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Hemant Karkare: A Daughter's Memoir
The image of Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare, donning his bulletproof jacket and helmet, to take on terrorists on the night of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is iconic. His martyrdom, a few hours later, that night shook the country and continues to rankle.In Hemant A Daughter’s Memoir, his daughter, Jui Karkare Navare brings to life a stalwart of the Indian Police Service (IPS), who was well-respected not only for his immaculate and noteworthy professionalism but also for his creativity in art, culled from the Naxalite-infested jungle wood of Chandrapur, where he was posted in 1991. This heartwarming memoir pays tribute to his myriad roles – as an exemplary police officer, a family man, an artist, a dog lover, a social worker, a book lover and a good human being above all.Various aspects of his personality are portrayed through personal narratives by his police comrades, his professional contacts, relatives, friends and acquaintances on whom he left an indelible impression. This book is an inspirational story of a simple boy from humble beginnings who painstakingly moulded himself to scale great heights.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 12, 2020
The author’s father, Hemant Karkare, was the chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Mumbai Police and died in action during the Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11/2008. When the attacks of 26/11/2008 took place, I watched the news from far away, from the mid-Western US. But the scenes of the attacks are very familiar to me; I spent all my childhood summers and all of my college years in South Mumbai in the very spots that the attacks took place. So many of the events described in this book resonated with me on a personal level.
This book is a homage to the father paid by a loving and loved daughter. It is a book that is suffused with tragedy and loss- the senseless and violent death of a man in the prime of his life, leaving a grieving wife and three children who were teens/ young adults. Tragically, the author’s mother passed away from an illness only a few years after her father’s death.
The book opens with the fateful day when Karkare was felled in action, and the traumatic days that followed for his survivors. The book describes her father’s life as a life of discipline and ambition, of a public servant unsullied by corruption. There are diary excerpts from the author’s father over several decades of his life. Different chapters describe his childhood and early years, and aspects of his life beyond his police work, like his love of lists, of books and art, and interest in woodworking. A large portion of the book is a compilation of letters and articles of effusive praise and solidarity written by Karkare’s close personal and professional associates.
Jui Karkare Navare writes, “I am proud of my parents- my father for daring to take on the challenge of the terrorists, and my mother, for seeking justice”. I would have loved to know more about the terror attacks, the subsequent investigation into his death, a deeper look at police work in Mumbai. While these are mentioned in brief, they are not explored in depth. I enjoy memoirs where an individual perspective brings attention to larger historical and social issues. However this book is almost completely focused on an individual and the details of his personal history. I can imagine, though, that the writing of this memoir was cathartic and therapeutic for a grieving daughter.
All things said, this is an important book because there are not enough memoirs about contemporary lives in India, not of sports celebrities and movie stars but of people who grow up in ordinary circumstances and rise up to do extraordinary things with their lives. If I had to summarize Jui Karkare Navare’s book in one sentence, it would be- This biographical memoir is a book-length eulogy by a daughter to her larger than life father.
[Disclosure: The author sent me a free Kindle copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.]
This book is a homage to the father paid by a loving and loved daughter. It is a book that is suffused with tragedy and loss- the senseless and violent death of a man in the prime of his life, leaving a grieving wife and three children who were teens/ young adults. Tragically, the author’s mother passed away from an illness only a few years after her father’s death.
The book opens with the fateful day when Karkare was felled in action, and the traumatic days that followed for his survivors. The book describes her father’s life as a life of discipline and ambition, of a public servant unsullied by corruption. There are diary excerpts from the author’s father over several decades of his life. Different chapters describe his childhood and early years, and aspects of his life beyond his police work, like his love of lists, of books and art, and interest in woodworking. A large portion of the book is a compilation of letters and articles of effusive praise and solidarity written by Karkare’s close personal and professional associates.
