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Param Vir Our Heroes in Battle
This is the story of men under fire, of the courageous Indian soldier inspired by his officers. While war is an extension of the politics of a nation, it ultimately falls to the lot of the soldier to face combat on the ground. Schooled in the culture of 'Service before Self', soldiers of the Indian Army take their challenges head-on, turning adversity into opportunity, overcoming impossible situations with a smile. While some of their deeds of valour are rewarded, many more need to be remembered. What makes these men the way they are? This book helps us understand better the Indian soldier and his degree of commitment to the Indian Army, and to the nation that he serves.
- GenresIndiaNonfiction
225 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 24, 2014
Inspiring. The book is written very simply. These stories of courage and valour must be read; lest we forget that in spite of the numb nuts in politics making myopic decisions, there are brave souls who willingly lay down their lives to protect our country. Interestingly but not surprisingly, we realize that the political impotence exists even today!
The introduction is brilliant and it tells us why these courageous deeds have a timeless relevance.
The introduction is brilliant and it tells us why these courageous deeds have a timeless relevance.
November 5, 2015
I had this book with me when i was on a long journey by train, coincidentally, to my SSB. After i read this book i felt a great sense of respect and love for the author. The book lucidly explains the circumstances that lead to the awarding of param veer chakra, the highest gallantry award in India. The book opened up a whole new world for me. I will never be the same i was before i read this book.
October 28, 2022
Param Vir Chakra details the winners of the PVC award from 1948-1999 in the military history of India, written by MG Ian Cardozo who himself lost his leg in the 1971 war.
Despite many victories it is known how bad India has been at planning and mitigating wars and military so far. Still, the book insists, and it does, focus on the bravery of the individuals, and focuses on that aspect alone, along with backstories of each soldier who won the PVC, and some context to the start and finish of the war.
The boom reads like a collection of museum plaques, and also gives the citation in full for each of these PVC heroes.
The issue is the book uses just one citation, the official one, and reimagines it as a story. This makes the expression of bravery lack depth on some level. Conversely, the real highlight obviously is the backstory of each PVC winner and their backgrounds, including a very interesting story about LM Khetrapal. I think most other citations would not be accessible to the public, and so it would make more sense to use official records alone.
The book even highlights some records about tanks destroyed it other acts of bravery not being updated in the offical records as well, and all of this contrasting with the bravery of these soldiers tells us just how much more important military infrastructure and accountability are, if we are to do justice to these soldiers rather than dishearten them and their spirit.
This book is a 6/10.
For more reviews follow @normiesaftersesh on Instagram!
Despite many victories it is known how bad India has been at planning and mitigating wars and military so far. Still, the book insists, and it does, focus on the bravery of the individuals, and focuses on that aspect alone, along with backstories of each soldier who won the PVC, and some context to the start and finish of the war.
The boom reads like a collection of museum plaques, and also gives the citation in full for each of these PVC heroes.
The issue is the book uses just one citation, the official one, and reimagines it as a story. This makes the expression of bravery lack depth on some level. Conversely, the real highlight obviously is the backstory of each PVC winner and their backgrounds, including a very interesting story about LM Khetrapal. I think most other citations would not be accessible to the public, and so it would make more sense to use official records alone.
The book even highlights some records about tanks destroyed it other acts of bravery not being updated in the offical records as well, and all of this contrasting with the bravery of these soldiers tells us just how much more important military infrastructure and accountability are, if we are to do justice to these soldiers rather than dishearten them and their spirit.
This book is a 6/10.
For more reviews follow @normiesaftersesh on Instagram!
November 23, 2017
This one gave me the goosebumps.
June 5, 2019
Arun Khetrapal story is awesome.... Truly mesmering and grit
March 21, 2022
I recommend for the freshers those who have more passionate in armed forces. Surely you'll enjoy each and every page, this book also in the way of Maj Gen Ian cardozo, goosebumps is confirmed.
February 6, 2014
What set this book apart for me from other books of the same genre is the fact that this spoke about the personal lives of the people involved, along with insight into why they behaved the way they did. A good attempt at understanding why these guys do what they do. And I really liked the way Ian Cardozo has taken every chance possible to air his views on the current state of affairs with regards the defence services in India.
December 18, 2016
Well written. I was amazed to know that the medal 'Param Vir Chakra' was designed by a woman. I was equally amazed and inspired by the heroic acts of officers and soldiers of the Indian army. A must read if you want to know more about Indian Army
July 27, 2013
A very well documented war-story of our highest gallantry award winner. A must read for everyone who wants to know the real-side of the war and how under-rated these heroes are in reality.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews