an eclectic mix of personal experiences, historical events, the evolution of military customs and traditions and folklore. It is the culmination of putting together long years of experience and observations as a soldier.

The marshalling of extensive facts, figures, anecdotes and scattered information on select subjects makes it a unique compilation. It goes a long way in preserving much that has become obscured or forgotten with the passage of time.

All armies differ in their ethos, attitudes, values, motivation and the officers and men who make up the soul of the structure.

The Indian Army, though creation and legacy of the British, yet very much Indian in its approach to soldiering, lives, fights and dies for Naam, Namak and Nishan or its good name and honour, fidelity to the salt eaten and allegiance to the flag;

all this is embodied in the unique regimental system and comprehensively defined as Izzat.

This thread runs through these writings. Much as the soldier is held in high esteem by society at large, yet, paradoxically, there is very little understanding or insight into what his trade is all about.

This immensely readable anthology helps generate such understanding for the uninitiated and deeper understanding for the professional.