Battle for Hearts & Mind from North East to Kashmir and Beyond

by Dipak Mukherjee

Good governance is the greatest act of patriotism in 21st-century India, says Maj Gen Dipak Mukherjee, in his book, Battle for Hearts & Minds from North East to Kashmir and Beyond. Just military intervention cannot compensate for governance deficit, argues Maj Gen Mukherjee, sharing his unique insight into how the Indian Army actually won wars on the ground. When the moral compass was steady, as in Nagaland, in the 1950s and 60s or during the Bangladesh war of 1971, the Indian Army achieved victories far bigger than military surrender. But in Sri Lanka, Indias moral compass was severely tested. As one havildar said, Sahib, we all are now in Sri Lanka. Last time in ancient history, Ram came here with his army to fight Raavan. Can you tell us, who is our Raavan here? Pleading for a larger perspective, he says, the battle for hearts and minds will continue to inform our understanding of war. In this journey, General Mukherjees insights are a valuable milestone. Written with poignant exuberance, this book is recommended for reading particularly by the young generations of India and neighbouring countries. It is equally good reading for the older generation of people to reflect and introspect upon the state the nation has been consigned to and bequeathed to young Indians. It is indeed a low bottom line from where young Indians have to lift India in this so-called Asian century.

175 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Gaurav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read (around 150 pages), the book covers a Major General's perspective on how conflict situations should be handled. It's a unique read in that it has something for everyone, the civilian administrators, the up and starting military officers, and of course, for civilians like us to get a better understanding of what works and what doesn't in internal conflicts. The book is un-put-downable almost until the end when the last 2 chapters digress from the main theme and veer into the philosophical territory. You get to know how anti-malarial tablets can help win over a remote village in the Naga hills and how morally diametrically opposite decisions we took in East-Pakistan and in Sri Lanka (Indian Peace Keeping Forces Mission). Overall, the book is easy to read, informative and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Beware though that you might get thoughts about inconsequentiality of your day-jobs after reading this book :)