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Kargil: Untold Stories from the War
Why does a group of stranded paratroopers call for Bofors' fire upon its own position?
Why is an old man in Palampur fighting for justice for his dead soldier son?
What makes a martyr's father visit a young Kashmiri girl every year? Kargil takes you into the treacherous mountains where some of Indian Army's bloodiest battles were fought. Interviewing war survivors and martyrs' families, Rachna Bisht Rawat tells stories of extraordinary human courage, of not just men in uniform but also those who loved them the most. With its gritty stories of incomparable bravery, Kargil is a tribute to the 527 young braves who gave up their lives for us-and the many who were ready to do it too.
Why is an old man in Palampur fighting for justice for his dead soldier son?
What makes a martyr's father visit a young Kashmiri girl every year? Kargil takes you into the treacherous mountains where some of Indian Army's bloodiest battles were fought. Interviewing war survivors and martyrs' families, Rachna Bisht Rawat tells stories of extraordinary human courage, of not just men in uniform but also those who loved them the most. With its gritty stories of incomparable bravery, Kargil is a tribute to the 527 young braves who gave up their lives for us-and the many who were ready to do it too.
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 5, 2020
Except Kalia's story, I knew none of them. Blame my ignorance or the inability of Indian media to highlight these stories of bravery and sacrifice. Such books should be the complementary readings especially in the secondary school.
The language is very simple. This books is more emotional than instigating against Pakistan. It focuses more on the side of emotions, the soldier's bravery, and the leadership.
But this book should be read by all. It boils my blood when I think how communists and few other groups are trying to break India despite the sacrifice of the brave soldiers. Everyone is talking of their rights, their identity, their hyper regionalism and undermining the unity of India knowingly or unknowingly. But they are not talking about brave soldiers who undermined the divisiveness of religion, caste, region but upheld the nation first.
We are shaken by some mishappenings but these soldiers has faced those happenings deliberately for their nation. They are the epitome of the sacrifice.
We all cannot be brave like them– to face the bullet in head and mouth, to call for the bofors fire to kill enemy by risking own's life but we can be the nation of people who would never forget the sacrifice of our soldiers.
There were many incidents that happened after Kargil war. There was a coffin scam, there was some housing scam for Kargil martyrs. This all puts our head in shame. Not forgetting the live telecast of Barkha Dutt on NDTV, due to her treachery or stupidity but now I would say both. All these incidents put us in shame as a civilian.
The one thing I did not like about the book, although it feels very strange to highlight this, is about the author's ignorance towards the life of lower rank soldiers. Except in the last chapter, there has not been much focus on the lives of infantry soldier but only on the lives of officers. The social angle could have been highlighted about their families, friends and loved ones living in villages but the author has missed this very important point to make.
Nevertheless, this book should be taught in schools so that we never ever see our problems above the problem of our nation. The nation is alive and free only until it remembers the sacrifice of her soldiers.
The language is very simple. This books is more emotional than instigating against Pakistan. It focuses more on the side of emotions, the soldier's bravery, and the leadership.
But this book should be read by all. It boils my blood when I think how communists and few other groups are trying to break India despite the sacrifice of the brave soldiers. Everyone is talking of their rights, their identity, their hyper regionalism and undermining the unity of India knowingly or unknowingly. But they are not talking about brave soldiers who undermined the divisiveness of religion, caste, region but upheld the nation first.
We are shaken by some mishappenings but these soldiers has faced those happenings deliberately for their nation. They are the epitome of the sacrifice.
We all cannot be brave like them– to face the bullet in head and mouth, to call for the bofors fire to kill enemy by risking own's life but we can be the nation of people who would never forget the sacrifice of our soldiers.
There were many incidents that happened after Kargil war. There was a coffin scam, there was some housing scam for Kargil martyrs. This all puts our head in shame. Not forgetting the live telecast of Barkha Dutt on NDTV, due to her treachery or stupidity but now I would say both. All these incidents put us in shame as a civilian.
The one thing I did not like about the book, although it feels very strange to highlight this, is about the author's ignorance towards the life of lower rank soldiers. Except in the last chapter, there has not been much focus on the lives of infantry soldier but only on the lives of officers. The social angle could have been highlighted about their families, friends and loved ones living in villages but the author has missed this very important point to make.
Nevertheless, this book should be taught in schools so that we never ever see our problems above the problem of our nation. The nation is alive and free only until it remembers the sacrifice of her soldiers.
July 26, 2019
Kargil war takes you through some of those treacherous moments of the war where our soldiers displayed immense amount of valor and grit.
Through the interviews with the families of the martyrs and war survivors, the author transports the readers to those forbidden and frosty mountains, tough conditions, war cries and the warrior spirit.
Some heart wrenching moments make your heart bleed. At the same time, it instills a sense of pride.
Powerful, stirring and gripping, Kargil is tribute to our martyrs and brave hearts who fought one of the toughest wars with the almost unseen enemy. A book that will linger in your minds for a long time.
A must read for every Indian. 🇮🇳
Through the interviews with the families of the martyrs and war survivors, the author transports the readers to those forbidden and frosty mountains, tough conditions, war cries and the warrior spirit.
Some heart wrenching moments make your heart bleed. At the same time, it instills a sense of pride.
Powerful, stirring and gripping, Kargil is tribute to our martyrs and brave hearts who fought one of the toughest wars with the almost unseen enemy. A book that will linger in your minds for a long time.
A must read for every Indian. 🇮🇳
November 7, 2020
The book, Kargil: Untold stories of the war, is a heartbreaking saga of bravery, pride and valour with the drops of loss attached to it. The book is presented in the form of summarising interviews with the veterans and their loved ones. The warmth of the families is what stuck with me the most. They did not have anything hateful to say about anyone or anything. How can people be so nice..really!
I do not want to give away too much about the content of the book. But I cannot help but share a few moments in the book where I was sobbing so much that I could not even breath. Would you believe me if I say a single mother, who had lost her elder son, prohibits to bring back his mortal remains till the firing stops as she does not want anymore sons to come back home in coffins? Would you believe if I say a father, who had lost his only child, takes care of a Kashmiri Muslim girl to this day because his son's last letter said to do so? Would you believe if I say a wife, who had lost her husband when her twin boys were merely four years old, has motivated both the kids to join the same regiment as that of their martyr father?
I would not believe any of these if I had not known the spirit with which our soldiers and their families sacrifice for us. Salute to each one of them. I am sure such sagas like Kargil: Untold stories of the war will continue to motivate many many generations to come.
Go, grab a pack of tissue papers before you start the journey of the most selfless creatures god has ever created, which author Rachna Bisht Rawat has equally honestly presented.
I do not want to give away too much about the content of the book. But I cannot help but share a few moments in the book where I was sobbing so much that I could not even breath. Would you believe me if I say a single mother, who had lost her elder son, prohibits to bring back his mortal remains till the firing stops as she does not want anymore sons to come back home in coffins? Would you believe if I say a father, who had lost his only child, takes care of a Kashmiri Muslim girl to this day because his son's last letter said to do so? Would you believe if I say a wife, who had lost her husband when her twin boys were merely four years old, has motivated both the kids to join the same regiment as that of their martyr father?
I would not believe any of these if I had not known the spirit with which our soldiers and their families sacrifice for us. Salute to each one of them. I am sure such sagas like Kargil: Untold stories of the war will continue to motivate many many generations to come.
Go, grab a pack of tissue papers before you start the journey of the most selfless creatures god has ever created, which author Rachna Bisht Rawat has equally honestly presented.
February 28, 2020
It's a wonderfully written book and exceptionally delivered by the narrator(Mary Joseph on Audible) with emotions that would often give you goose bumps.
June 11, 2020
Hello readers,
This is my review of the book "KARGIL - Untold Stories From The War" written by Rachna Bisht Rawat.
This book is all about the Kargil War, which was fought on mountainous terrain, and the exemplary valour shown by the Indian Army.
This book is a tribute to all the 527 young soldiers who were martyred and over 1000 wounded personel. This book gives in-depth insights of the battlefield. The last letters from war zone, the war cries, the stories of severally injured soldiers, leaves the reader heavy hearted... and after the shot of last bullet, the reader too, rejoice in the victory.
This book is a collection of vivid memories of the Kargil Warriors and their families, which are very heart touching. Its been said, that behind every strong soldier there is even stronger family... very true to this sentence, the families of martyrs, face the loss of their loved ones with courage and dignity. ... agony of the old parents who are still fighting for the justice for their martyred son who was tortured in the enemies custody.... The courageous mother who lost her son during the war, but still puts aside her pain and advice the Indian Army not to risk another soldiers life just to retrieve her son's dead body. The retired colonel who glorifies his son's death by saying he was fortunate to die on the battlefield... there are many such stories in this book, keeps the reader engrossed.
This book also unveils the many unsung heroes of the war, like, the doctor with the maroon beret who pledged that " no man who comes to me alive, will be allowed to die"... the civilians of the war zone, who joined the Indian Army as a volunteers .... AIR Leh and Kargil kept the radio station running even during the amidst war situation to control the rumours perpetrated by Radio Pakistan. This all people deserves huge respect.
The book also express how strong is the Indian Army ethically as well. During the war they have treated the injured enemy soldiers and aslo cremated the dead soldiers with all the due respect and not only this but the Indian Army also endorsed the enemy soldiers bravery. Even the family of the late Pakistani soldiers appreciated the moral values of the Indian Army.
This book has a wonderful line written...
"Soldiers don't die on battlefields; they die when ungrateful nation forgets their sacrifice." And this book will surely make the reader realise how much grit and determination it takes to protect the nation and it's upcoming generations.
Meanwhile, nowadays almost every day there are news flashing regarding the tensions across the border from both the neighbouring countries. Honestly, with all my heart I pray that there shouldn't be any more war.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Indian to keep alive, the flame of passion for the nation. Let's never forget that, they gave up their today for our tomorrow.
"Our Flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." (Source - Internet)
Jai Hind.
🙏
Deepali Harshad Waghode.
This is my review of the book "KARGIL - Untold Stories From The War" written by Rachna Bisht Rawat.
This book is all about the Kargil War, which was fought on mountainous terrain, and the exemplary valour shown by the Indian Army.
This book is a tribute to all the 527 young soldiers who were martyred and over 1000 wounded personel. This book gives in-depth insights of the battlefield. The last letters from war zone, the war cries, the stories of severally injured soldiers, leaves the reader heavy hearted... and after the shot of last bullet, the reader too, rejoice in the victory.
