IMPACT OF FIVE BOOKS READ BY ME RECENTLY

Col NN Bhatia (Retd) reviews five books read by him on contemporary subjects of military and general interest, have a look

In the last 2 months I read 5 books as under:-

1.    Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson, 

2.    TANYA written by my Kumaoni ambassador friend Mohan Pandey, 

3.    GRIT, BLOOD & GLORY, The Unsung Saga of Jangi Six, 6^th Battalion The Kumaon

Regiment by Lt Col Prem Andrews, 

4.    MILITANCY IN KASHMIR by Lt Gen AC Soneja former CO 2 JAK RIF & 

5.    The Coffee Table Book, THE BLUE VALOUR, Raghunath Battalion's Saga of of Peacekeeping in South Sudan (3 JAK RIF)

Who Moved My Cheese 

Written by Dr Spencer Johnson, this is the smallest 94 pages bestselling fictional book written for all ages that took my 90 minutes to read. Its unique insights have lasting impact for life time on the reader revealing profound truths metaphoring cheese for what one wants to achieve in one’s life, say like a good job, a loving relationship, money or possession, health or spiritual peace of mind that the author shows reader how to anticipate change like adopt to change quickly, enjoy change and be ready to change quickly, again and again. It is story, two mice Sniff and Scurry and two littlepeople Hem and Haw of mice size living in a maze. While the simple minded and instinctive mice run the same path every day, eating cheese when they find it, but are always ready to move on. The Hem and Haw, search for a special kind of Cheese that makes them happy and fulfilled by keeping track of where they have found it before. All four discover a spot where their favorite cheese is regularly available, called Cheese Station C. The mice continue to run the entire maze each day while the littlepeople stop exploring and suffer. While reading the book the reader discovers the secret for himself and learns how to deal with the change, so that he suffers less stress and enjoys more success in his work and in life. According to Daily Telegraph, it is, 'One of the most successful business books ever'. The main theme of this small book highlights that success comes to those who let go the past and adapt quickly to changing environment. I suggest that every Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the highest ranking executive in any organisation responsible for overall strategy, decision making and leadership and Commanding Officer (CO) of every military unit should read this book ensuring every young manager and commissioned officer reads this book on joining the service costing Rs 225 and published by Vermillion.

TANYA 

The second book TANYA is a fictional absorbing 324 pages romantic novel set against life in Moscow, London, Berlin, Istanbul and Mauritius over 1970's the story revolving around a KGB officer's daughter Tanya manipulated by her Mauritian classmate in Moscow to marry him for exotic life in his small beautiful island country that however, turned out to be a trap with abuse and torture forcing her desperate escape back to Moscow. A chance meeting with a Moscow based US journalist Robert on vacation in Mauritius helping her in her daring escape on a freighter ship facing innumerable hurdles that brings them closer notwithstanding Robert maintaining distance from Tanya being a foreigner viewed suspiciously by the communist regime of that time. Ultimately, after collapse of the Soviet Union they marry representing victory for love over political boundaries. In this poignant romantic tragedy story, while Tanya and Robert find love but finally fate strikes again Tanya with terminal ailment. It is story full of romance and love, destiny and fate ending in a saddening tragedy.

Incidentally, the author Mohan Pandey, former Indian Foreign Service Officer is a chanced friend of mine. After retiring from active service, he was heading the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and I while leading a retired life was called upon as Industrial Security Consultant in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in the wake of 26/11. We used to travel by the same charted bus often sharing seats together. Since he was a Kumaoni from Ranikhet and I being the veteran from the Kumaon Regiment, we became good friends. While he migrated to the US, he keeps coming to Noida on need basis and keeps in touch with me. This February, he was in Noida and appraised me about his writing a romantic novel and if I could suggest him a reputed publisher as I have some books already published. I suggested him Sabre & Quill publisher owned by my very dear friend Brig Rajendra Singh (Retd) who obliged Mohan Pandey publishing TANYA in a record weeks’ time and the book was duly inaugurated in our presence at India International Centre.

GRIT, BLOOD & GLORY, The Unsung Saga of Jangi Sixth 

01 February 1941 in Agra, 6th Battalion the Nineteen Hyderabad Regiment was raised by Lt Col JWT Colsey with Deep Chand as its first Subedar Major that has scripted the amazing story of ‘Grit, Blood and Glory’. Quick arrival of the newly attested trained drafts, the Viceroy Commissioned Officers (VCOs) later termed as the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), Officers vehicles, combat stores and rigorous training made the Battalion combat effective fast and by the end July 1941, the Battalion moved and was baptized operationally at Landi Kotal across the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). In December 1942, dynamic leader Lt Col SM Shrinagesh took over the command of the Battalion as the first Indian CO, operating most effectively both in the NWFP and Burma Campaign as part of the Lushai Brigade against the Japanese during World War II. Lt Col Shrinagesh in his illustrious military career later rose to be the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) leaving behind an indelible imprint on the tapestry of the Paltan, the Kumaon Regiment and the military history and as governor of many states after retirement from active service. After the Second World War, on 27 October 1945 the 19th Hyderabad Regiment was renamed as 19th Kumaon Regiment. Post-independence, it became the Kumaon Regiment and consequently 6th Battalion, the Nineteen Hyderabad Regiment rightly became the 6th Battalion, the Kumaon Regiment or 6 Kumaon. The Paltan took part in ‘Operation POLO’-The Hyderabad Police Action-1948 and was complimented by Lt General Maharaj Rajender Singh Ji, then GOC-in-C Southern Command for its role and contribution in the operation.

6 Kumaon served in Shillong in 1949-1953 training in counter insurgency and guerilla role and was commended for its relief role in 1950 Assam earthquake. In 1957 battalion undertook ‘Operation Balu’ rescuing a civilian porter and one other rank while wading across the avalanche under the leadership of major Bakhtawar Singh and Havildar Daulat Ram, rescuing and evacuating them for medical attention. The roads were closed under heavy snow and with herculean effort buried bulldozer was recovered and brought back to life. In another rescue operation, 23 vehicles were recovered and evacuated to Gund from Sonamarg. Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar was awarded COAS Commendation Card while Havildar Daulat Ram was awarded Ashok Chakra (AC) Class III, later renamed as Shaurya Chakra (SC). I feel proud that while my elder brother late Major PN Bhatia, VrC, hero of Walong and his son Maj Gen Arvind Bhatia, AVSM (Retd) served in 6 Kumaon, I had the unique privilege to serve with Subedar (Honorary Captain) Daulat Ram affectionately called Ashok Chakra Saab, as the Ahirs were transferred from 2 Kumaon (Berar) and 6 Kumaon to 13 Kumaon in exchange of the Kumaoni soldiers. 

In 1962 Sino-Indian War 6 Kumaon known for its heroic deeds, had the distinction to become the only Indian Army Battalion in the entire 1962 War that had counter-attacked the Chinese with unparalleled bravery, grit and determination. There was no artillery fire support available but own 3 inch Mortars were the most effective. The war cries of ‘Kalika Mata ki Jai’ drowned the clatter of automatic weapons and thud of the mortars, breaking the long silence of the mountains. Kumaonis charged up the hills of Yellow Pimple like hungry ‘man eaters’. Enemy reacted fiercely by artillery and machine gun fire and by noon the Kumaonis were held just 20 meters short of the objective suffering heavy casualties and dwindling bayonet strength and limited 3 inch mortar fire support. Out of 200 kumaonis, only 90 could make up to Battalion Headquarters at Tri Junction.

About 0130 hrs the Chinese attacked Tri Junction itself. Capt PN Bhatia, the Adjutant of 6 Kumaon adroitly countered the situation and put up a determined resistance. When the gunner near him was fatally wounded, he himself manned the LMG firing ferociously on the advancing enemy. The attack was repulsed and both sides suffered heavy casualties seriously wounding Capt Bhatia and 2 Lt AS Khatri. The constant firing of the Kumaoni mortars mounted Chinese causalities keeping them at bay for long time repulsing enemy’s four successive attacks. On 16 November at 0730 hrs, Chinese launched another massive attack to capture Walong. Available tired, ill clad and ill-equipped troops driven to desperation were reorganized and enemy assault petered within 50 yards of the top. But the fate of Walong and 6 Kumaon was sealed as they were surrounded by two brigade strength of the Chinese. On the final muster, the casualties suffered by 6 Kumaon were 404 (Killed 119, wounded 113, POWs 172).The Battalion was awarded five Vir Chakras and one mentioned in dispatches though they deserved much bigger haul. In the famous words of Brig NC Rawlley, MC, Commander of the Walong Brigade, ‘6 Kumaon at Tri Junction fought and fought and fought till there was an eerie silence’. 

6 Kumaon had six avoidable lapses in this war – thrice changing of their Brigades, twice the Divisions and once the Corps, thus suffering this faith accompli. In such no ‘Mai Baap’ situation, the worst in the war, got compounded while the savage bravery and raw courage of the Paltan and especially of late Lt Bikram Singh, under the dynamic leadership of Lt Col Madiah got lost in the wilderness that has been duly revived by the author in this book in its true perspective. 

The Battalion took part in the ‘Battle for Icchogil Canal’ in 1965 and blitz through 10 objectives in 1971 War against Pakistan. Wars and deployment in counter insurgency and counter terrorism in the infested areas, Operations Parakaram and Meghdoot and deployment in Siachen and Amarnath Yatra are unparalleled and highly praise worthy heroics. Author, Lt Col Prem Andrews, commissioned in 6 Kumaon and a die-hard Jangi has done great service to the Paltan and the Regiment chronologically writing their history. This voluminous 622 pages book, costing Rs 1299, published by the Sabre & Quill has many pictures and maps, some repeated and so is the narrative. The book has some avoidable typo/spelling/grammatical errors too. Also, Lt Col (later General and COAS) deserves a full page photograph in the book before foreword, notwithstanding the fact how many units have produced the army chiefs! I wish each Battalion in our army has writer of Lt Col Prem Andrews calibre, devotion and passion to pen regimental history of their units for the references and motivation of the posterity.

MILITANCY IN KASHMIR 

This book written by Lt Gen AC Soneja, AVSM*, VSM* is untold saga of valour in the glorious history and devotion to duty of 2 JAK RIF (BODYGUARD) under his command as the Commanding Officer (CO) in counter insurgency operations in the Valley in OPERATION RAKSHAK during period April 1992 to April 1995. Having been blooded in OPERATION PAWAN in Sri Lanka, the performance of the Paltan came under greater focus on account of its superlative performance in neutralizing large numbers of terrorists and capturing their arms, ammunition, explosive and war like stores in the Valley.

During numerous counter insurgency operations under taken by 2 JAK RIF in the valley, there were 8 martyrs who made supreme sacrifices in the service to Nation that included Lance / Havildar Nek Singh, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra. 51 other ranks including 8 officers and 5 JCOs were seriously injured in numerous operations. The Battalion carried out 581 operations, 192 of these were successful recovering 247 weapons besides huge quantities of ammunition and explosives. The Battalion neutralised  dreaded militant Sheikh Abdul Aziz also called ‘Father of Militancy in J&K’, 3 district commanders, 4 battalion commanders and many company, platoon and section commanders belonging to various tanjims. In total 44 complimentary messages, the Battalion’s efforts were repeatedly applauded by senior commanders and the state Governor. The unit also received the prestigious award of ‘Unit Citation from the COAS on 15 Jan 1994, a silver plaque from the Governor of J&K and Unit Appreciation from GOC in-C Northern Command. The Paltan earned 86 awards in J&K, making it the most decorated Battalion of the Regiment that include one KC, 4 SCs, 14 SMs, 1 VSM, 22 COAS Commendation Cards and 44 Army Commander’s Commendation Cards; all  with the blessings of the Battalion deity DURGE MATA. 