Jui Karkare Navare writes, “I am proud of my parents- my father for daring to take on the challenge of the terrorists, and my mother, for seeking justice”. I would have loved to know more about the terror attacks, the subsequent investigation into his death, a deeper look at police work in Mumbai. While these are mentioned in brief, they are not explored in depth. I enjoy memoirs where an individual perspective brings attention to larger historical and social issues. However this book is almost completely focused on an individual and the details of his personal history. I can imagine, though, that the writing of this memoir was cathartic and therapeutic for a grieving daughter.
All things said, this is an important book because there are not enough memoirs about contemporary lives in India, not of sports celebrities and movie stars but of people who grow up in ordinary circumstances and rise up to do extraordinary things with their lives. If I had to summarize Jui Karkare Navare’s book in one sentence, it would be- This biographical memoir is a book-length eulogy by a daughter to her larger than life father.
[Disclosure: The author sent me a free Kindle copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.]
May 16, 2020
Jui Karkare Navare comes up with a powerful idea of drawing up a memoir and dedicate it to her father who was killed on duty in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It's the most powerful way of writing up a harsh grumble episode using a perfect sync of mellow and decresendo in the form of a book describing her personal pains of loosing her Papa/father (mother too as of today). Inbuilt soft nudges on the harsh grievances in a subtle way is at the epicentre of the writer's pen.
Jui has collected her thoughts and expressed them in the simplest of ways for an audience from teen age and above.Factual stories drawn up in the chapters almost sets an intone of a real person at a coffee table.
A real life story from 'a city of dreams' that fragmented a dutybound top cop's family is aptly described in the book and is an eye opener of how the insider operations take place into emergency situations in one of the leading police force in the country, Maharashtra police and RAW.
The book is sequenced well to catch the readers attention from the starting poetry of Late Mrs Karkare to the upper rim of the book full of live chapters of Chandrapur challenge and memories from the place. Middle chapters are brimming over with Late Shri Karkare's love for wooden artefacts, his collections from crystal, his altruistic efforts towards the less fortunate.
Descriptions from Late Mr Karkare's hands on efforts and success with cleaning up Naxalite areas and ideologies, his investigations with Malegaon blast is as it is like taking his life in his palms every morning at the cost of threats posed to the family residing in the city of dreams is so casually cited as a piece of reading by the author.
A clear approach is used to make the audience aware of the regional language the author ascertained the information in and its wide transferability using the soft synthesis is exemplary.
Perhaps, adding an image of his best artefact alongside his bold portrait could equally appeal to the audience. Having read this memoir, I feel the urge to dig out his library and check up on his foreword collections.
Absolutely a good book to pick up, succinct blurb and clear citations.
Review of her book by Miss Shrida Shah
Jui has collected her thoughts and expressed them in the simplest of ways for an audience from teen age and above.Factual stories drawn up in the chapters almost sets an intone of a real person at a coffee table.
A real life story from 'a city of dreams' that fragmented a dutybound top cop's family is aptly described in the book and is an eye opener of how the insider operations take place into emergency situations in one of the leading police force in the country, Maharashtra police and RAW.
The book is sequenced well to catch the readers attention from the starting poetry of Late Mrs Karkare to the upper rim of the book full of live chapters of Chandrapur challenge and memories from the place. Middle chapters are brimming over with Late Shri Karkare's love for wooden artefacts, his collections from crystal, his altruistic efforts towards the less fortunate.
Descriptions from Late Mr Karkare's hands on efforts and success with cleaning up Naxalite areas and ideologies, his investigations with Malegaon blast is as it is like taking his life in his palms every morning at the cost of threats posed to the family residing in the city of dreams is so casually cited as a piece of reading by the author.
A clear approach is used to make the audience aware of the regional language the author ascertained the information in and its wide transferability using the soft synthesis is exemplary.
Perhaps, adding an image of his best artefact alongside his bold portrait could equally appeal to the audience. Having read this memoir, I feel the urge to dig out his library and check up on his foreword collections.
Absolutely a good book to pick up, succinct blurb and clear citations.
Review of her book by Miss Shrida Shah
May 3, 2020
An honest man is the biggest threat because he doesnt sell his conscience, his soul
So finally a much awaited book hits the stands. People who find politics in his killing shall never ever be able to relate to the pain of his family, friends and relatives.Before being martyred controversy always surrounded him because he stood upright like a Gibraltar rock, did not give in to the scheming of politicians and some dark sheep in the department. Yes... An honest man is the biggest threat because he doesnt sell his conscience, his soul and considers his oath to his duty above everything else.
This book written by Jui Karkare Navre, his eldest daughter is the best obituary that could have been written by anyone. The World needs to know his life well lived as much as of his death as a Martyr. This books takes the reader through the humble background he hailed from, the hardships he faced just like any another common man, a man who had the softest heaert behind his tough police image. An artist, an avid reader , a curious mind thats what he was.
While I read this book I was deeply anguished to note and should actually make any Indian citizen angry for the apathy of the people in authority and the politicians of the country. Will take you through few instances.
1. The shameless attempts being made by the politicians / authorities to influence take the mileage out of the Malegaon inquiry because the officer heading it was upright and was not willing to giving in to anyone's agenda
2.When the family was served a bill of Rs. 15K for the last rites of a martyr. Not that this amount matters but should not the authorities be ashamed to even be sending the bill to a Martyr's family when whole nation was in a state deep shock and utter grief for the lives lost.
3.The Martyrs bodies which kept lying for 40 mins post the ambush with the terrorists behind the Cama hospital.
4.The apathy of the then Govt in conveying the family of Hemant dada that the Bullet proof jacket had gone missing which may be because the quality of it is in question by the Nation,even today.
For anyone who really wishes to be inspired, feel, admire and pay a real homage to an upright officer.. This book has it all. Do pls read it and share your valuable thoughts.
So finally a much awaited book hits the stands. People who find politics in his killing shall never ever be able to relate to the pain of his family, friends and relatives.Before being martyred controversy always surrounded him because he stood upright like a Gibraltar rock, did not give in to the scheming of politicians and some dark sheep in the department. Yes... An honest man is the biggest threat because he doesnt sell his conscience, his soul and considers his oath to his duty above everything else.
This book written by Jui Karkare Navre, his eldest daughter is the best obituary that could have been written by anyone. The World needs to know his life well lived as much as of his death as a Martyr. This books takes the reader through the humble background he hailed from, the hardships he faced just like any another common man, a man who had the softest heaert behind his tough police image. An artist, an avid reader , a curious mind thats what he was.
While I read this book I was deeply anguished to note and should actually make any Indian citizen angry for the apathy of the people in authority and the politicians of the country. Will take you through few instances.
1. The shameless attempts being made by the politicians / authorities to influence take the mileage out of the Malegaon inquiry because the officer heading it was upright and was not willing to giving in to anyone's agenda
2.When the family was served a bill of Rs. 15K for the last rites of a martyr. Not that this amount matters but should not the authorities be ashamed to even be sending the bill to a Martyr's family when whole nation was in a state deep shock and utter grief for the lives lost.
3.The Martyrs bodies which kept lying for 40 mins post the ambush with the terrorists behind the Cama hospital.
4.The apathy of the then Govt in conveying the family of Hemant dada that the Bullet proof jacket had gone missing which may be because the quality of it is in question by the Nation,even today.
For anyone who really wishes to be inspired, feel, admire and pay a real homage to an upright officer.. This book has it all. Do pls read it and share your valuable thoughts.
May 18, 2020
Very good read.
The books tells us about the human being behind the officer in the uniform. Besides being the ATS Chief of Maharashtra, Shri Karkare was a voracious reader, a wood sculptor, a loving father and above all - a wonderful human being.
The book has many personal notes of Mr. Karkare written as a student and also letters to and from his family, friends and colleagues - seniors and juniors alike - all testimonials to Mr. Karkare s noble character.
The book is interesting to note the scale of Shri Karkare 's work - from fighting the naxals in the forests of Chandrapur to serving as an Indian Diplomat posted in Vienna, and, most importantly, doing his best on every count.
Very inspiring read
The books tells us about the human being behind the officer in the uniform. Besides being the ATS Chief of Maharashtra, Shri Karkare was a voracious reader, a wood sculptor, a loving father and above all - a wonderful human being.
