Status Updates From Men of Steel: Bravehearts o...

The last chapter of the book delves into the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmishes. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) demarcates the disputed region. While India claims it to be a part of the Aksai Chin region, China claims it to be part of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region. Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu attained martyrdom in one such clash in the Galwan Valley.

Balakot Air Strike was a very bold operation carried out by the IAF to destroy JeM's training camps inside Pakistani territory. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman, VC, has now become synonymous with this attack, He spent 60 hours in enemy captivity, but still did not show any kind of fear and maintained his dignity.

The dastardly attack of 26/11 marked the beginning of India's onslaught on terrorism. In just 2 days, the NSG secured the Taj Mahal Palace hotel from the hands of terrorists. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Ashok Chakra, played a key role in this operation.

The IAF did a commendable job during the Kargil War. They did the much-required mapping of the terrain. The book talks about 2 IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, VC, and Flight Lieutenant Kambampati Nachiketa Rao, VSM. Both the officers were captured by the Pakistani forces. While Nachiketa was released after 8 days as a PoW, Ajay Ahuja, unfortunately met a gruesome end at the hands of Pakistanis.

The book discusses some unknown soldiers from the Northeastern region and Ladakh. They are Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, MVC, from 2 Rajputana Rifles, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, MVC, from 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and Major Sonam Wangchuck, MVC, from Ladakh Scouts. They all played essential roles in securing crucial checkpoints during the Kargil War.

Naik Digendra Kumar MVC was unofficially known as a 'cobra' by his fellow soldiers. There were many instances when he lived up to this moniker. He belonged to the 2 Rajputana Rifles.

The book talks about 4 PVC awardees from the Kargil War. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey from 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar from 13 JAK RIF, Captain Vikram Batra from 13 JAK RIF and Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (hon. Captain) from 18 Grenadiers. All of them were tasked with securing crucial posts in the Dras region as they provided the much-required access and view to the National Highway of Ladakh (NH1).

The 1999 Indo-Pak war, which took place in the Kargil-Dras sector came as a surprise. It happened only 2 months after then-Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had gone to Lahore to foster better relations with Pakistan. Yet, our army gave a fitting reply to the enemy.

Capt. Mahinder Nath Mulla, MVC, was the first naval officer after World War 2 who followed the old sailor tradition of going down with his ship (INS Khukri) after being hit by a Pakistani torpedo. Maj. Gen. (retd.) Ian Cardozo, AVSM SM, became the first disabled officer to command his unit. His story is one of willpower and serves as motivation for many youngsters aspiring to join the Indian armed forces.

Lance Naik Albert Ekka posthumously received PVC for his work in the small border town of Gangasagar near Tripura's capital Agartala. Pakistani forces had set up bunkers near the railway tracks to disrupt supply routes. Ekka single-handedly managed to destroy these bunkers and successfully captured the posts. By leading this attack, he upheld the motto of his 14 Guards regiment, 'Pehla Hamesha Pehla'.

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only IAF pilot to receive the prestigious PVC. He and his partner Flight Lt. Baldhir Singh Ghumman were faced with an onslaught of 6 F-86 Pakistani Sabres on Srinagar in December of 1971. Their opponents had superior technology as these 2 officers were equipped by only 2 British Folland Gnats. Still, despite their limitations, Sekhon managed to shoot down 4 PAF planes.

2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal PVC was only 21 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. He belonged to the 17 Poona Horse Regiment, a tank regiment of the Indian army. His father and grandfather also held high ranks in the armed forces. In the battle of Basantar, he did not let the enemy tanks capture his position. His tank, Famagusta, still stands as a testimony to his courageous endeavour.

The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was the first battle of free India that involved a coordinated attack carried out by all 3 wings of Indian armed forces. Under the leadership of then Chief of Army Staff Sam Manekshaw, Indian forces attacked East Pakistan after their air base in the West was destroyed in a Pakistani attack. A fierce battle ensued for 13 months, which resulted in the formation of a new country.

The first non-fiction book that heldmy interest even after the first page