There are some minor typo and grammatical errors in the book. For example, Haft Chinar meaning Seven Chinar is written Half Chinar at numerous places. Since abbreviations are given beforehand, both full and abbreviated forms have been extensively used in the book. Some of the sketches /photos are not readable well. The book makes excellent reading drawing lessons from OPERATION RAKSHAK (J&K) and has many photographs, maps, sketches, a write up on his team of officers who led counter insurgency operations and many appendices. Book with 188 pages, costing Rs 1095 and published by the Pentagon Press, New Delhi is strongly recommended to be read and followed while operating in counter Insurgency environment. 

During the same period, many battalions including my own 13 Kumaon also operated in the Valley and late Subedar Sajjan Singh was awarded country’s highest peace time award Ashok Chakra (AC) along with many SCs, SMs, Commendation Cards, the COAS Unit citation and the ‘Bravest of the Brave’ trophy being PVC & AC awarded unit and so also 15 Kumaon with 3 ACs, BUT there is NO One like Lt Gen Soneja to write their valour and history for the posterity and I earnestly compliment him for his book reiterating this habit needs to be inculcated amongst all ranks but specially the officers. 

THE BLUE VALOUR, Raghunath Battalion's Saga of Peacekeeping in South Sudan (3 JAK RIF) 

3 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (3 JAK RIF) popularly known as ‘The Raghunath Battalion was raised on 15 April 1856 at the sacred precincts of Raghunath Mandir, Jammu as part of the J&K State Forces with an equal composition of Gorkha and Dogra troops. Soon after its raising, the battalion was tested for is combat effectiveness in the harsh terrain of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) where it earned the Battle Honour ’The Defence of Chitral’. In World War I the battalion fought in East Africa, Palestine and Mesopotamia earning multiple Battle Honours. Post-independence, the battalion had served in J&K Operations in 1947-48, the Sino-Indian War in 1962 and Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971, counterinsurgency operations in the north east and Siachen Glacier. The battalion has won two Theatre Honours and six Battle Honours and the COAS Unit Citation and numerous gallantry awards that led to its selection for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) along with company each of 2 Guards, 4 Guards and detachments of Signals, Engineers and Ordnance. 3 JAK RIF’s war cry is ‘Jai Raghunath.

The 3 JAK RIF Infantry Battalion Group assumed operational responsibility as INDBATT-1 on 2 August 2024 in South Sudan as Blue Helmets where the battalion conducted more than 3363 peacekeeping operations with discipline and moral courage including traveling in All-Terrain Vehicles through flood affected terrain. They took part in many rescue operations even when threatened or injured.

Induction of Female Engagement team and focus on Patrols to Combat Conflict Related Sexual Violence (PTCC), this team addressed critical human-rights concerns face by women in Upper Nile State.

This 157 pages Coffee Table Book, like of it, seen first time by me is a very fascinating memoir and a travelogue.  Many of the others and my Regiment’s battalions have been on the United Nations (UN) Peace Keeping Missions abroad. My retired nephew Maj Gen Arvind Bhatia, AVSM served as Deputy Force Commander in Congo and so must many others. My own battalion 13 Kumaon had been on the UN Peace Keeping Mission in Ethiopia while 4 Kumaon, the renowned First PVC Battalion in our armed forces has the honour of being twice on such missions in Gaza and Congo BUT none of them have produced such a Coffee Table Book! Our Armed Forces need to inculcate this virtue. The Blue Valour has beautiful pictures almost on every page highlighting their role in the humanitarian assistance in the tribal war devastated country. The memoir has been named ‘Blue Valour’ as the name depicts the way brave Raghunathis have served under the mandate of UN peacekeeping mission, keeping its blue flag flying high. I compliment Raghunath Battalion, its editorial team and its publisher Xtreme Office Aids Pvt Ltd for beautiful creation of the BLUE Valour.