On the life and achievements of Arjan Singh, b. 1919, formerly chief of the air staff of the Indian Air Force.

Is there a predominant reason why India is not Pakistan? Many would likely point to the omnipresence of the military in the polity of the latter. While the interventionist attitude of the army in Pakistan easily explains the democratic shortfall in its history, the mirror opposite in India is rarely studied or credited. Poles Apart is a unique and original investigation of the comparative roles of the military, to study their influences on the growth of democracy in the two nations. The book highlights the divisive outcomes of military coups on Pakistan’s democratic trajectory while also closely analysing potential scenarios in India when the army could have gone astray, but chose to stay apolitical. Disgrace at the hands of China in 1962, the Emergency and Operation Blue Star, among others, make for fascinating case studies of how the army was treated shabbily but still remained politically disinclined. On the other hand, the overarching presence of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan, General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf in the Pakistani political space represent a very different set of choices and interventions. A crisp chapter on Bangladesh and its experiments with democracy and martial rule rounds off the deeply researched study.

Indian Air Force now completes 80 years since it was formed as an independent component of India’s armed forces. Time and again, the air force has performed magnificently even against severe odds, and built up a professional reputation that is the envy of leading air forces of the word. This volume, as the Second Edition of the earlier volume published in 2007 has been extensively revised and updated. Air Forces are unique in the sense that they are the only national military institution exclusively devoted to military operations in the aerospace continuum. The Indian Air Force is no different. But their dominant role in modern warfare, the high costs of aerospace power, and a host of other factors demand closer attention to their role in modern defence and the protection of national interests. Air Forces don’t win wars by themselves; and no one in the Indian Air Force has ever claimed it. But no war can be won without them. We learnt that seminal lesson the hard way when we did not use the potent force of the IAF’s combat fleet in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. It is from this perspective that this study — or rather an interpretative essay reflecting on the significant issues and events of the past 80 years — approaches the challenges the Indian Air Force faces in the coming decades. IAF combat force levels have slumped while its commitments are rapidly growing in consonance with our expanding economic and political interests well beyond our territorial boundaries.

In April 2002, one of the legends of the Indian Air Force was honoured with the first five star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force. No one has deserved the honour more than the famous flyer, Arjun Singh.

‘Military Wisdom’ is almost half-a-century long indulgence – comprising collection, collation and compilation of military wisdom and thoughts as experienced and articulated by famous warriors and thinkers from across the world and all ages. These pages in your hands encapsule almost all the facets of soldiering and are intended to motivate not only the military fraternity but even those who are not integral to it, for battle of life is not only restricted to those who carry arms. For those who do not weild weapons, this volume affords a rare view of the hearts and minds of the men who take to their uniforms as extention of their skin and are ever yearning to slay and sacrifice when duty blows the trumpet so that those within the geographic confines of the borders can savour peace, prosperity and happiness. Military Wisdom by Brigadier V.K. Bali: Military Wisdom - Insights from a Seasoned Officer: Military Wisdom by Brigadier V.K. Bali is a compelling book that offers valuable insights and lessons from the perspective of a seasoned military officer. Drawing from his extensive experience and expertise, Bali shares profound wisdom and principles that can be applied not only in military contexts but also in various aspects of life, including leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and resilience. Key Aspects of the Book "Military Wisdom": Insights from a Seasoned Officer: As a highly experienced military officer, Brigadier V.K. Bali shares his unique insights and firsthand experiences in this book. Readers gain a rare glimpse into the world of the military, as Bali reflects on his time in service and distills the wisdom acquired from challenging situations and critical decision-making. Leadership and Teamwork: The book delves into the principles of effective leadership and teamwork, drawing upon military strategies and practices. Bali offers valuable guidance on building strong teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie, instilling discipline, and leading by example, with practical applications that extend beyond the military realm. Resilience and Adaptability: Bali highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Drawing from military operations and experiences, the book provides insights into overcoming challenges, making quick and sound decisions under pressure, and maintaining mental and emotional fortitude in demanding situations. Brigadier V.K. Bali, the author of Military Wisdom, is a highly respected and decorated military officer with a wealth of experience and expertise. Having served in various leadership roles and challenging environments, Bali brings a unique perspective to the principles of leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Through this book, he shares his military wisdom, offering readers valuable insights that can be applied in both professional and personal contexts, inspiring them to cultivate the qualities of a strong and effective leader. Military Wisdom by Brigadier V.K. Bali: Military Wisdom - Insights from a Seasoned Officer: Military Wisdom by Brigadier V.K. Bali is a compelling book that offers valuable insights and lessons from the perspective of a seasoned military officer. Drawing from his extensive experience and expertise, Bali shares profound wisdom and principles that can be applied not only in military contexts but also in various aspects of life, including leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and resilience. Key Aspects of the Book "Military Wisdom": Insights from a Seasoned Officer: As a highly experienced military officer, Brigadier V.K. Bali shares his unique insights and firsthand experiences in this book. Readers gain a rare glimpse into the world of the military, as Bali reflects on his time in service and distills the wisdom acquired from challenging situations and critical decision-making. Leadership and Teamwork: The book delves into the principles of effective leadership and teamwork, drawing upon military strategies and practices. Bali offers valuable guidance on building strong teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie, instilling discipline, and leading by example, with practical applications that extend beyond the military realm. Resilience and Adaptability: Bali highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Drawing from military operations and experiences, the book provides insights into overcoming challenges, making quick and sound decisions under pressure, and maintaining mental and emotional fortitude in demanding situations. Brigadier V.K. Bali, the author of Military Wisdom, is a highly respected and decorated military officer with a wealth of experience and expertise. Having served in various leadership roles and challenging environments, Bali brings a unique perspective to the principles of leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Through this book, he shares his military wisdom, offering readers valuable insights that can be applied in both professional and personal contexts, inspiring them to cultivate the qualities of a strong and effective leader.