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Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers
"Spanning over 60 years of military leadership in India, this book brings to life the human side of twelve exceptional military leaders. Unlike traditional biographies of combat leaders which focus primarily on military operations or regimental histories, the author concentrates on personal accounts, anecdotes and reminiscences in order to highlight these leaders' personalities, and to draw out the human face behind the military facade. The author argues that written records tend to glorify the actions of battalions as well as individuals, magnifying achievements while suppressing the mistakes and glossing over failures. This book, on the other hand, provides a truer picture of the strength of character and convictions of each of these leaders." Based on almost 10 years of research, this book will be of interest to students of military history, strategic studies and contemporary India besides being essential reading for all defence personnel.
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 31, 2018
The book definitely gives idea about some great leaders, particularly many who were not familiar to the general public. As such, the book itself has a great value. However, the book has the following disadvantages.
1) It is clear that the author, who was a Maj. General during the time of publishing, was using the book as a platform to showcase him as a disciplined military history student and thereby get him noticed to the concerned circles.
2) The author has written the book on the assumption that the reader has strong familiarisation with Indian army operational procedures and associated words.
3) Many time the author goes extreme in length of recounting the incident (where the corresponding person had shown his judgement or valour) and as such make the readers wonder, whether the author had deviated from his objective; that is follow in line with the title of the book.
4) The book lacks maps and associated information, when the author recounts some famous military operations. As such a civilian reader may find it difficult to comprehend those operations completely.
5) It would have been a nice book, had it followed the concept of another book titled “The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell”, where one particular strong leadership quality is attributed to each military leader. It is hoped that this will happen in the revised editions.
6) A normal reader can’t be blamed, if he wonders that the author was trying to glorify the escapades of some of the leaders.
7) The current whereabouts of some of the military leaders mentioned is sketchy (at least at the time of publishing of the book).
1) It is clear that the author, who was a Maj. General during the time of publishing, was using the book as a platform to showcase him as a disciplined military history student and thereby get him noticed to the concerned circles.
2) The author has written the book on the assumption that the reader has strong familiarisation with Indian army operational procedures and associated words.
3) Many time the author goes extreme in length of recounting the incident (where the corresponding person had shown his judgement or valour) and as such make the readers wonder, whether the author had deviated from his objective; that is follow in line with the title of the book.
4) The book lacks maps and associated information, when the author recounts some famous military operations. As such a civilian reader may find it difficult to comprehend those operations completely.
5) It would have been a nice book, had it followed the concept of another book titled “The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell”, where one particular strong leadership quality is attributed to each military leader. It is hoped that this will happen in the revised editions.
6) A normal reader can’t be blamed, if he wonders that the author was trying to glorify the escapades of some of the leaders.
7) The current whereabouts of some of the military leaders mentioned is sketchy (at least at the time of publishing of the book).
January 14, 2019
An excellent book containing detailed biographies of some of the greatest officers of Indian Army.
What's great about it:
1. Detailing in the narration. A delight for someone who understands military lingo to some extent.
2. The flow of stories is very good and engrossing. Shows the humane aspect of these leaders quite well.
3. Leadership lessons from lives of these soldiers has been brought out well.
4. Selections of the leaders is quite balanced.
What's not so great:
1. The book is not very balanced in terms of telling the negative sides of leaders and army ops. But it is very much understandable because it comes from an armyman himself.
2. A reader with no exposure to military reading before, may find it too detailed and may be boring.
3. Lack of maps.
Overall a great read for an Indian Army enthusiast.
What's great about it:
1. Detailing in the narration. A delight for someone who understands military lingo to some extent.
2. The flow of stories is very good and engrossing. Shows the humane aspect of these leaders quite well.
3. Leadership lessons from lives of these soldiers has been brought out well.
4. Selections of the leaders is quite balanced.
What's not so great:
1. The book is not very balanced in terms of telling the negative sides of leaders and army ops. But it is very much understandable because it comes from an armyman himself.
2. A reader with no exposure to military reading before, may find it too detailed and may be boring.
3. Lack of maps.
Overall a great read for an Indian Army enthusiast.
December 31, 2021
Loved reading about influential generals during the formative years and how they shaped our modern army. Each soldier’s story was detailed, giving us insights into their lives and thought process. It was fascinating to read about how many of them started in British India Army, and transitioned into Indian Army while navigating partition, wars.
Warning: Author uses lot of military terminology and has long description of battle ops. For non-military readers, it can be bit confusing and at times boring, unless you are a army enthusiast.
Warning: Author uses lot of military terminology and has long description of battle ops. For non-military readers, it can be bit confusing and at times boring, unless you are a army enthusiast.
May 30, 2020
Story of few who influenced so many
Each of the twelve soldiers impact so much! So humane yet so focused to serve the country exceedingly passionate & lead by example. I wanted to read about Thorat sir. Read in one go, and the book keeps you engaged.
Each of the twelve soldiers impact so much! So humane yet so focused to serve the country exceedingly passionate & lead by example. I wanted to read about Thorat sir. Read in one go, and the book keeps you engaged.
September 6, 2017
Stories of leadership told in layman's language. Must read for those who want a glimpse into a professional organization and it's early history.
September 11, 2018
Best book to not only know about the twelve great soldiers or the leader of Indian Army but to better understand the history of Indian army before and after Independence.
April 16, 2022
Excellent collection of best leaders and their untold stories
June 26, 2023
Everyone should read it no matter their age group or their profession.
The author talks about some of the best men our Motherland has produced and their contribution towards the nation...
The author talks about some of the best men our Motherland has produced and their contribution towards the nation...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews