has also described how NDA and IMA transformed him from a Gentleman Cadet to an Army Officer. He informs us how he was assigned to the Infantry Regiment (Rajputana Rifles). He shared many interesting episodes and anecdotes on army camaraderie and officer-jawan relationship. He has also mentioned how he got the nickname 'Tiny' despite being a 6 feet 3 inches burly Sardar.

    The book also tells us how the author developed himself for higher commands, his training, and assignments. He dealt with in detail how the terrible incident at Pulwama happened within four days of his taking charge as 15 Corps Commander. The book describes how Indian Army liquidated the terrorists within 48 hours avoiding the operational details.

    Now I have reached the final chapters of the book where the author mentions his personal relationship with General Bipin Rawat, previous CDS, his terrible death, Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370, and various theoretical aspects of higher command structure and operation.

    The print, finishing, and photos of the book are excellent. The photos are very valuable also. The publisher is Penguin India. I purchased the book paying Rs. 699/-. But now this book is available at a lower price.

    I strongly recommend this book to all, especially to the young men and women of India.
  • #770056
    Thanks to the author for sharing the interesting details of this book in this post.
    There have been many writers from the army background who have written books about the ways the Indian army works and their relationship with the political situation in the country. This one also appears to be one in that series and as per the above post seems to be an interesting reading.
    I remember long back the book 'Himalayan Blunder' written by Brigadier J P Dalvi attracted the media and readers much and it became quite popular.

    Knowledge is power.

  • #770057
    I am thankful to the author for giving an exciting information of a recently published and written by Lt General( Retired) Mr Dhillon indicating how he has discharged his duties while living in the Army. By going through this book, we could get details of many interesting events of the functioning of Army. This book has exposed the details of Pulwama Incident with the details of its origins.
    Though we do have some series written by the authors from the army background giving the details of the functioning of army and its political connections in the different regimes. This book seems to be quite worthwhile in getting relevant information relating to army.

  • #770060
    Signature of the author, Lt. Gen. Tiny Dhillon (Retd.), in the pre-ordered book:
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

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  • #770063
    It's always good to share details of a book - any book - as reading is one activity that should be encouraged across all age groups.

    In our home, with everyone having a love of reading, it has always been exciting to get a book. It may be one that has been gifted, purchased from a bookstore or online, or even picked up from the local kabaddiwallah (hope that is the correct spelling). The sheer joy of holding a book yet to be read, and then reading it at a leisurely pace is something that all book lovers would surely share.

    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #770070
    Umesh Sir (#770056): Himalayan Blunder by Brigadier JP Dalvi (Retd.) was the first book in the military writing genre read by me. I read it in 1986(?) when I was in college. This book and another book 'The Untold Story' by Lt. Gen. BM Kaul (Retd.) were gifted to me by my second maternal uncle. Both books were on India's military debacle against China. Dalvi was the Brigade Commander at Namka Chu valley. He was captured by the Chinese.

    [Edited]

    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770076
    The book, as you suggested, is no doubt, a good read. But do look into the political factor behind the Pulwama attack (Partha, don't turn a blind eye. Liberals, as you term them are aware). When and how did it happen is still being debated. You must also note that the families of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation are still being neglected. Do not just go by the title that has the word 'Ghazi'.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #770083
    Book reading is always a good habit. When we read some books we will definitely get excited and we will become emotional. That depends on the content of the book. It is a very nice experience to read books written by people who write about their experiences from various walks of life. Such information may help us in handling difficult situations. So it is always useful to read books and get knowledge.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770085
    I have read the comments of respected members.

    Saji Sir has made some interesting observations (#770076). I humbly submit following few points in response to his observations.
    (a) "But do look into the political factor behind the Pulwama attack."----- In this post, I am trying to review an autobiographical book written by a retired general. The book describes various events, incidents, trials and tribulations of his life. Pulwama incident in 2019 is one of them. Within 48 hours, his soldiers liquidated the entire terror module. I think that in this particular Forum post, we should not discuss the political factor behind Pulwama. It is totally irrelevant here. To discuss this political factor, a separate Forum post is necessary. Of course, the liberals may differ.
    (b) "Do not just go by the title that has the word 'Ghazi'."---------- I do know that the emancipated liberals always have a very poor opinion on the intellectual ability and the wisdom of the common people of India. In ISC also, some members with very high intellectual prowess may have very poor opinion about the intellectual ability of common members like me. Without going into details, I only want to assure Saji Sir that I read around thirty pre-release reviews and another ten (or more) interviews of the author before deciding to spend my hard-earned Rs, 699/- (the cost of the book). The title of the book does have an interesting story behind it, but that did not influence my decision.

    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770086
    Again, Partha sir(Sir), you chose not to respond my query. Leaving this book aside, can you justify the Pulwama attack? How, when and why did it happen? Generals may have their versions but truth is something that need to be thought about.

    I would request you to answer my queries as to how, when and why without any bias. You won't be able to do so without wiping the tears of the families of so many soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #770087
    "...... can you justify the Pulwama attack? " ------No, Sir. I can't justify Pulwama attack.

    However, the security lapses which caused this dastardly attack can definitely be discussed in a separate thread. If we discuss this here, this post will lose its relevance.

    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770142
    Was it a security lapse? (?) Please read it with the context in mind. It may be convenient but not acceptable to the liberals (as you claim).

    Be truthful to what you state with conviction. Don't close your eyes and say that the surrounding is dark.

    And Partha, your title suggests that you are still reading the book. Reached the conclusion before the end? That is exactly my point.

    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #770158
    I have only one chapter left. In that chapter, the author discussed his relation with Gen. Bipin Rawat, theatre command as perceived by General Rawat and improvement in ground condition in Kashmir valley after abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. I strongly endorse this book even before reading the last chapter.

    The Pulwama terror-attack covers a very few pages of a chapter. Saji Sir, why are you hell bent to discuss only about these two-three pages when the entire book stresses character-building of young men (and women) in the Indian Army.

    I recommend this book to young people of India who want to develop themselves to become ideal citizens of the country. On the other hand, Saji Sir wants to discuss the incident of failure (one in hundred cases) of the Indian intelligence.

    Why, Sir, why? What is the real purpose behind this attempt of digression?

    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770159
    Saji - Sorry to intervene, but I do think Partha has a fair point that we should not digress. He is merely suggesting a book to read, what the book is about, and his reasons for suggesting that it is a good read. The reasons for the security lapse need not be discussed here, surely!

    Partha- for similar reasons, don't go into the nitty-gritty about whose incompetency, if any, was responsible for what happened in another military setting. You can simply recommend the book and your reason for it.

    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell


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