This book is a collection of vivid memories of the Kargil Warriors and their families, which are very heart touching. Its been said, that behind every strong soldier there is even stronger family... very true to this sentence, the families of martyrs, face the loss of their loved ones with courage and dignity. ... agony of the old parents who are still fighting for the justice for their martyred son who was tortured in the enemies custody.... The courageous mother who lost her son during the war, but still puts aside her pain and advice the Indian Army not to risk another soldiers life just to retrieve her son's dead body. The retired colonel who glorifies his son's death by saying he was fortunate to die on the battlefield... there are many such stories in this book, keeps the reader engrossed.
This book also unveils the many unsung heroes of the war, like, the doctor with the maroon beret who pledged that " no man who comes to me alive, will be allowed to die"... the civilians of the war zone, who joined the Indian Army as a volunteers .... AIR Leh and Kargil kept the radio station running even during the amidst war situation to control the rumours perpetrated by Radio Pakistan. This all people deserves huge respect.
The book also express how strong is the Indian Army ethically as well. During the war they have treated the injured enemy soldiers and aslo cremated the dead soldiers with all the due respect and not only this but the Indian Army also endorsed the enemy soldiers bravery. Even the family of the late Pakistani soldiers appreciated the moral values of the Indian Army.
This book has a wonderful line written...
"Soldiers don't die on battlefields; they die when ungrateful nation forgets their sacrifice." And this book will surely make the reader realise how much grit and determination it takes to protect the nation and it's upcoming generations.
Meanwhile, nowadays almost every day there are news flashing regarding the tensions across the border from both the neighbouring countries. Honestly, with all my heart I pray that there shouldn't be any more war.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Indian to keep alive, the flame of passion for the nation. Let's never forget that, they gave up their today for our tomorrow.
"Our Flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." (Source - Internet)
Jai Hind.
🙏
Deepali Harshad Waghode.
August 6, 2025
If I lead, follow me
Should I retreat, shoot me
If I die, avenge me
Kargil by Rachna Bisht Rawat is not just a collection of war stories from the Kargil war. it is a tribute to selfless sacrifices, strategic brilliance, and the soldiers who fought to give us a safe and secure present and future.
Coming from an army background, Rachna, who had access to key resources and people, does full justice to the subject by bringing everything together and presenting it to us in this book.
Jai Hind
Should I retreat, shoot me
If I die, avenge me
Kargil by Rachna Bisht Rawat is not just a collection of war stories from the Kargil war. it is a tribute to selfless sacrifices, strategic brilliance, and the soldiers who fought to give us a safe and secure present and future.
Coming from an army background, Rachna, who had access to key resources and people, does full justice to the subject by bringing everything together and presenting it to us in this book.
Jai Hind
May 24, 2025
Kargil: Untold Stories from the War by Rachna Bisht Rawat covers the stories of several martyrs from the Kargil War, which took place from 3rd May 1999 to 26th July 1999 between India and Pakistan. What began as an incursion by Pakistani troops into the Indian side of the LoC in Kashmir quickly snowballed into a weeks-long slugfest that saw 527 Indian soldiers lose their lives.
The author recounts a number of eerie and moving stories from this tumultuous period. From the horrors of the torture that Captain Saurabh Kalia had to endure in the lead-up to his death, to the brave actions of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk that earned him the Maha Vir Chakra (i.e., the second-highest military decoration in India) — Rachna brings to light the actions of several courageous Indian soldiers.
I personally found the stories of Captain B.M. Cariappa (who called for a Bofors artillery shelling on his own squad’s coordinates in order to ward off the enemy soldiers) and Lieutenant Vijyant Thapar (who wrote a letter to his family shortly before his death) the most moving. But to be fair, all of these tales carried a great deal of emotional weight.
I was also left awestruck after reading the story of the Blade Runner, Maj. Devendra Pal Singh — who completed a half-marathon in 2 hours and 10 minutes. As a runner myself, I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of grit and perseverance it would take to pull off a feat like that with just one healthy leg.
I also found myself sucked into a rabbit hole, researching many specifics regarding the war — including the key political figures behind it and some of the weaponry used during this period. As it turns out, the homegrown INSAS rifle was a bust, with more cons than pros. It's no wonder that India has gone back to importing weaponry from other countries and is looking to phase out the INSAS rifles.
In conclusion, Rachna’s book serves as a great refresher on some of the specifics of the Kargil War, while also highlighting the bravery of many of the martyrs our nation lost during those six weeks.
The author recounts a number of eerie and moving stories from this tumultuous period. From the horrors of the torture that Captain Saurabh Kalia had to endure in the lead-up to his death, to the brave actions of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk that earned him the Maha Vir Chakra (i.e., the second-highest military decoration in India) — Rachna brings to light the actions of several courageous Indian soldiers.
I personally found the stories of Captain B.M. Cariappa (who called for a Bofors artillery shelling on his own squad’s coordinates in order to ward off the enemy soldiers) and Lieutenant Vijyant Thapar (who wrote a letter to his family shortly before his death) the most moving. But to be fair, all of these tales carried a great deal of emotional weight.
I was also left awestruck after reading the story of the Blade Runner, Maj. Devendra Pal Singh — who completed a half-marathon in 2 hours and 10 minutes. As a runner myself, I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of grit and perseverance it would take to pull off a feat like that with just one healthy leg.
I also found myself sucked into a rabbit hole, researching many specifics regarding the war — including the key political figures behind it and some of the weaponry used during this period. As it turns out, the homegrown INSAS rifle was a bust, with more cons than pros. It's no wonder that India has gone back to importing weaponry from other countries and is looking to phase out the INSAS rifles.
In conclusion, Rachna’s book serves as a great refresher on some of the specifics of the Kargil War, while also highlighting the bravery of many of the martyrs our nation lost during those six weeks.
