Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye: My Life Story

by K.J.S. Dhillon

He has extensively served in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and the North-East of India. He has the distinction of commanding the elite Chinar Corps (15 Corps). And, his last assignment before superannuation was the Director-General Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General KJS 'Tiny' Dhillon (Retd) opens a window to his life in this book.

From the fascinating tales and the toughest challenges he has encountered in his career, including those from his multiple tenures in J&K since 1988 to the responsibility of maintaining a balance between counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist operations on one hand and the use of military soft power on the other in Kashmir, in this book Dhillon unfolds his journeys from a young boy to the Commander of Chinar Corps. With Kashmir being an inseparable part of this story including the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, barbarous attack on the convoy of Indian security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing 40 CRPF personnel, Balakot to the abrogation of Article 370 and its impact on the socio-political, economic and law and order, among others, the book takes us behind the scenes to bring out the nuances of various intriguing developments at a critical juncture in the history of the erstwhile State of J&K.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Autobiography, India, History, Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2023

Reviews

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 ⭐

GENRE - AUTOBIOGRAPHY / NON FICTION

Lieutenant General Kanwaljeet Singh Dhillon autobiography is a well written and compiled book on his life.
The book is fast paced written in simple language and systematically compiled. There are many quotes mentioned in this book and the General has given many examples and stories from his personal life specially during his training days and early postings.
His wife played a pivotal role in his success and the way she single handedly took charge of the affairs of the house in his absence was something that impressed me.
Apart from that the book also covers his entire career, all his postings and the politics of Kashmir.
The incidents such as the Pulwama attack or the Abrogation of Article 370 has been extensively covered in this book.

The book is a must read for people of all age groups and all walks of life.It kept me interested from the start till the end and I am sure you will not be disappointed in choosing to read this book.

Thank You.
Regards,
Ammit P Chawda
🙂👍❤️

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye" offers an engrossing and authentic account of Lieutenant General K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's remarkable journey, spanning from his childhood to becoming the Commander of the Chinar Corps. With candid anecdotes and personal insights, the book provides an insider's perspective on the complex socio-political landscape of Kashmir. Through Dhillon's experiences, the narrative delves into pivotal events such as the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, the Pulwama attack, Balakot air strikes, and Article 370's abrogation. The book not only demystifies historical incidents but also sheds light on the life of a soldier, both professionally and personally. A compelling read that resonates with readers across age groups, especially those interested in defense, the book stands as an inspiring testament to resilience and dedication in the face of challenges.

[Vinod Bhardwaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review - Kitne Ghazi Aye Kitne Ghazi Gaye
In this book, 'Tiny' Dhillon opens a hitherto-closed window, not only to his life but also to Kashmir. He recounts fascinating tales about the most formidable challenges he encountered, from age three right up to those from his multiple tenures in Kashmir from 1988 to 2020, where it was his responsibility to maintain a balance between counter-terrorism operations on the one hand and to use soft military power on the other. Dhillon retraces his entire journey, from being a young boy to becoming the Commander of the Chinar Corps, with Kashmir as an inseparable part of this story.
As a first-hand account, the book touches on. It takes us behind the scenes to bring out the nuances of various intriguing developments at a critical juncture in the history of J&K. It demystifies the myths, half-truths, whats, ifs, and whys of the life of a soldier, the departure of the Kashmiri Pandits, the brutal attack on an Indian security convoy in Pulwama district, in which forty CRPF personnel were killed; the Balakot air strikes; and the abrogation of Article 370 and its impact on the socio-political, economic and law-and-order situation, among other incidents.
Anecdotal, candid, and evocative, Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye brings to light the true stories from LtGen KJS Dhillon. It focuses on the personal, professional, and, most importantly, family life of a soldier in the Army. It will provide insight into his trials and tribulations and inspire a broad spectrum of readers, especially young defense aspirants and leaders in the armed forces.
Army Ek job Nahin hai, Mohabbat hai, Aur Mohabbat mein challenges nahin hote, Afsaane Hote Hain is the quote all soldiers live.

[Varunreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read lot of military accounts including indias most fearless I also followed books of rachna mam but this book is something different it
This book is the most detailed and insight of military career if ever read from childhood to kashmir you get all the insights of on ground situation and last chapter comes as a surprise to me when author introduced 2nd last chapter of this book which talks about bipin rawat and tiny sir interaction with him
So overall it is a big treat for army lovers

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. Covers the life and times of Gen Tiny Dhillon very vividly.

[Sapna Bisht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian Army holds a special place in my heart, graced with mad respect and pride. Reading this book felt like an honor as Lt. Gen. K.J.S, ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd) described his life right from his childhood and the events that led him to a new way of life that is Indian Army. He gives us a glimpse of what goes on in the life of an aspiring Indian Army soldier, his roles and responsibilities and the challenges he faced during his multiple tenures in Kashmir as Commander of the Chinar Corps, some of the important events including the abrogation of article 370 and 35A, and the cowardly Pulwama attack on 14th February 2019, when we lost 40 of our valorous heroes. He also talks about the various humanitarian operations under the Indian Army, in the remote and difficult areas of Kashmir that are solely aimed at the well-being, health and education of the population.

A separate chapter has been tributed to Late General Bipin Rawat, the first CDS of Indian Armed Forces, where we are acquainted with General Rawat’s legendary and futuristic visions, conviction and decisiveness which also hits the heartbreaking realization of how our nation has lost one of the finest leader and a scholar soldier. I pay my tributes to General Rawat, his wife and 12 other brave souls that we lost in the tragic crash on 8th December 2021.

The book also talks about the stressful life of the family of a soldier. How their parents, siblings and life partners are the pillars of strength throughout this journey of a lifetime.
Apart from the difficult times in a soldier’s life, there are also occasions of celebrations and cheerful plays and events that are shared in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, every word of every excerpt of every chapter and I am now looking forward to reading more on this subject.

[Neeraj Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, read in one go

A well written book and enjoyable read. The structure, the words and style are elegant. It doesn't tire you.

There is this military side of the story, we always miss. The book is admirable because it is not pompous. The respect he has shown for professionals other than from the Army is an absolute delight because it is not just rhetoric. He bears it out with examples.

Do not keep high hopes of getting to know some details that are not in the public domain. He is a military officer and thus "honour bound".

A few things do look opinionated but he has rights too. Very simplistic explanation of peace post 370 and that there was no lockdown. Not that I mind this but I am not sure that Kashmiris kept 370 abrogation agitation under control without extraordinary force deployment and threat of force. But then it is part of duty and necessity too.

The book, you can read in one go if you are a reader by interest. I completed it in one go.

[Navdeep Pundhir · Rating 2 out of 5]

The issue about memoirs of people who have something interesting or famous to share is that except the part which is relevant to public, everything else is plain waste. Not to say it with any disrespect to General Tiny and all hats off to him for doing what he did for the nation, my point is about memoirs in general. Be it one by a politician or a fauji or a bureaucrat, most of them have one good thirty page story to tell. Everything else is just an attempt to fill up pages of the book and rightly so. As a bureaucrat myself, my life is equal mundane and if I ever get a chance to be famous and want to write a memoir, I’ll also end up blabbering for first 150 pages and then make up in the rest

[Ashutosh Dikshit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative and enjoyable account of “General Saab’s” career with the armed forces, spanning decades, geographies and responsibilities.

[Adityaraj Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of how he started the journey as he just wanted to watch the cinema so he filled the form and then went to Delhi after the exam he went to theatre and then on a train journey he saw the result on newspapers where his name was written so he went to ssb and joined NDA where he had an small accident in which his finger was fractured and is now a bit tilted after that he joined IMA and after POP he was commissioned as a second lt and then because he was in war area became a captain and so on from second lieutenant to Let.gen and chinar cope commander his whole life is dedicated to army and his love life is extraordinary as Nita madam is very supportive and this book is very inspiring for young aspiring officers
P.S I loved this book and will read it again very soon jai hind !

[AKASH ANAND · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anybody who see their future in the Arms forces or wants to peek into life of an Army officer. Definitely, this book is not restricted to this, it also talks about J&K before 1990's (Attacks on Kashmiri Hindu's) and after abrogation of Article 350 and 35A and how security forces implemented it in those tough and tense situations without any casualties. This book is also loaded with full many of anecdotes that reflects the humorous side of our arms forces.

Jai Hind

[Abhijeet Kumar · Rating 2 out of 5]

All blah blah blah of daily life in the army. Might be a good read for those who are preparing for that purpose. Nothing much for other readers.

[Balwinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engrossing and well written. Gen Saab has been an outstanding soldier, an inspiring leader and now with this book he has proved himself to be an avid writer.

[Kajal Mondal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gone through his interview. Want to what actually happened from a true soldier

[Ajitabh Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The autobiography of the famous Chinar Core commander wherein he shares stories from his personal and professional life. The book is not written in any chronological order but rather divided into chapters with a theme and while most of the book progresses in sequence, stories from past matching the theme are also covered.

[Mayank Bhamenaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting aside the rest of the book and the section on Kashmir, it alone deserves a separate volume. Sir’s insight on Kashmir offers an extraordinary perspective that goes beyond just mere observation especially for outsiders (people who don’t know the ground situation of the valley few years ago). With some personal exposure to Kashmir, I found his depiction remarkably resonant (Bangus Valley truly is an untouched heaven). As the Corps Commander, he did an outstanding job in improving the situation in the valley, taking effective actions against infiltration and terrorism while properly making use of army’s soft power.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye: My Life Story
Author: K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon
Publisher: ‎ Penguin Veer (14 February 2023)
Language: ‎ English
Hardcover: ‎ 320 pages
Item Weight: ‎ 300 g
Dimensions: ‎ 23.4 x 15.3 x 2.07 cm
Country of Origin: ‎ India
Price: 428/-

“...It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier … [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability.” ― George S. Patton Jr.

‘Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye', this pivotal slogan was first used during the press conference at Badami Bagh Cantonment, command center of the
Indian Army’s 15 Corps, on 19 February 2019, post the eradication of the Pakistani terrorist Kamran, alias Ghazi of the proscribed terrorist group Jaish-e Mohammed.

The phrase has become identical with the fearlessness of the Indian Armed Forces that have unremittingly battled and continue to do so daily, numerous anti-India elements like the aforesaid Pakistani extremist, who instigated the devious IED attack on a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir, on the momentous day of 14 February 2019.

Ghazi, like ample before him, was routed by the security forces within 100 hours of the barbaric incident.

But at a more synergistic level, this axiom concisely articulates the course of the author’s life: a life lived in the continual gumshoe of indecision, with heroism and confidence in the professional veracity of Indian soldiers and officers being the only imperative for survival.

The following chapters constitute this book:

1: Inspired by the Fighting Spirit of a Fearless Mother
2: Destined to Become an Army Man
3: How It All Began: Cradle for Leadership
4: The Joys of Being a Cadet in the NDA and Gentleman Cadet in the IMA
5: Escapades and Memorable Times in the Rajputana Rifles
6: My Eventful Early Days in 4 RAJRIF
7: Entering Matrimony
8. Trust' and Respect: Bor Rules: A NonNegotiable Value System
9: Tales of Endurance and Courage: Behind the Scenes Lives of the Family
10: Sharing and Caring: An Unwritten Rule in the Army
11: The Army Marches on Its Stomach: Exigencies of Sustenance and Survival in the Army
12: Kashmir: The Land of Natural Beauty, Culture, Art, Hospitality and Kashmiriyat
13: Entry into Kashmir: A Heaven Burning
14: Rashtriya Rifles: RR, Sirf Naam Hi Kaafi Hai
15: My Homecomings in Kashmir
16: Jammu and Kashmir: A Geo-Historical Perspective and the Context of Articles 370 and 35A
17: Chinar Corps Commander: Baptism by Fire-Dirge at Pulwama
18: The Abrogation of Articles 370 and 3 5 A: Build-up
19: Implementation of Abrogation: Peace Ensured
20: 'When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us. And Say, for Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today'
21: General Bipin Rawat: The Soldier and the Man as I Knew Him
22: Future Possibilities and Envisioned Strategies
23: God's Favourite Child

Chapters 16, 18, 19 and 22 form the core of this book’s narrative, for me at least.

This is what Dhillon summarizes:

To comprehend the future likelihoods and envisaged strategies in Kashmir, it is imperative to understand how Pakistan and the IS I are going to play their cards in Kashmir. To predict future opportunities necessitated within the maneuver of a proxy war by the Pakistan Army, not a professional army and the ISI in Kashmir, the opus would include the quest of the following actions:

**Orchestration of a trigger event or exploit an event to get the masses on the streets so that a spiteful cycle of violence could be set into motion as seen after the killing of Burhan Wani. The aim being to keep the Kashmir pot boiling and remain in international headlines.

**Impetus to foment infiltration through multiple routes like the Line of Control, international boundary or via a third country.

**Nourishment of financial networks to permeate funds for anti-India entities to empower them to initiate hostile actions as chalked out in their inclusive design for conducting a proxy war against India.

• Strive to push in maximum war-like stores into Kashmir, again either through the Line of Control, the international border, or procured through under-the-radar criminal illegal armsmaking networks within India or through a third country.

•Continue to use 'religion’ as a tool to intensify the metrics of'polarization', ‘alienation’ and ‘radicalization’ of the youth in Kashmir. This thread continues to remain a prime driver for luring formative young minds into this agenda, inciting them to pick up arms and join the terrorist ranks, as per the time and geographical targets set by the ISI. The socio-economic impact of more than three decades of terrorism on Kashmiri society discussed in earlier chapters is
adding to their efforts.

• Further all actions to corrupt the Kashmiri mind space, especially that of the youth, in consonance with its agenda, covering the domains of social media and vernacular print media, distribution of literature (both electronic and print) and drug addiction.

• Keep the ecosystem of disrupted -- functional despite the imposition of a ban on the Jamaate-Islami (Jel) by the Indian Government or the increased raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on related entities.

• Periodic planned targeting of minorities compatible to their unsettling and violent agenda to achieve the desired effect.

• Disrupt the political process, as and when it is getting stabilized with development taking place, through financial, ideological, forcible or kinetic means.

And what should India’s Counter Strategy be?

The general says that in order to retort to Pakistan and the ISI's policy of creating a multifaceted and disorderly ecosystem in Kashmir, India’s strategy ought to entail all facades of ‘Saam’ (persuade), ‘Daam’ (purchase), ‘Dand’ (punish) and ‘Bhed’ (manipulating the secrets), as spelt out by Kautilya.

# Concomitant with this strategy, our approach must thus encompass seeking the advice and engagement (Saam) of key segments of the population and opinion-makers, including the mothers as in the case of Operation Maa,

# Offering better avenues (Daam) for providing improved education and employment avenues,

# Punishing the antinationals (Dand), and

# Creating fissures (Bhed) in the strategy aimed at entangling the youth in inimical and terrorist activities.

Often we come across a roughly used expression 'Men will be men'. While the phrase arouses miscellaneous emotions, it's imperative to appreciate what kind of men would men be?

In the fraternity of olive greens, there are too many men trying to be ‘better men’, because the ‘balance’, men in society look at them as portraying the 'Best Men’.

This book re-counts the story of a ‘Best Man’.

[Shashwat Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lt. Gen. ‘Tiny’ Dhillon writes ‘Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye’ as a memoir encapsulating his near four decades of military service in the Indian Army, including his tenure as Chinar Corps Commander, Sector Commander (Officiating Commanding Officer) of the Rashtriya Rifles, renowned for its counter insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley, and his parent unit, the 4 Rajputana Rifles.

The phrase, ‘Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye’, also the title of the book, was in response to a journalist during a press conference after the Indian Army executed an operation in Pinglan, Kashmir, jointly with the J&K Police (JKP) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), to track and eliminate Kamran alias Ghazi, the mastermind behind the Pulwama attack on 14 February 2019, and two other category A++ terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed. The phrase is indicative of the Indian Army’s intent to keep Kashmir intruder-free by neutralizing any terrorists as and when required.
‘Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye’ gives the reader a bird’s eye view of the life of a military servant. From his initial days at the National Defense Academy to his superannuation in January 2022, the book delineates the very character of an officer of the Indian Army, how it is built and why it is important for every officer of the Indian Defense Forces to don that character. With a considerable chunk of his military tenure spent in Kashmir, Lt. Gen. K.J.S Dhillon recounts fascinating tales about the toughest challenges he encountered, where it was his responsibility to maintain a balance between counter-terrorism operations and military soft power. Dhillon retraces his entire life journey, from being a young boy to becoming the Commander of Chinar Corps, with Kashmir intertwined with the very DNA of his work.

Following Dhillon’s entry into the hallowed gates of the NDA, he describes various elements of training, including the harsh admonishments imparted upon him by his seniors and instructors, and in hindsight, how they helped shape him into the officer that he became. At the NDA and IMA (Indian Military Academy), he describes an arduous tradition, the Patti Parade, which involves a senior appointment cadet, with a stopwatch, ordering the junior cadets to run to their cabins, don a particular dress or uniform, and run back to the ground within a stipulated time, which invariably ranged from two to three minutes. By, this was a tough task, but even more of a quagmire for Dhillon, as Sikh cadets were not given any extra time for putting on their turbans. Dhillon later realizes the logic behind this injustice, that is, any crisis on the battlefield would not discriminate between a Sikh and a non-Sikh soldier, and both would have to face the same odds with the same time available for action or reaction.

After Dhillon is commissioned into the Indian Army as Second Lieutenant, he is subsequently posted to the 4th Battalion of Rajputana Rifles, then stationed in Sikkim. On his first day, he learns the Army adage of ‘Officer hamesha aage’ meaning, the officer always leads from the front. As Dhillon progresses with Army service, he realizes the more pragmatic reasons for this simple advice. The commander’s control from the scene of action is critical, as he is the one who has maximum input and intel regarding the target prior to launch of the operation and the subsequent evolving intelligence picture throughout the operation. As the mission moves forward, the commander is the one who has the means of communication with the headquarters, which makes him the most suitable person to modify the plan or ask for reinforcements, or any other necessary initiative as per the evolving operation picture. Dhillon learns several other crucial lessons during his tenure, which not only educate him about the working of counter-insurgency operations, but also the innate strength and character of the jawans under his command.

Providentially, Dhillon’s 4 Rajputana Rifles battalion moved to the Kashmir Valley in 1988, just two years before the infamous exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits on 19th January 1990. Dhillon provides an in-depth account of the events leading up to the day of reckoning, and demystifies the myths, half-truths, whats, ifs, and whys of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.

As Dhillon takes charge of the valiant Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit as Sector Commander, he revolutionizes the way counter-terrorist operations are carried out in the Kashmir Valley. As RR Sector Commander, Dhillon was responsible for carrying out counter-insurgency operations in Rajwar and Haphruda forest, the densest forests in North Kashmir. Dhillon was a firm believer that in these dense forests, with near zero visibility, the speed of operations was not through tracks or engines, but through mobility of the mind. Following through with this ideology, Dhillon describes how he was able to incorporate the ‘Swarming Technique’ to flush out terrorists from the jungle, something only the Para Special Forces of the Indian Army had been able to achieve at the time.
At the fag end of his service, Dhillon delineates the role of the Indian Army in the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. He also discusses its impact on the socio-political, economic, and law-and- order situation, among other incidents. Dhillon describes how he designed various soft operations of the Army, such as Operation Maa, Humsaya Hain Hum, Taleem se Taraqqi, and many more. At the end of the book, in what seems like an invaluable chapter, Dhillon describes future possibilities and envisioned strategies in Kashmir. He explains how Pakistan and the ISI are playing the proxy war in Kashmir and what our counter strategies can be.

The book proves to be an extremely valuable insight to a question few of us stop to ponder – What does the life of an Army man look like? From the bone-chilling cold of Siachen to the burning sands of the Rajasthan Desert, from the front lines of LoC to the LAC, the book changes the perspective that the common man looks at a jawan with, from a mean killing machine, to that of an extremely dedicated son/husband with unmatched commitment to the nation, a self-motivated and ruthless team person with unparalleled professional integrity, respect for human values and cultures, and above all, a person who puts service before self every day.

[Girish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for everyone who wants to understand Kashmir in the backdrop of Article 370 abrogation by the Govt of India.

The way Army handled things is really commendable.

[Alf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you have served with any of security forces or have a friend/relative in security forces or just love your Army and wish to satiate your inquisitiveness on Indian Army's leadership nurturing process.

The book gives account of hardship faced in early life and how positive outlook impact outcomes. Values nurtured by Indian Army training academies and by unit in initial service are conveyed in form of anecdotes to convey valuable lessons which can be applied in business or in combat zone. The author was at helm of affairs when Pulwama attack took place and when article 370 and 35A were abrogated, valuable insights on Kashmir issue from experienced soldier will surely provide new perspective to readers. A military leader story written in most humble manner.

[Hrushikesh N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with positivity and inspiration

Filled with positivity and inspiration. Absolute page turner. Thank you Tiny Sir, and Salute to your dedication and lifelong work.

[Rajeev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gen Dhillon came into the limelight in the aftermath of the Pulwama car bomb attack and the retaliation by the Indian Army in response to that dastardly attack. He was at the helm of affairs as the Corps Commander of 15 Corps when the Balakote strike was executed. The General’s time under the sun came when he ensured a relatively peaceful Kashmir after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A. The dispensation in Delhi and the country at large heaved a collective sigh of relief when relatively minimal disturbance was witnessed following the abrogation of the contentious constitutional provisions.

It is obvious from the narrative that the General had a very satisfying tenure of almost 4 decades in the Indian Army. He brings to the fore his passion for the service which was the main driving force that ensured a sterling career profile. From the account, it is obvious that he had to undergo a lot of privations and had to sacrifice personal comforts to ensure that he could reach the pinnacle of his chequered career. Being a veteran officer of the Indian Army I could very well appreciate what the officer had gone through in his formative years as well as the immense responsibilities that he had to shoulder as a flag officer. The narrative and the sequence of events that he describes in his book make it amply clear that he had more than his share of arduous postings in the terrorist-infested areas of the Northeast and Kashmir. But in retrospect, Gen Dhillon would have felt that the trial by fire that he had as a youngster in the Army had made him more than capable of facing the immense responsibilities that fell on his shoulders as a General officer.

The narrative begins with an engaging account of General Dhillon’s childhood. Dhillon lost his mother at a very young age and the angst that he felt about this loss as a young boy is poignantly conveyed in a heartfelt manner. The untimely death of his mother led to a profound sense of loss that plagued him all through his life. Later in life, he channelled this angst and pain into weaning the Kashmiri youth away from militancy through Operation Maa, wherein he appealed to Kashmiri mothers to prevent their sons from going down the path of militancy.

The General’s account of his days in the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy is engaging and laced with candid humour. It is evident from the narrative that the young officer was destined for greater glory. He comes across as a well-loved, hardworking young officer who is conscientious towards his duties. The camaraderie and the friendships that the General cultivated right from his younger days stood him in good stead and helped in the advancement of his career.

Dhillon’s contribution to ensuring stability in Kashmir following the abrogation of articles 370 and 35 A is widely acknowledged. The General officer has no qualms in appreciating and lauding the resolute actions that the Modi Government instituted in stabilising the situation in Kashmir. It is amply clear from the narrative that even the establishment was apprehensive of the negative fallout of the decisions, but four years down the line, the abrogation of the contentious provisions in the Constitution feels like a truly justified decision that has proved beneficial for the Kashmiris and the country at large.

The one drawback of the book is that it reads more like a military paper than a free-flowing autobiographical piece. It is apparent that the author has not allowed too many edits to his narrative and the writing has a definite imprint of a person who has been actively practising military writing all through his life. There are a few instances where I felt that the author has used vocabulary out of context. A critic with a sharp eye would have picked up these anomalies and it would have made a world of difference to the reading experience.

General Dhillon's autobiography is not to be missed. It gives a candid account of an Army officer’s life which would pique a layman's interest no end. It also gives a comprehensive account of the last few days of rampant militancy in the Kashmir valley. This work is a valuable record of some of the momentous occurrences in the tumultuous history of Jammu and Kashmir.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Army Ek job Nahin hai, Mohabbat hai, Aur Mohabbat mein challenges nahin hote, Afsaane Hote Hain' - starting his tryst with loss and death early in life, Dhillon saab writes in detail about every important mark in his life. To losing his valiant mom in Nepal, living a life with his 'beeji', desire to join the army, his father's opposition, join the army, tales in the army, his marriage, his childrens' s birth, his duties in Kashmir to even a chapter of Bipin Rawat - ' General Saab' gives us a detailed, unabashed and lucid account of it all.
.
The simplistic language coupled with the timely photographs take you right into his life, leaving really nothing unclear. We very clearly learn about the hardships and also the enjoyment and the pride in an army settlement. Every story - from the cycle carrying, to the army welcome of his wife, to how the army drills save lives, each and every story is warm, engaging and so easy to get into.
.
His narration take us into many scenes heard of and seen in television related to the state of JK. The Balakot air strikes, the cowardice laced Pulwama attacks and so so much more, giving us an insider view of what it is to live it through, to fight for the motherland, to keep the country's safety above all.
.
I think for me his honorable mention of his family and how they have given up, coped with and survived through his duties in the military that is heart touching. Really so much goes into this career while we can appreciate most of it from safety.
.
I have heard of the genre of military fiction and I am not a fan but this memoir is so lovable, fun yet being elegant and evocative that it has been a pleasure to read.
.

[Aryaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye, is not just a book but more than that. It is a powerful tapestry woven from the threads of military service, unbreakable camaraderie, and personal sacrifice. Through its pages, Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon offers readers a deeply moving and vivid account of life in the Indian Army, blending professional experiences with glimpses into his personal life, particularly his journey as a husband and father.
The narrative gracefully captures the spirit of brotherhood that exists between officers and soldiers—a bond forged in the crucible of harsh terrains, relentless challenges, and moments of triumph and tragedy alike. General Dhillon doesn't just recount missions or military operations; he invites the reader into the barracks, onto the battlefield, and into the hearts of those who serve with unflinching courage and unwavering devotion.
What makes this book particularly inspiring is its authenticity. Every anecdote, whether about operational duties in conflict zones or quiet, emotional moments at home, resonates with honesty and pride. General Dhillon’s reflections on balancing family life with a demanding career in uniform are poignant and relatable, adding depth to the story and reminding readers that soldiers, too, are sons, husbands, and fathers.
This book has the potential to ignite the spark of patriotism in the hearts of countless young minds. It is not just a memoir—it is a call to serve, to protect, and to live a life larger than oneself. For anyone considering a career in the armed forces or simply seeking to understand the nobility of military life, this book can be both a guide and a source of immense inspiration.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Being in the Army is not a job, it is like an unending love affair. And in love, there are only legends, not challenges."

Lieutenant General K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon has served over four decades in military service and multiple tenures in Kashmir. In this book, he has shared his life story, not only personal, but also the professional one, the fascinating life he has led as well as the challenges he had to face and overcome throughout.

The author served extensively in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operational areas of Kashmir and the North-east. The book offers us a first-hand account of the major events, unveils the truths and busts the myths behind these events, the exodus of the Kashmiri Pundits, the dreadful attack in Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, and many more. It's a historical first hand account of these events as well as it takes us to a behind-the-scenes journey.

This is a highly informative, anecdotal, candid and insightful, uplifting and inspirational book that's definitely going to excite anyone even remotely interested in learning more about how the military forces work and the NDA (National Defence Academy). The author has shared his personal life stories right from his childhood as well as accounts of several events during his training at the NDA and during his service days. Backed with photographs and detailed anecdotes from a life well-lived, this book is a must read for everyone who wants to know more about General Tiny. The author has poured his life on paper and his heart in the words. Jai Hind!

[Mridul Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, if you're in need of some inspiration, a good laugh while getting into few secrets or just a delightful read, grab a copy of Lt. General 'TINY' Dhillon's memoir with a hot cup of coffee. You won't regret it !

It is a gripping memoir that takes you on an inspiring and candid journey through the life of one of India's finest soldiers. From his humble beginnings to his rise through the ranks of the Indian Army commanding the elite Chinar Corps; Dhillon shares his experiences with honesty, humour, and humility. He offers a unique and objective perspective on some of the most consequential events of recent decades.

He shares his experiences of serving in Kashmir during some of the most turbulent times in its history. Phulwama attack happened just 4 days after his taking over command and the terrorists (including its mastermind Ghazi - hence the name of the book) were took down in less than 100 hrs. He was also the consult before abrogation of article 370 and 35A; and responsible for ensuring peace post this. He offers some real inside stories into functioning of the Army and an objective context on J&K (beyond what is discussed on 'WhatsApp Academy' or sensationalized by media).

Throughout the book, Dhillon's message is one of hope and inspiration. He shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light. He also reminds us of the importance of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

[Yuvraj Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, on one hand I really enjoyed reading it and loved all the anecdotes and experiences that the author has shared with the readers. But on the other I have expected much more from this book, although you get to know so much about the life of the author and witness most important moments of his life which had profound impact on him, but you see it as a third person , you are not able to connect. There is lack of this personal touch throughout the book. Also the ending of the book is abrupt in a way. There could have been a better ending in which the author would have shared his dreams about the future and what else he would love to do, as he has completed his tenure in the army. But rather the book ends with a chapter on what should be the steps to counter terrorism in Kashmir. It looks like there was some time constraint as such an abrupt ending was chosen. Throughout the book it is felt that the author wants to be absolutely correct about everything he is writing (so many repeated explanations are given about small things) and is not expressing himself freely like autobiographies usually are. Leaving everything aside , I must say I learnt a lot from this book about the life of army men and their families. I would love to see him writing more about his army life.

[Atul Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙝𝙖𝙯𝙞 𝘼𝙖𝙮𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙝𝙖𝙯𝙞 𝙂𝙖𝙮𝙚 by 𝙇𝙩. 𝙂𝙚𝙣. ����.𝙅.𝙎 𝘿𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙣


🪖 It's not everyday that you'd get to experience another life. But with the help of books you can. Like I always say through biographies and memories you can live upto hundreds of lives and experience thousand of moments and learn centuries worth of wisdom. 


🪖The book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of an Indian Army veteran, chronicling his extraordinary four decades of service. 


🪖 This book is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Kashmir conflict, the multifaceted role of the Indian Army, and the personal sacrifices made by those who serve in its ranks. 


🪖 Beyond mere military narratives, the memoir also poignantly explores the personal sacrifices, unwavering commitment, and the profound impact of family on a soldier's journey.  


📌 It provides insights into the complexities of counter-terrorism operations and the strategic use of military soft power. Not only that but it also has personal anecdotes, candid reflections, and the profound impact of family on a soldier's life


📌 It is an engrossing memoir of an Indian Army veteran's four decades of service in Kashmir. An inspiration to readers of all ages, especially young defense aspirants. This might be a perfect fit for your bookshelf, if you can relate with the above. 

[Palwai]

Complete reading
"Kitne Ghazi Aaye,
Kitne Ghazi Gaye"
a life story of and by
Lt. Gen. K J S "Tiny" Dhillon

An amazing book to understand the life, the career, the mission, the passion, and the times of an Army man!

Lt. Gen. Tiny Dhillon's memoir not just offers a compelling and insightful narrative of his distinguished life and military career, it delves into the challenges and triumphs faced on the front lines, providing a unique perspective on leadership, strategy, and the profound impact of decisions made while in action.

The narrative skillfully weaves personal anecdotes with strategic insights, allowing readers to witness the evolution of a military leader. "Tiny" Dhillon shares candid reflections on pivotal moments, offering valuable lessons applicable not only in the military but also in various aspects of life.

What sets this memoir apart is its seamless transition from the battlefield to human life. While the book may appeal more to those with an interest in military affairs, it is must read for everyone who appreciates and celebrates life.

Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye highlights the commitment to duty and service, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and rewards that come with a life dedicated in honour of mother land.

[Arjun · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kitne Ghazi aaye kitne Ghazi Gaye" is an inspirational autobiography by Lt.Gen. KJS Dhillon (or Tiny as he prefers to be called). He was at the forefront of majority of Indian Army's post 1989 Kashmir Ops including the post Article 370 and Pulwama incidents). The fascinating part of Tiny Dhillon Sir's journey was that he was able to alternate between the strict army officer role fighting counter terrorism battles and also look at the bigger picture of why Kashmir battle was being fought in the 1st place ( he took some admirable humanitarian initiatives like Operation Maa to bring back wayward young Kashmiris who had bought into anti India narrative being peddled by Pakistani Army and ISI). He always thought of his team 1st and the entire book is filled with incidents where young Jawaans being mentored by COs and the camaraderie that pervades in the Indian Army. A must read for anyone looking to get an insight into our Army Ops through the eyes of a seasoned veteran who guarded our most precious borders for the last 30 years. Hats off to KJ Dhillon ji and to all our Services folks for what they do day in and day out !