Defence – Former Army Chief Explores Culture and Myths of Forces
Defence – Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s latest book offers a detailed yet accessible look into the inner workings of India’s armed forces, presenting their traditions, values, and lesser-known stories in a clear and engaging manner.
A Window Into Military Life
Titled The Curious and the Classified — Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, the book is written for readers interested in understanding what defines the armed forces. Naravane focuses on aspects such as discipline, the non-political nature of the military, and the layered structure of ranks. He also explains traditions like the widely recognised “Jai Hind” salute, tracing its origins and significance.
The narrative goes beyond formal structures to highlight the spirit of camaraderie within the forces. Through simple language and light humour, the author captures the human side of military life, making complex ideas easy to grasp for general readers.
Stories, Symbols, and Traditions
The book brings attention to several iconic figures from military history. Among them is Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, remembered for his role during the 1962 India-China conflict, and Rifleman Badluram, whose legacy lives on through a regimental song. It also mentions Baba Harbhajan Singh, a figure associated with enduring folklore, whose memory continues to be honoured in unique ways during official interactions.
Naravane uses such stories to illustrate how tradition and belief shape the identity of the armed forces. These accounts are supported by real-life anecdotes that reflect both courage and everyday experiences of soldiers.
Language and Culture Within the Forces
A distinctive feature of the book is its focus on military language and culture. It explains commonly used abbreviations like AWOL, SNAFU, and PTSD, while also exploring informal expressions and customs followed in officers’ messes. These elements provide readers with a deeper understanding of how communication and bonding occur within a highly structured environment.
One chapter highlights the informal practice often described as “do bottle, teen glass,” symbolising unity among officers regardless of rank. Naravane notes that such traditions helped build strong interpersonal connections, though changing work pressures have made them less common today.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
The book also touches upon serious issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans. Drawing from personal experience, Naravane describes how exposure to high-risk environments can leave lasting psychological effects. He emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these challenges as part of broader support for armed forces personnel.
Clarifying Memoir Controversy
Naravane addressed recent discussions around his unpublished autobiography, Four Stars of Destiny. He clarified that the book has not yet been released and is currently under review by the Ministry of Defence. According to him, any versions that appeared earlier were unauthorised.
He added that he has since focused on other writing projects, including a military thriller and its upcoming sequel, indicating a continued commitment to sharing insights through different formats.
Leadership During Critical Moments
Reflecting on his tenure during the 2020 India-China standoff, Naravane spoke about the responsibility that comes with senior leadership. He described the sense of isolation that can arise when critical decisions rest on a single individual, even within a system supported by extensive consultations.
He explained that while discussions involve multiple levels of leadership, there are moments when immediate decisions are necessary. Such instances, he noted, test both training and judgment.
India’s Strategic Challenges
On the broader issue of relations with China, Naravane pointed to the unresolved boundary question as a continuing concern. He stressed the need for firm and sustained negotiations to manage differences and maintain stability.
At the same time, he reiterated that the armed forces operate within a structured and apolitical framework, guided by established processes involving civilian leadership and national security institutions.
Life Beyond Service
Speaking about life after retirement, Naravane shared that he now spends time with his family, particularly his grandson. He concluded that stepping away from active service allows for a different perspective, while still staying connected to the values shaped over decades in uniform.