January 4, 2020
Twenty years on, Kargil remains a classic case of “what went wrong”. From diplomacy – military and civilian – to a relatively long period of quiet between the two countries that clashed in the heights of Ladakh, it was a shocker like none before. The conflict lasted nearly three months. The Indian Army managed to retake the mountain peaks occupied by their Pakistani counterparts, but the cost was 527 killed in action, as well as over 1000 personnel wounded. The vast majority of these were men short of thirty.
The book delves into the war through the eyes of those who were left behind – parents, siblings, children – and those who survived. Part travelogue, part military history, Mrs. Bisht Rawat narrates aptly the stories of brave men who survived adverse weather conditions, a natural military disadvantage, and often inadequate equipment, digging into reserves of strength one find impossible to imagine. Released at a time when both the narrative within the country and outside of it is topsy-turvy (to say the least), one takes heart in stories like Capt. Hanif Uddin, whom the writer very pointedly mentions was Muslim by faith, but went into battle with the roar of the Rajputana Rifles’ Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai on his lips. I found the initial mention of the officer’s religion puzzling at first, but then it dawned on me that while my own background makes it easy for me to understand the concept of making your troops’ faith your own, it is something bound to bewilder people who aren’t from Fauji households. And it is fitting to point out such a thing when we see the discrimination around us rising both in volume and in the nature of its practice – that the Indian Army is a place for people of all beliefs. When Brig. Umesh Singh Bawa, VrC, SM (Retd) talks about the futility of war and how he came to that conclusion, there is a sense of how no one perhaps deplores war than the very man sent to fight it. In Flg. Offr. Gunjan Saxena’s sorties in a Cheetah helicopter, one gets to see how she tore down – without necessarily wanting to or being conscious of it – barriers that are ever-present. The book is filled with inspiring, incredible stories of human beings – Mrs. Bisht Rawat takes care never to turn the people she documents into superheroes. Among the inspiring, the one that stands out is the fight put up by Capt. Saurabh Kalia’s parents to get the Indian Government to initiate action against Islamabad at an international level for having tortured their son and his comrades who were taken prisoner while out on patrol. The key point here is that their detention alone was illegal, since hostilities hadn’t broken out at the time they were captured. I can scarcely imagine what it takes out of a person to take on their own Government to get justice for their child – an employee of the same Government. It speaks highly of the Kalias that despite the unwillingness of the mandarins in Delhi, they have soldiered on, in as brave a manner as their son, if not more.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
The book delves into the war through the eyes of those who were left behind – parents, siblings, children – and those who survived. Part travelogue, part military history, Mrs. Bisht Rawat narrates aptly the stories of brave men who survived adverse weather conditions, a natural military disadvantage, and often inadequate equipment, digging into reserves of strength one find impossible to imagine. Released at a time when both the narrative within the country and outside of it is topsy-turvy (to say the least), one takes heart in stories like Capt. Hanif Uddin, whom the writer very pointedly mentions was Muslim by faith, but went into battle with the roar of the Rajputana Rifles’ Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai on his lips. I found the initial mention of the officer’s religion puzzling at first, but then it dawned on me that while my own background makes it easy for me to understand the concept of making your troops’ faith your own, it is something bound to bewilder people who aren’t from Fauji households. And it is fitting to point out such a thing when we see the discrimination around us rising both in volume and in the nature of its practice – that the Indian Army is a place for people of all beliefs. When Brig. Umesh Singh Bawa, VrC, SM (Retd) talks about the futility of war and how he came to that conclusion, there is a sense of how no one perhaps deplores war than the very man sent to fight it. In Flg. Offr. Gunjan Saxena’s sorties in a Cheetah helicopter, one gets to see how she tore down – without necessarily wanting to or being conscious of it – barriers that are ever-present. The book is filled with inspiring, incredible stories of human beings – Mrs. Bisht Rawat takes care never to turn the people she documents into superheroes. Among the inspiring, the one that stands out is the fight put up by Capt. Saurabh Kalia’s parents to get the Indian Government to initiate action against Islamabad at an international level for having tortured their son and his comrades who were taken prisoner while out on patrol. The key point here is that their detention alone was illegal, since hostilities hadn’t broken out at the time they were captured. I can scarcely imagine what it takes out of a person to take on their own Government to get justice for their child – an employee of the same Government. It speaks highly of the Kalias that despite the unwillingness of the mandarins in Delhi, they have soldiered on, in as brave a manner as their son, if not more.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
September 6, 2020
Having a good-night peaceful sleep? Are you able to eat, drink, roam around, and express yourself? I'm sure your answer is yes, if it is... you have to thank our brave Jawans who are guarding this nation round the clock, far away from their loved ones...
This book is a brilliant read! You will surely read about what happened during the kargil war, but you will also read about how the families of our Jawans continue to live bravely in spite of losing a loved one..
Alert: Get ready to shed some tears. Have a box of tissue while reading this book.
This book is a brilliant read! You will surely read about what happened during the kargil war, but you will also read about how the families of our Jawans continue to live bravely in spite of losing a loved one..
Alert: Get ready to shed some tears. Have a box of tissue while reading this book.
October 26, 2019
A very well written true incidents that tells us how brave our Soilders are and there Sacrifices.
This is not just a book but a symbol of respect for our brave soilders by the writer and the reader as well.
This is not just a book but a symbol of respect for our brave soilders by the writer and the reader as well.
