Former Chief of Army Staff Manoj Mukund Naravane has released a new non-fiction book that shifts focus from strategic and operational narratives to the lesser-known stories, myths and traditions within India’s armed forces.
Titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, the book explores a wide range of anecdotes drawn from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, highlighting folklore, historical curiosities and lesser-known accounts that have shaped military culture.
The book examines the origins of commonly known expressions and stories linked to the armed forces. It traces the roots of the popular cheer “Chak De Phatte” to Sikh armies of the 17th and 18th centuries. It also recounts the story of Badluram, the soldier behind the song “Badluram ka Badan”, who was killed in action during the Battle of Kohima in 1944. Other accounts include how Bangalore became associated with a weapon considered significant during World War I.
Beyond these narratives, the book delves into enduring legends such as that of Baba Harbhajan, the sinking of INS Khukri, and the lives of airmen, including the significance of call signs. It also documents stories of courage, including that of Pedongi, a military mule, reflecting the diverse and often overlooked aspects of service life.
Speaking about the book, General Naravane said it marks a departure from his earlier fictional work The Cantonment Conspiracy and is based entirely on real-life experiences and accounts.
“This time I am bringing real-life stories, things that people are genuinely curious about but are largely unaware of. These are the exact real things which a soldier witnesses in his life. These are the stories which people actually want to read and are curious to know about,” he said.
He further added, “Everyone is free to interpret everything as per their own conscience; in doing so, they should see what is good in the overall national interest.”
The book combines researched material with personal insights, aiming to present a human perspective of the armed forces while reflecting on values such as duty, loyalty, comradeship and tradition.
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