Contents : 1. Colonel Mahip Chadha : An introduction 2. SOLJER SOLJER : A general overview 3. Significance of the title 4. Major Characters 5.

Plot Construction 6. SOLJER SOLJER : An emotional document of Indian Army

Chapter 1

Colonel Mahip Chadha : An introduction

Colonel Mahip Chadha is a retired army officer who lives in New Delhi, India. A graduate of the Indian Military Academy, Col Chadha served in the Indian Army for nearly 34 years. He was commissioned in the Third Gorkha Rifleshis inspiration for the novel. Colonel Chadha is the author of GRIT GUTS and GALLANTRY-which motivates the youth of India to consider the Army as a viable career option. This is a motivational book and serves to act as a much needed career counseling requirement, for students of classes 9 to 12, so that they can consider the Armed Forces of India as a viable career. It also assists children in the National Cadet Corps to understand the Army better. Other Ranks seeking a commission will also benefit from it! He has now published the sequel-the Second Edition, encompassing the three services,wherin he has includes all the information required by a student, boy or girl to join the defence services with almost 180 pictures designed to motivate the children. Many people write their autobiographies to boast about their achievements, or to show others in poor light, or to jot down their

memoirs for posterity to read, but here the authors aim is to make the Indian youth aware of the Defense Forces the rank structure, the selection process, the hardships the soldiers endure, excruciating physical training and adherence to rules and regulations along with a mix of masti and adventure - and encourage the youth to join the Services where the uniform and the insignia of a particular regiment or battalion has a deep meaning and where he can learn three basic values NAAM,NAMAK and NISHAAN!. One has to read only the first few pages when one gets tempted to read the book in one go and this is because of the very humorous style of narrating the simplest and most ordinary of events in his life and career. He has now started a new helpline for young first time authors under the banner of YS Books International. The website for this company can be found at : ysbooksinternational.com This book reminds Indian youth about the dignified, disciplined life in uniform. And no, this isn't your archetypal, preachy guidebook. Instead, read a no-holdsbarred, humour-tinged take on life in the Army. This book describes the writers journey through the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. Colonel Chadha dispels many myths surrounding life in the armed forces to provide students on the threshold of their careers an unadulterated view of what to expect in the army. He also wrote two more novels -SOLJER SOLJER in which he describes the tough but rewarding life in the infantry. His book SOLJER SOLJER is a story based on

an imaginary infantry battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles - the Sixth battalion. The composition, training, camaraderie, and duties in all the other infantry battalions of our Army are almost the same except that certain customs undergo a change as they adapt to the ethnicity of the troops in that Regiment. So the visible changes would be the manner of the battle cry, salutation, greeting, decorum in festivity with the troops, or ceremonials in the Officer's Mess. There is no difference in the dogged determination or the ferocity in the will of troops of these troops in completing any mission allotted to their battalions! The author has very clearly brought out the joys of the simple infantry life and the deeply embedded love, affections and stoic ethnic involvement that officers enjoy with their men. This is brotherhood in its purest form. .He also authored GIN and LIME WHISKEY or WINE? a spotlight on how veterans find themselves very uneasy when they hang up their uniform and boots but continue with their zest for quality life by ignoring their twilight years, failing health and take umbrage by using humour as a new weapon against Alzheimers or dementia! This is also how they get over loneliness waiting in the twilight zone! Asked about why he has only written about the defence forces-Colonel Chadha replies with a twinkle in his eyes-A common Indian citizen has little or no idea of the Indian Armed Forces, he says .Its important that I give readers an inside look at what its truly like to be a soldier in the Indian infantry, and the brotherhood and sacrifice involved.

No other Army is as diverse in nature, as the Indian Army which has its infantry battalions, considered the teeth of the battle; comprising of twenty three ethnic groups each with its own traditions, religious beliefs, values and historysome having been raised as far back as the seventeenth century or amalgamated from the erstwhile armies of princely states! However, their training, goals and objectives are the same and the Indian Army, an efficient machine; continues to be the most secular armies in the world in which Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christian and some with tribal beliefs fight side by side against the aggressor! It is ironic, that Pakistan chose one of the Commanding officersof The Third Gorkha Rifles, Sir Douglas Gracey, hero of the Admin Box in the Burma Campaign, to be its first Commander in Chief! Colonel Mahip Chadha also served in General Graceys battalion-The Second Battalion The Third Gorkha Rifles. Colonel Chadha was married to Kiran ,who passed away tragically in April 2010. They have two daughters-Ganiv the elder, is married to Inderjit and has one son Jaskirat; while Jyotan lives in Australia with her husband Daljit and two sons Jaskaran and Jaskabir. Mahip lives with his mother in law Mrs Gurdip Sethi who actually encouraged him to write!