July 14, 2020
Ye dil maangey more! A great collection of stories of martyrs from the Kargil War. This book does leave you wanting for more. Rachna ma'am does justice to these heroes who gave their lives in the battlefield.
July 27, 2021
A must read book for every Indian! I have no words to describe the overwhelming feeling after reading it. Only Gratitude.
September 30, 2021
I loved the writing style. Good read.
August 18, 2020
The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC). In India, the conflict is also referred to as Operation Vijay. The Hindi word Vijay mean Victory . which was the name of the Indian operation to clear the Kargil sector.
After reading this book I came to know about many things about soldiers life. How braverly Indian Soldiers put their lived at risk in wars and expect nothing in return. And its our duty to never forget their sacrifices that they did for our country. This book covers many untold stories of Soldiers. It talks about their brave moves and their dedication toward their duties. It depicted the agony and pain of the families of Kargil martyrs who had lost their sons & husbands in the war.
.
The stories that touched me deep includes the heartbroken story of Capt. Saurabh Kalia and his men that were kept in enemy custody and were subjected to torture. That shattered his parents but they feel proud of his son. Who gave his life for his country is a matter of great pride.
.
The nxt story about twenty-five-year old Capt. Haneef-ud-din who died in war. His body couldn't be retrieved b'coz of the enemy was firing constantly. When its told to Haneef mother his mother bravely said that she didn't want another soldier to risk his life to get her son's body back. After the war is over I would like to go & see where he died,'she said. Haneef's body was eventually retrieved. He was buried with full military honours in Delhi. She also refused the petrol pump that was offered to her.
.
The story of Lt. Hitesh Kumar's wife and his twin sons and the motivational story of Maj Devender Pal Singh who is called "The Blade Runner "proofs that bravery don't end with a war. And flying officer Gunjan Saxena also attained the glory of being the only women involved in the Kargil War.
.
This book by Rachna Bisht Rawat pay tribute to this brave spirit of the Indian armed forces. Who sacrifice their tomorrow for our today. Who Sacrifice their lives for our countery.A big salute to all our soldiers who sacrifice their lives for our safety.I recommend this book to each and everyone. You must read it.
After reading this book I came to know about many things about soldiers life. How braverly Indian Soldiers put their lived at risk in wars and expect nothing in return. And its our duty to never forget their sacrifices that they did for our country. This book covers many untold stories of Soldiers. It talks about their brave moves and their dedication toward their duties. It depicted the agony and pain of the families of Kargil martyrs who had lost their sons & husbands in the war.
.
The stories that touched me deep includes the heartbroken story of Capt. Saurabh Kalia and his men that were kept in enemy custody and were subjected to torture. That shattered his parents but they feel proud of his son. Who gave his life for his country is a matter of great pride.
.
The nxt story about twenty-five-year old Capt. Haneef-ud-din who died in war. His body couldn't be retrieved b'coz of the enemy was firing constantly. When its told to Haneef mother his mother bravely said that she didn't want another soldier to risk his life to get her son's body back. After the war is over I would like to go & see where he died,'she said. Haneef's body was eventually retrieved. He was buried with full military honours in Delhi. She also refused the petrol pump that was offered to her.
.
The story of Lt. Hitesh Kumar's wife and his twin sons and the motivational story of Maj Devender Pal Singh who is called "The Blade Runner "proofs that bravery don't end with a war. And flying officer Gunjan Saxena also attained the glory of being the only women involved in the Kargil War.
.
This book by Rachna Bisht Rawat pay tribute to this brave spirit of the Indian armed forces. Who sacrifice their tomorrow for our today. Who Sacrifice their lives for our countery.A big salute to all our soldiers who sacrifice their lives for our safety.I recommend this book to each and everyone. You must read it.
March 28, 2021
Kargil: Untold Stories from the War
A book about the remarkable bravery and sacrifice carried out by the Indian soldiers. True incidents narrated by fellow soldiers, mothers, fathers and siblings this book is an absolutely brilliant read which you cannot complete without shedding a few tears.
I have to blame my ignorance here- except for Major Saurabh Kalia and Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena I did not know the names of any more of these brave men who fought and died for our country. This book has chapters with excerpts from the war front, incidents from the life of these brave men and a brief note on how the families of these brave men are now living with the loss of their dear ones.
When Captain Haneef’s mother said that she didn’t want another soldier to risk his life to retrieve her son’s body – I had goose bumps! When Major Devendra Patel Singh (also known as the Blade Runner) who has more than 50 shrapnels embedded in his body, a damaged liver, a damaged urinary bladder, hearing loss, an amputated leg and many broken parts in his body says a “unbroken smile” is all that is required I cried at that great man’s undeterred will power and beautiful Smile.
These are just few lines about some of the great people the author has tried to focus on.
This book is no doubt a Huge Tribute to the lives and sacrifices to not only those soldiers who were at the Kargil War but who are on duty even now in those mountains, in the freezing cold and in the scorching for us and for our country!
A book about the remarkable bravery and sacrifice carried out by the Indian soldiers. True incidents narrated by fellow soldiers, mothers, fathers and siblings this book is an absolutely brilliant read which you cannot complete without shedding a few tears.
I have to blame my ignorance here- except for Major Saurabh Kalia and Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena I did not know the names of any more of these brave men who fought and died for our country. This book has chapters with excerpts from the war front, incidents from the life of these brave men and a brief note on how the families of these brave men are now living with the loss of their dear ones.
When Captain Haneef’s mother said that she didn’t want another soldier to risk his life to retrieve her son’s body – I had goose bumps! When Major Devendra Patel Singh (also known as the Blade Runner) who has more than 50 shrapnels embedded in his body, a damaged liver, a damaged urinary bladder, hearing loss, an amputated leg and many broken parts in his body says a “unbroken smile” is all that is required I cried at that great man’s undeterred will power and beautiful Smile.
These are just few lines about some of the great people the author has tried to focus on.
This book is no doubt a Huge Tribute to the lives and sacrifices to not only those soldiers who were at the Kargil War but who are on duty even now in those mountains, in the freezing cold and in the scorching for us and for our country!
February 22, 2023
The book covers various heroes of the Kargil war; each chapter coving the story of one brave heart and how he/ she fought against the enemy, the harsh weather and anything else that fate thrust upon them in the icy surroundings of Tololing, Tiger Hill, Drass and the neighboring areas. Some of the heroes mentioned in the book are more talked about than the others, but the book is a homage to all martyrs, their colleagues who survived as well as the families that support these soldiers and officers whole-heartedly to motivate them to stand up to the enemy.
I heard the Audible version of the book, which was like someone reading out the events to me, and I could spend time reflecting on how the bravery and valor of the armed forces make life peaceful and safe for us.
I'll recommend this book to everyone, especially those who do not appreciate what we went through as a nation in the summer of 1999. In the end, I am sure everyone would say a silent prayer for everyone and thank the likes of Capt. Saurabh Kalia, Capt. Manoj Pandey, Capt. Sonam Wangchuk, Capt. Vijayant Thapar, Capt. BM Cariappa and others.
We are lucky to have our capable armed forces that enable others to read books and share reviews at leisure. To quote a sentence from the book: " Soldiers don't die on battlefields; they die when an ungrateful Nation forget their sacrifices.” May the 527 Martyrs of Kargil live in our hearts forever.
I heard the Audible version of the book, which was like someone reading out the events to me, and I could spend time reflecting on how the bravery and valor of the armed forces make life peaceful and safe for us.
I'll recommend this book to everyone, especially those who do not appreciate what we went through as a nation in the summer of 1999. In the end, I am sure everyone would say a silent prayer for everyone and thank the likes of Capt. Saurabh Kalia, Capt. Manoj Pandey, Capt. Sonam Wangchuk, Capt. Vijayant Thapar, Capt. BM Cariappa and others.
We are lucky to have our capable armed forces that enable others to read books and share reviews at leisure. To quote a sentence from the book: " Soldiers don't die on battlefields; they die when an ungrateful Nation forget their sacrifices.” May the 527 Martyrs of Kargil live in our hearts forever.
April 22, 2020
With all the awe and respect in my heart, I was ready to pour myself into Kargil: Untold Stories from the War by Rachna Bisht Rawat. To archive people's stories, in my opinion, is one of the best endeavors there is. I would like to believe that I loved this book, if nothing but to curtail that reader's guilt that I still carry for not liking it as much as I want to.
To clarify, I have all the respect for the soldiers' stories. I am deeply grateful for their sacrifices and as an Indian, in debt to their families. My problem is with the writer's narration. I can't say I was very happy with how these were written or that the writer did literary justice to their life stories. But, I think it would only be fair to put it here that this is only one person's opinion and maybe the author's writing style just wasn't for me. Many people have liked it and I would still recommend this book to everyone. I have tremendous respect for the writer in her pursuit to archive the stories of our fallen heroes and commend her for it.
On the bright side, for anybody who is looking for a glimpse of what really goes on in the battlefield, this book is for you. The book also covers a few stories of civil contribution in supporting the soldiers during the war which I really think was appreciable. Once again, my opinions are purely subjective and I'd encourage everyone to pick this book up at least once!
September 1, 2020
War history in India is quite patchy. And that what is, is often focused in the mechanics of the war. Some of those stories are quite interesting indeed. But when I read about the Khukhri-man, Devi Prasad, in the 1967 Indo-China skirmish in Sikkim, I wondered why we don’t have more human stories of war. The personal stories of those soldiers who fought and sometimes got martyred in the line of duty, so that we could all continue to enjoy our peaceful lives.
Rachna Bisht’s book on the Kargil heroes does just that. It humanises those officers and jawans who knew that their jobs were bigger than them and they didn’t hesitate, often, to put their lives on the line.
What makes the book even more compelling and moving, are the stories of the families who have been left behind by these martyrs. Their stoic response to their loss and their efforts to continue to derive meaning from the death of their sons or husbands makes one wonder if one truly knows the meaning of patriotism. The wife who struggles all her life to make her two sons graduate into the army as officers, to fulfil her dead husband’s wish, or the father who makes the trek upto the peaks of Kargil to honour his son’s karmabhoomi. Or the story of the officer who loses his leg but that doesn’t stop him from running marathons and living his life to the fullest.
Each of these are inspiring stories which the youth and children of india must read. It will help them understand the true meaning of freedom. And might even motivate some to follow the dutiful journey of our soldiers.
Highly recommended.
Rachna Bisht’s book on the Kargil heroes does just that. It humanises those officers and jawans who knew that their jobs were bigger than them and they didn’t hesitate, often, to put their lives on the line.
What makes the book even more compelling and moving, are the stories of the families who have been left behind by these martyrs. Their stoic response to their loss and their efforts to continue to derive meaning from the death of their sons or husbands makes one wonder if one truly knows the meaning of patriotism. The wife who struggles all her life to make her two sons graduate into the army as officers, to fulfil her dead husband’s wish, or the father who makes the trek upto the peaks of Kargil to honour his son’s karmabhoomi. Or the story of the officer who loses his leg but that doesn’t stop him from running marathons and living his life to the fullest.
Each of these are inspiring stories which the youth and children of india must read. It will help them understand the true meaning of freedom. And might even motivate some to follow the dutiful journey of our soldiers.
Highly recommended.
July 18, 2025
📖 Review: 5⭐
"Kargil: Untold Stories of the War" by Rachna Bisht Rawat
I don’t even know where to begin. This book shook me — deeply, emotionally, and in ways I didn’t expect.
Having visited the Kargil War Memorial just 20 days ago, the stories in this book hit even harder. I could picture the names on those plaques. I could feel the silence of those mountains. And while I stood at the spot where heroes rested, reading their untold stories brought everything to life — their courage, their sacrifice, their humanity.
Rachna Bisht Rawat has done a remarkable job of giving voice to the soldiers we often only know through medals or memorials. She’s brought us their pain, their humor, their bravery, and the deeply personal moments that history books often leave out.
This isn’t just a book about war — it’s about people. Sons, brothers, friends, who gave up everything for us. And it reminded me why we *must* keep remembering them.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a heart full of gratitude. If you want to feel connected to the spirit of true courage — read this. Honor them by knowing their stories.
"Kargil: Untold Stories of the War" by Rachna Bisht Rawat
I don’t even know where to begin. This book shook me — deeply, emotionally, and in ways I didn’t expect.
Having visited the Kargil War Memorial just 20 days ago, the stories in this book hit even harder. I could picture the names on those plaques. I could feel the silence of those mountains. And while I stood at the spot where heroes rested, reading their untold stories brought everything to life — their courage, their sacrifice, their humanity.
Rachna Bisht Rawat has done a remarkable job of giving voice to the soldiers we often only know through medals or memorials. She’s brought us their pain, their humor, their bravery, and the deeply personal moments that history books often leave out.
This isn’t just a book about war — it’s about people. Sons, brothers, friends, who gave up everything for us. And it reminded me why we *must* keep remembering them.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a heart full of gratitude. If you want to feel connected to the spirit of true courage — read this. Honor them by knowing their stories.
June 27, 2024
This book leaves an imprint on you long after you have read this book. These heart wrenching, inspiring and above all brave stories of our warriors in the armed forces deserve to be shared widely among the masses. We will indeed be an ungrateful nation, if we forget these bravehearts who fought the enemies on our behest.
The author has shared a compilation of agonizing tales of bravery from the Kargil war, in this book. She skillfully presents each story from different perspectives, bringing out the emotions in those stories. This book goes a long way in recording the sacrifices of our brave soldiers, and also sets in motion a desire to learn more about them.
The author rightly says that war stories might sound romantic, but that in reality war is terrible. It ruins lives, breaks apart families, and leaves a trail of sorrow and resentment. These stories allow us to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers. But in my opinion, they also hope to teach us about the ravages of war and its consequences.
Highly recommend you read this book.
The author has shared a compilation of agonizing tales of bravery from the Kargil war, in this book. She skillfully presents each story from different perspectives, bringing out the emotions in those stories. This book goes a long way in recording the sacrifices of our brave soldiers, and also sets in motion a desire to learn more about them.
The author rightly says that war stories might sound romantic, but that in reality war is terrible. It ruins lives, breaks apart families, and leaves a trail of sorrow and resentment. These stories allow us to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers. But in my opinion, they also hope to teach us about the ravages of war and its consequences.
Highly recommend you read this book.
October 6, 2020
#qotd🌸 : which army related book influence you ??
Kargil untold stories from the war by Rachna Bisht Rawat.
Today, India🇮🇳 celebrates the
21st anniversary of "Kargil war".
In the owner of Kargil war's Heroes.🌸
On this day, "we succeed in operation Vijay".❤️
On this date, in 1999 India's successful command of the higher hotspots had been lost to Pakistan.
🌸 The war was fought by soldiers to continue 60 days.
"Operation Vijay" was the major operation fought against Pakistan by the Indian army.
200,000 soldiers fought and 527 soldiers lost their lives.
Book review👇
The write up was amazing as well as emotional.
In this book, you know about the braveness of many soldiers.
Untold stories of Kargil war.
If you are an army lover then definitely you're going to influence this book.
The author's research work great. Quite impressive.
#tbh: my favorite part of this book story of major Shergill. 🌸
Worth reading-5/5
Book reading-5/5
Writing skills-4.9/5
Kargil untold stories from the war by Rachna Bisht Rawat.
Today, India🇮🇳 celebrates the
21st anniversary of "Kargil war".
In the owner of Kargil war's Heroes.🌸
On this day, "we succeed in operation Vijay".❤️
On this date, in 1999 India's successful command of the higher hotspots had been lost to Pakistan.
🌸 The war was fought by soldiers to continue 60 days.
"Operation Vijay" was the major operation fought against Pakistan by the Indian army.
200,000 soldiers fought and 527 soldiers lost their lives.
Book review👇
The write up was amazing as well as emotional.
In this book, you know about the braveness of many soldiers.
Untold stories of Kargil war.
If you are an army lover then definitely you're going to influence this book.
The author's research work great. Quite impressive.
#tbh: my favorite part of this book story of major Shergill. 🌸
Worth reading-5/5
Book reading-5/5
Writing skills-4.9/5
August 8, 2021
This is an attempt to bring to the larger audience the stories of valour, sacrifice and the emotions attached with heroes of the Kargil War.
Those who are new to reading about events on Kargil should definitely read this.
The author tries to cover stories around Kargil not heard popularly and which are very interesting.
The stories of 5 Para are the once you never get to hear in any of the forum.
So definitely a recommendation to read this.
I would have wanted more articulate depiction of the battle scenes and the lives of brave soldiers involved in the war giving readers like me a more deeper view, but I understand the constraints of her choice.
Those who are new to reading about events on Kargil should definitely read this.
The author tries to cover stories around Kargil not heard popularly and which are very interesting.
The stories of 5 Para are the once you never get to hear in any of the forum.
So definitely a recommendation to read this.
I would have wanted more articulate depiction of the battle scenes and the lives of brave soldiers involved in the war giving readers like me a more deeper view, but I understand the constraints of her choice.
September 8, 2025
Every citizen of India should read this book. It tells the stories of our brave soldiers — how they fought and laid down their lives for the nation. The book speaks of Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia, who was held captive, brutally tortured, and killed; of Captain Haneef Uddin, whose body remained buried in the snow for days before it was recovered; of Lieutenant Anuj Nayyar and Captain Vijayant Thapar, who both attained martyrdom before even reaching the age of 25. It captures not only the war itself but also the grief of families who lost their sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers. This book is a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the price of freedom.
May 30, 2020
Rachna ma'am has clearly decorated the the bravery, leadership and indomitable spirit of the army personnel during the kargil war of 1999, with every ending chapter I felt that pride sense of being on this side of the LOC. I learned that Indian army is not only secular, but true ethical. Also the tantrums we make are not even a percentage beside point in compare to the problems soilders faced during that time at kargil .
We must praise the army and other security forces for their lifelong service.
And let's not forget; for our tomorrow they give their today.
We must praise the army and other security forces for their lifelong service.
And let's not forget; for our tomorrow they give their today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2021
One of the most thrilling and bone chilling narrations by the Legendary author and Army Wife Mrs. Rachna Bisht Rawat of the various tales of heroics of the young men in their twenties while they fought the Kargil War in the summers of 1999. The stories have been narrated in the most beautiful way highlighting the harsh situations faced by the young troops in the icy heights of Kargil to regain the peaks captured by the Pakistani infiltrators.
The young generation must read this book to instill the values of bravery, courage, leadership, dedication, determination and sense of duty.
The young generation must read this book to instill the values of bravery, courage, leadership, dedication, determination and sense of duty.
April 19, 2021
Each story penned is compelling, bring alive the Kargil War a reminder that war is futile, the pain and agony faced by families. The stories are painful and take away our hearts on the sacrifice of our army jawans, young lives lost, and human tragedies. The stories pain the heart where author Rachna Bisht Rawat brings a very objective take, speaking to families and making us discover our slain soldiers, the sacrifice for the Indian flag to flutter atop. A must-read to discover our Kargil Heroes but also the unsung, the wives and children.
July 31, 2021
A book that left me spellbound every single night I read and brought me up close with the indomitable spirit of human life that can go to any limit for the call of duty even amidst unimaginable adverse conditions. It's a beautiful journey of such exemplary valour and humanity that affirms my belief that one can push oneself to great limits before even thinking of giving up. As much as it filled me with proud patriotism (with goosebumps and teary eyes), it also served as a huge inspiration of the beautiful human spirit.! Undoubtedly, one of my best reads of the year. Go, grab your copy.! 😊
March 8, 2024
Rating: 5
It isn't even fair to judge a book like this. The courage and valor of our soldiers are incomparable. There were numerous instances that left me in tears. I had to take breaks while reading this because their sacrifices were too much to digest.
We often take our usual life for granted without realizing the hardships our army faces to keep everything normal.
A heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian Army, the war martyrs, and their families
Finally thanks to Rachna for writing this.
It isn't even fair to judge a book like this. The courage and valor of our soldiers are incomparable. There were numerous instances that left me in tears. I had to take breaks while reading this because their sacrifices were too much to digest.
We often take our usual life for granted without realizing the hardships our army faces to keep everything normal.
A heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian Army, the war martyrs, and their families
Finally thanks to Rachna for writing this.
October 28, 2024
Big picture:
A price was paid by India during the Kargil conflict – 527 lives were lost along with 1363 returned wounded
The book is to celebrate grit and courage of some of the young officers (most of them in their twenties)
Author endevours that the stories are passed down to generations and immortalize the spirit of the Indian Army
Review
The stories are heartwarming and written in a simple language
The reality of war is shattered families, orphaned children leaving behind a legacy of sadness and hate.
A price was paid by India during the Kargil conflict – 527 lives were lost along with 1363 returned wounded
The book is to celebrate grit and courage of some of the young officers (most of them in their twenties)
Author endevours that the stories are passed down to generations and immortalize the spirit of the Indian Army
Review
The stories are heartwarming and written in a simple language
The reality of war is shattered families, orphaned children leaving behind a legacy of sadness and hate.
November 24, 2020
The Kargil War 1999 Indian and Pakistan. This book tells the last hours of martyrs in the Indian army and interviews their families. These soldiers on both sides died serving their countries and deserve respect and remembering. What I found sad is that the grieving mothers now want their Grandsons to follow the same path and get shot at. The book does comment on the bravery of the Pakistanis but is mostly a Jai Hind account.
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