The Indian Army: Reminiscences, Reforms & Romance

by H.S. Panag

In the essays that comprise The Indian Reminiscences, Reforms & Romance, Lieutenant General H.S. Panag examines burning questions surrounding the Indian Armed their exploitation by neo- nationalists; an intrusive media’s projection of the army as the sole flagbearer of patriotism; the obsession with Pakistan as an impending threat to national security; the intense militarisation of Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370; and equal opportunities for women in combat, among other issues. Divided into six sections – Human Rights, Reforms, Leadership, Reminiscences, Conflict and Unforgettable Heroes – the book compels the reader to think deeper and with greater nuance about a much- discussed and much-maligned institution. The Indian Army is also a glimpse into the General’s own life, and reveals hitherto unknown aspects of his long career in the army. A writer who straddles the serious and the idyllic with equal ease, he unequivocally condemns the tying of a citizen to the bonnet of an army jeep in Kashmir in 2017 in one piece, and in another tells the intensely passionate, albeit tragic love story of a soldier and a Kashmiri girl. As candid as it is incisive, The Indian Army is a must-read for every Indian who has stopped to think about the powerful institution that the army is.

Genres: Nonfiction

290 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2020

Reviews

[Kumaraguru Dnv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lt Gen H S Panag’s book ‘The Indian Army - Reminiscences, Reforms and Romance’ is largely a collection of his articles written periodically in various news outlets on matters concerning the Indian Army, national security and other related issues. He has clubbed these articles under six broad sections of human rights, reforms, leadership, reminiscences, conflict (China, Pakistan and Kashmir), and heroes.

His writing style is simple yet straightforward. He doesn’t hesitate to call out what he thinks is wrong and you find a lot of advice to the ruling dispensation on what can be done differently. You may agree or disagree with his views, but you cannot ignore them. All of us as citizens are better served if we make an effort to inform ourselves about our forces, national security issues and the men and women who serve.

Ultimately, it is individuals who have helped change destinies by virtue of their leadership. I share Napoleon’s maxim that I read in the book - “In war it is not men, but the “man” who counts.”

[Shariq · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a collation of articles written by the general at various points in the past few years. With more than six decades of military experience in the family the general should have written a full pledged book with his wise and dispassionate analysis. nonetheless the book for people without a profound military background is still enriching as the general is a very knowledgeable and analytical person who rarely minces words.

[Saumya Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good read which covers all the topics that people need clarity on. General Panag has been a maverick his entire career and upheld human rights to levels many can only dream of. The book is divided into multiple sections. It doesn't talk about any war in detail but talks about individual contributions. Its not a book like others so a dissatisfaction in form of low ratings is expected.

[Pradeep Kanthan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part memoir, part a collection of articles published on online channels. The personal accounts of his childhood experiences make an interesting read. It fell short of my expectations of reading about policy changes that senior ranks enable or are privy. Easy and quick read.