Books are source of enlightenment and joy. When you read books, you have an opportunity to dive deep into the world of knowledge and adventure. The books are also great exercise for the brain cells and allows you to explore the happier side of your brain your calm and peace resides. No wonder you feel sleepy when you read books. So my dear friends here is the list of top ten must read books on Indian armed forces that every book lover must read. These books provide deep authentic insight into the world of military. I have selected books based on their sales record and authenticity. As many of the authors come from the military background itself so they are expert in the forte they are writing about. Here is the list of must read army novels for any book lover
Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye
Written by an Army Veteran who was a corps commander during the abrogation of article 370 Lt Gen KJS (Tiny) Dhillon this Book broke all the sales record when it hit the market. He describes his childhood, his youth his service time and people close to him in a gripping manner. The storyline is gripping and one feel hooked to the biography of the General.
Balidan : Stories of Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
Balidan is the crowning glory in the writing career of Swapnil Pandey who is a best selling female Indian author. Balidan is a rare exclusive insight in the world of Indian Para Special Forces. There had been 1-2 stories on Para (SF) but an entire book on Para Special Forces with a deep authentic insight of the world’s most coveted Para Special Forces Battalion be it 21 Para (SF), 9 Para (SF) or 4 Para (SF) with their most famous names of Para SF forces of Indian Army is a next level thing. Kudos to the author to be able to reach out to this covert Para SF units and bring out the stories to inspire the people of India. The daring accounts of Indian Para Special Forces most thrilling operations leaves you spellbound . This book bound to give you goosebumps.
India’s most fearless 2
Though Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh are known for their India’s most fearless book series based on the operations of Indian Army Navy and Air force India’s most fearless 2 certainly is their best work. Not only it encompasses more stores as compared to other books in the series but also great pictures lacking in India’s Most fearless book 1 . The book had many thrilling accounts of famous Indian military operations and one must read it to know more about Indian armed forces.
The Brave
Rachna Bisht Rawat is a popular author who has written many books on Indian Army but the Brave certainly tops the chart. The book comprises the account of Indian Paramveer Chakra Awardees and leaves you in awe with our braves who have made supreme sacrifice for India. This book must be read by any book lover.
Missing In Action
This book is a beautifully written tribute to those missing in action in 1971 war. The author Chander Suta Dogra had done a beautiful job of researching reading travelling and writing this book. Though the book is thick and initially you feel how will you read this but as you turn the pages you don’t realize when the book is finished. PoW or prisoners of wars are part of our history and youngsters must read to know more about it.
1971: Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War
Written by legendary soldier Ian Cradozo this book is a must read by all Indians. If there is one book you need to pick to know more on 1971 , this book should be your one shop stop. The book comprises detailed accounts of many thrilling operations that brave Indian soldiers undertook to fight against the enemy. The language is gripping and simple which allows an easy flow of narration.
Soldier’s Girl
I decided to list a fiction written on Indian Army as well in the non fiction dominated list of must read military books by Indian authors. No matter how many non fiction one reads the cool breeze of reading can only be achieved by a fiction. The author Swapnil Pandey portrays a love triangle amidst the war between India and Pakistan. The storyline can be compared to pearl harbour and soothe the heart of romance seeker who look forward to read romantic novels. This book can also be listed as top 10 must read romance books of all time. Expect passion, romance, humor and war.
Kargil
If there is one book you need to read on Kargil war it should be Kargil by General V.P. Malik who was the Indian Army chief (COAS) during Kargil war. The book gives deep insight in the war its equation and aftermath. It is a part of history and one must read it.
Dateline Kargil
Dateline Kargil is written by journalist Gaurav C Sawant who is also son of an Army officer and India’s leading journalist. After General V. P. Malik Dateline Kargil is a book on Kargil with totally different flavour. You don’t feel like putting the book down. The book provide an insight and side of a common man, million anecdotes, emotions and what it took to be on the receiving side of the war only to come victorious. Dateline Kargil is a must for any book lover.
1962 : the war that wasn’t
1962 by Shiv Kunal Verma is a masterpiece. Many a times the book compels you to cry over the vehement passion of ordinary Indian soldier for mother nation India and helplessness of the higher hierarchy of Indian military and politics. The book is gripping and language is easy to understand. This book must be read by any defense aspirant and military lover.
The Force Behind The Forces
Would end this list with this unique book ‘The Force Behind The Forces’ which is the stories of brave Indian Army Wives and their role in nation building. The book talks about Indian Army families and their sacrifices and courage they make along with their soldiers for the nation. The book has a six stories of Veer Naris or War Widows and ends with one happy story of Captain and Mrs Naveen Nagappa. This book is special and must be read by everyone to have a holistic and complete awareness about Indian Army life. In the midst of books based on bravery or adrenaline from defense world this book offers unique solace and shelter. Strongly recommended
This post first appeared on GirlandWorld! – Life And Army Life!, please read the originial post: here