Chapter 2

SOLJER SOLJER : A General Overview

If somebody says that he is not afraid of death, then either he is lying or is a Gurkha. Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw. Colonel Mahip Chadha , has presented a never before heard account of the travails and hardships experienced cheerfully by the soldiers of his Gorkha battalion --which is just like any battalion except for certain peculiarities in handling the troops and adherence to customs and traditions linked to the ethnicity of the troops. Humor and a rigid adherence to the prevailing rules and regulations, is a unique phenomenon followed to the letter in the Indian Army; which follows the perfect example of secularism and unity in diversity It is this principle which endears officers of any outfit to link themselves with the traditions of their troops throughout their lives --during their service and during retirement.

Colonel Mahip Chadha transports the reader to a world where the Commanding Officer is a veritable God ,who holds the lives of 800 men in his hands - whom he loves like his own children, punishes them when they err like a parent and mourns with them when they suffer! Many troops of the West, would find it difficult to adapt to our condition of service! There are no air conditioned barracks or offices in the desert or the jungles and mountainous terrain. Neither are there any heating arrangements for the troops in high altitude --just a kerosene burner to be used in a barrel like apparatus called a bukhari! There are regions where the highest rainfall has been recorded--leeches, scorpions, snakes and others like the dim dam flies which penetrate mosquito nets are our companions! Choppers are rarely used only for senior commanders for reconnaissance or emergent requirements. Heat dust, cold, rain, riverine terrain and the moist jungles of the Eastern regions are our hazards--but the soldiers of the INDIAN ARMY adapt and become adept in consonance with the challenges of nature! SOLJER SOLJER combines compelling fiction with the actualities of life in the Indian Armed Forces, centering on the tale of a father and son who serve in the same battalion, though at different periods in the Sixth Battalion The Third Gorkha Rifles. Certain events threaten to separate them forever. Weaving in memorable characters and events from his past, the author highlights both the joys and hardships of military life. The story is of Brigadier Surinder Singh Sahni and his son Jaskaran. Brigadier Sahni resigns from the Army

due to domestic issues while his son enjoys a brief courtship and very modern marriage thanks to considerate parents. Brigadier Sahni has to face terms with reality when he reads about the Indian POWs and later when his son is declared missing believed killed after a skirmish with militants from POK. His misery is compounded when his daughter in law has to suffer further privations, till she decides to fight the establishment by becoming a lawyer. The sacrifices made by the cowherds in rescuing Jaskaran are poignant and noble. The book has a sprinkling of humour and the reader laughs at the follies of life. Mahip has told his story as an infantry officer would - straight, to the point and without beating about the bush and this makes enjoyable reading!

Chapter 3

Significance of the title

SOLJER SOLJER can be remembered for its phonetic title. Instead of using the exact word soldier, Col. Chadha opts for the use of the pronounced word SOLJER! This is because the word soldier is pronounced as SOLJER. And Col. Chadha keeps it that way itself, to attract attention to the book! The basic responsibility of the title of any book is to drag the readers attention towards it which has definitely been achieved. SOLJER SOLJER is a book about the infantry. Unfortunately, in our country, books related to defense contain difficult jargon and use terms which the reader can neither understand nor co relate with and therefore cannot enjoy such books! Many of such books do not connect with civilians, especially those who do not have even the faintest idea of life in the defense forces!

SOLJER SOLJER has actually been written with the idea to make this connect. SOLJER SOLJER lightens the subject of the book. It is not only catchy but also creates curiosity. Besides all these, the title speaks the language of Young India. And with this, the author succeeds in his motive of telling his story. Thus SOLJER SOLJER proves to be a successful title and Col. Mahip Chadha manages to tell you the story making you laugh and cry or feel contempt for our politicians

Chapter 4

Major Characters
SOLJER SOLJER is the saga of a soldier, his valour and his dignity interwoven with his emotions. Colonel Chadha has sketched the characters in a very lively way. Not only they deliver the very just account of being our guardians, but there is a realization that they are human, have families who miss them and their emotional angle get unveiled in the book.

Brigadier Surinder Sahni

Brigadier Surinder Sahni is one of the four protagonists of the book. He is a straightforward man. There are more than one incident in the book when we come across the different phases of his personality. He is not only a strict commander but also an affectionate

leader. He is a strategist, an efficient commander and a man on whom his seniors can depend. We also come across the humourous side of Surinder Sahni when he directs his soldiers to complete a task where they try to outsmart him but are caught red-handed. [pg.85] We also come across the strict nature of Surinder Sahni when his favourite junior commits a mistake and is confronted by him. But here we also witness the calmness of Surinder when he handles the situations without losing his wits Sahib, you are right hand. If I order my right hand to break a morsel of food and put it in my mouth, but the hand disobeys and shoves the spicy food in my nostril then I wouldnt do anything with this hand it needs to be severed and I should learn to use my left hand. [pg.78] He does not try to ignore the issue of the JCOs misbehavior but tackles the matter firmly on the spot. Besides being a soldier with a tough attitude, Surinder Sahni is also a loving husband and a caring father. There are several instances where he not only fulfills his duty towards the nation but also meets his responsibilities as a son, husband and a father equivalently. These qualities altogether make him a very lovable hero.

Preeti Sahni
Preeti Sahni is the second protagonist of the book. She is the wife of Surinder Sahni. She is a very understanding and mature lady. She not only joins her hands with her husbands professional commitments but also proves to be his complementary counterpart in his

domestic life. Besides being the devoted wife of a courageous soldier, she is also a loving mother and a social person. Her involvements in the betterment of her surroundings also indicate her delicacy towards the society. Her motherly affection also extends towards her husbands juniors. Preeti has also been sketched as a very amiable lady. The way she adjusts in the army life of her husband is very notable. It is not that easy for a girl who has been brought up in a civilian background, to adjust the quickly to the nuances of life of army. But, Preeti proves herself the true soul-mate of her husband and walks along with him on the every road of life, with the desired decorum.

Jaskaran Sahni and Tanveer Sahni

Jaskaran Sahni alias Jas is the third protagonist of the book. He is the son of Surinder Sahni and Preeti Sahni. He has been sketched as the exact replica of his father, whether in the courage, the discipline, the presence of mind or his tactical genius. His charming nature adds grace in his personality. He is a loving son, a great soldier, a caring husband and an affectionate father. He is that character of the book that goes through the most traumatic situations but overcomes them with his courage. Tanveer Sahni is the wife of Jaskaran Sahni. She adds colour to the story. Her accidental meeting with Jaskaran gives the book a romantic flavor. Later on, when she marries Jaskaran, an amiable phase of her bubbly nature is exposed. She gives the example of extreme courage when Jaskaran is considered dead. Not

only does she console herself but also takes care of Jass parents who treat her as their own daughter> At one stage Surinder even thinks of her re marriage for he knows how hard it is for a young widow, but does not have the courage to ascertain Tanveers views! . Here Col. Chadha has introduced that part of Indian women which is known as Shakti. Tanveer takes the charge of the care of her family, pursues her studies, becomes a lawyer and looks after her son. And she does all these things after losing that person whom she loved the most. Here Tanveer has been sketched as the wife of a true soldier. This is the moral fiber Army wives are expected to possess!

Chapter 5

Plot Construction
One thing which makes SOLJER SOLJER out of the crowd is its plot structure. Colonel Chadha has intriguingly woven each and every concern of a soldier and his family be it their social concern or patriotism for the country. Reading the book actually catalyzes the nerves to send a thrilling sensation directly through the spine. The plot of SOLJER SOLJER also deals with several social and political issues which deserve separate elucidation

Wedding Ceremony
Col. Chadha through his character Surinder Sahni suggests several changes in the wedding ceremony:

1. Lunch should be at a venue to be decided at the discretion of the brides family. Refreshments were not required because there was no need. 2. Flowers would not be showered on the bridal couple, after the fourth phera in the presence of the holy Guru Granth sahib. 3. During the pheras, the bride would walk without any escort. 4. There would be no speeches, lectures or recital of poems. 5. The groom would not have the ritualistic turmeric bath. 6. There would be a joint reception and guests from both sides would attend. Expenses would be shared. - [pg.17] Thus Col. Chadha suggests an alternative for the big fat Indian weddings which are more or less planned to upset the financial status of the brides family. Colonel Chadha also throws light on the general gender discriminative mentality of Indian society so much excitement over a boy seemed warranted on the contrary she would have meekly informed him in a hushed tone that it was a girl! Typical Indian enthusiasm for a male child. He would have been equally happy if it had been a daughter [pg.50] Colonel Chadha also tells an anecdote as a satire on the political structure of India I was in Patna once an as I sat in a rickshaw, the rickshaw puller spoke about politics to another colleague of his who had hailed him. I asked if the people in Bihar were politically conscious and the

rickshaw wala told me politics was in blood but the confusion occurred because there too many parties! When asked who he will vote for, he replied I will vote for the Congress because they are full upto their throat, others will start from the stomach. [pg.81] Colonel Chadha recalls the forgotten soldiers of 1971. He also questions the Governmental bodies for their coldness towards their own soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The pathetic account of Mrs. Kanwal Jit Sandhu is enough to bring tears in anybodys eyes In army parlance, these valiant soldiers had been written off! That night Surinder couldnt sleep. He woke up shuddering in a sweat thinking of the shoddy treatment these poor guys would be receiving at the hands of the Pakistanis. If some were dead were they thrown into an unmarked grave forgotten for posterity except to their loved ones? Why was the Government of India sleeping over this issue? WHY WOULD A SOLDIER FIGHT IF NO ONE WANTED TO RECOVER HIM FROM THE CLUTCHES OF THE ENEMY OR AT LEAST RECLAIM HIS BODY AND CREMATE OR BURY HIM WITH DUE RESPECT? [pg.160] Colonel Chadha makes a blunt confrontation Was all the money in Swiss banks that of the political parties? Was that the reason why no serious attempt was being made to recover it? Why was the judiciary not cleaning up their act why had a tainted Judge been appointed the Chief Justice of a state? Why were jail birds having a great time? Why was the stock Market in the hands of unscrupulous elements? [pg.161] The most pathetic part of the book comes when there is deep rooted corruption in the allotment of land and

petrol pump of the martyrs widows is unraveled Sardarji, the ten acres of land which has been allotted to you is divided in eleven parts and each has a land mafia sitting on it. Please leave if you value your lives.. So, they have allotted you this petrol pump. They have reserved it for our martyrs. You are the fifth allottee. It helps them get headlines in the newspaper and television and that is the end of the story. [pg.231] Colonel Chadha has been very candid in his thoughts and views. Besides, having the defense background, his disciplined and decision making attitude reflects in the plot of SOLJER SOLJER and t hat is what makes it unique. Undoubtedly, the plot and structure of the book are unbeatable but the craft and format also deserves appreciation. The book starts with a Dedication and then the Introduction to the flower Narcissus/Nargis. Every chapter of the books starts with an image of the Nargis flower which adorns many a grave in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where a proxy was is being fought. After the introduction, there is A Tribute to a Gorkha, a beautiful poem written by Maj. Gen. W. Ross Stewart. The poem beautifully defines the nature and nurture of a Gorkha which gives the readers a fine idea of what they are going to read. The crafting makes the book a very artistic read.

Chapter 6

SOLJER SOLJER : An emotional document of Indian Army

Soljer Soljer stirs the soul of the readers. Right from the start, it travels through each and every phase of a soldiers life appointment, transfers, promotions, marriage, children, retirement, hardships and much more. It unfolds those phases which have been unknown to the civilians of our country. Though it has been categorized as fiction, it could be taken as a documented account of the life of an Indian soldier because each and every person could relate to the plot and characters and peep into defense life. What makes Soljer Soljer best among all defence books is it lacks manipulation. Colonel Mahip Singh Chadha has been very careful in sketching the accounts, the incidents and all its details which emerge as a book

of a soldiers life- dipped deep into emotions and which pokes the readers in the ribs and commands them to wake up from their slumber I dont think anybody in our country really understands your sacrifices, because soldiers die and fade away only their widows, parents or children weep for them nobody else has time to cry for you. And our country cares nothing for you or they would have raised hell for our prisoners of war languishing in Pakistani jails or for the soldiers who were mutilated by the Pakis or that matter those who fell in Kargil. After all a politician can give ten times the compensation to the hooch tragedy but fails to acknowledge the sacrifices of the countrys soldiers it does not provide them political mileage! Someday, they will be shaken from their slumber and account for their misdeeds!

~ A Branwyn Book Review Project ~

A book review by Branwyn