The book has many personal notes of Mr. Karkare written as a student and also letters to and from his family, friends and colleagues - seniors and juniors alike - all testimonials to Mr. Karkare s noble character.
The book is interesting to note the scale of Shri Karkare 's work - from fighting the naxals in the forests of Chandrapur to serving as an Indian Diplomat posted in Vienna, and, most importantly, doing his best on every count.
Very inspiring read
May 11, 2020
Jui has written a very inspirational memoir about her father a - true Indian hero. I would recommend this to everyone who grew up in India. Mr. Karkare's came from a humble background and did a lot of great work for India and the world. We will never really know the true impact of his work because a lot of it would be behind the scenes. The work that we do know of costed him his life. Mr. Karkare protected my home town and my country from the terrorist and for that i will forever be indebted. Jui's book provides a behind the curtain look at the life of this great hero and the sacrifices made by him and his family. I am inspired not only by him but the selflessness shown by the whole family. In their moment's of tragedy too the entire family thought about others.
May 3, 2020
As I glance through my copy of 'A Daughter's Memoir ' ,the fragrance of Jui Navare's writing skills pervades the atmosphere, bringing forth to life so vividly the persona of dear *Hemant* in a very racy, lucid and precise manner. ........The book is classy, it's get up is immensely impressive ....The content unravels the ' enigma' of *Hemant* with immaculate sophistication......The photo collection appended to the book stands out and provides a glossy aura to it All in all a book to adorn my collection!!
Anand Tambe
Anand Tambe
May 3, 2020
It is very agonizing to write a fairly accurate memoir in a book form of one’s father more than a decade after he is no longer alive and left this world under very shocking circumstances in the prime of his career.
Jui Karkare Navare for a debutant author has done a great job to bring before the readers in a very captivating manner the life of Hemant Karkare and his philosophy of honesty,integrity,humility and sincerity in his duty to the country of his birth India,the society at large in his various domestic and international assignments.
This book throws light on many unknown facets of Karkare’s personality which is probably why he was full of cheer and energy 24x7 as long as he lived on duty or off it and something the current generation could find worth emulating.
Don’t hesitate to buy and do read
Jui Karkare Navare for a debutant author has done a great job to bring before the readers in a very captivating manner the life of Hemant Karkare and his philosophy of honesty,integrity,humility and sincerity in his duty to the country of his birth India,the society at large in his various domestic and international assignments.
This book throws light on many unknown facets of Karkare’s personality which is probably why he was full of cheer and energy 24x7 as long as he lived on duty or off it and something the current generation could find worth emulating.
Don’t hesitate to buy and do read
June 5, 2020
One sitting, 5 hrs, one book, followed by a void because now the next book has big shoes to fill! It has to be just as beautifully written, delicately worded, aptly portrayed...the braiding of personal anecdotes, facts from the night of 26/11, and emotions come together like a cozy blanket and a bowl of soup...it melts the heart!
My favorite chapter is about the wooden artefacts where Jui compares the gentle art of whittling driftwood to child-rearing and shows Hemant Karkare in a loving fatherly role. A cathartic experience and truly unimaginable loss that each loved one expressed speaks volumes of Hemant Karkare's life. I am grateful for having read this and learned that such a personality existed among us.
My favorite chapter is about the wooden artefacts where Jui compares the gentle art of whittling driftwood to child-rearing and shows Hemant Karkare in a loving fatherly role. A cathartic experience and truly unimaginable loss that each loved one expressed speaks volumes of Hemant Karkare's life. I am grateful for having read this and learned that such a personality existed among us.
May 3, 2020
An inspiring biography
A heartwarming and an honest portrayal of the human, the father, the friend, the professional, the creative underneath the uniform by his beloved daughter. The book presents many known and unknown facets of late Mr. Karkare and tells us how he excelled on all fronts throughout. It is a great read and holds a special place on my book shelf as well as in my heart.
A heartwarming and an honest portrayal of the human, the father, the friend, the professional, the creative underneath the uniform by his beloved daughter. The book presents many known and unknown facets of late Mr. Karkare and tells us how he excelled on all fronts throughout. It is a great read and holds a special place on my book shelf as well as in my heart.
December 22, 2020
For far too long, I was struggling to define courage, bravery, and valour succinctly until I got to read personal accounts of the martyrs of 26/11 who laid down the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Amongst the Bravehearts like Saheed Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Saheed Tukaram Omble, Saheed Vijay Salaskar, Saheed Ashok Kamte, and Saheed Hemant Karkare, I looked for a book caricaturing their steadfast & marvellous life. And here I found "Hemant Karkare: A Daughter's Memoir".
The book provides a detailed exposition to Saheed Hemant Karkare's life starting from his childhood. If asked for my favourite chapter in the book, it will be "The Chandrapur Challenge". It showed that meticulous planning laced with soft words and firm actions was sir's forte. Under sir's tenure, the evil of Naxalism was weeded out to a certain extent from this Naxal hotbed. I was literally amused to read about the brave face he put up to nab some dreaded Naxalites like Shelke. He led from the front.
More so, the book also picturises a humane-face of an officer donning the Khaki. How he inculcated human values as a child and passed it on to the next generation. There are numerous accounts by his colleagues across the spectrums laying down the minute details about Sir and indicating that what a towering personality he was!
It also gives a sneak-peak to his tenure as ATS Chief, Maharashtra. This particular time has been looked at through magnifying glasses by the media houses because of the controversy attached to the investigation led by him in Malegaon Blasts. The book tries to clear some air in that regard. The one thought which stood out in the book with respect to this controversy is "When I put on khaki, I have no religion".
Grippy to the core! An absolute read! A heart-wrenching of Bharat's VEERPUTRA!
The book provides a detailed exposition to Saheed Hemant Karkare's life starting from his childhood. If asked for my favourite chapter in the book, it will be "The Chandrapur Challenge". It showed that meticulous planning laced with soft words and firm actions was sir's forte. Under sir's tenure, the evil of Naxalism was weeded out to a certain extent from this Naxal hotbed. I was literally amused to read about the brave face he put up to nab some dreaded Naxalites like Shelke. He led from the front.
More so, the book also picturises a humane-face of an officer donning the Khaki. How he inculcated human values as a child and passed it on to the next generation. There are numerous accounts by his colleagues across the spectrums laying down the minute details about Sir and indicating that what a towering personality he was!
It also gives a sneak-peak to his tenure as ATS Chief, Maharashtra. This particular time has been looked at through magnifying glasses by the media houses because of the controversy attached to the investigation led by him in Malegaon Blasts. The book tries to clear some air in that regard. The one thought which stood out in the book with respect to this controversy is "When I put on khaki, I have no religion".
Grippy to the core! An absolute read! A heart-wrenching of Bharat's VEERPUTRA!
July 17, 2020
Every daughter sees her father as a superhero and wishes that he be around her throughout her life and Jui Karkare Navarre is no exception.So when fate decides to take her father away from her in a flash ,it was bound to leave a lasting impact on her.That she has decided to overcome the impact and delve into her memories of her father and write a book about her “superhero”speaks volumes of her persona.She has gone about this in a very meticulous way in detailing numerous experiences of the time she spent with him.Also she has taken efforts to meet any of his erstwhile colleagues and build a memoir of her father. She has done full justice to the Late Shri Hemant Karkare who was an outstanding human being in addition to being a magnificent brave policeman who deservedly got the”Ashok Chakra”for his supreme sacrifice on the fateful night of 26/11/2008.The book leaves a lasting impression in the mind of the reader of a doting father who showered immense love on his “Princess Jui” and she has been able to do full justice to his personality.Shehas done this in a ver fascinating way in her book”HEMANT KARKARE-A Daughter’s Memoir”
January 9, 2022
The making of a State religion saint, along with icon, and place of pilgrimage.
September 25, 2025
wonderful human being...he is actually is
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews