An Indian Air Force Officer writes about his childhood, life in Air Force, his posting to UK as an Assistant Attaché during the purchase of the English Electric Canberra Bomber and The Sepecat Jaguar – Anglo -french ground attack aircraft, liasoning with arms companies for spares, assignment with British Royalty during their visit to India in 1961, borrowing a cannister of shaving foam from an American for a Russian General who does not shave himself, and other quaint idiosyncrasies of individuals and institutions, both in India and UK. There are humorous descriptions of antics of Indian politicians and bureaucrats of the time. A full chapter has been devoted to describe his duties as an Equerry-In-Waiting for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips, the Duke of Edinburgh during their state Visit to India in January – March 1961. The book contains nine rare photographs of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H. The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , during their visit to India in 1961.

"AIRBORNE TO CHAIRBORNE" ´Chairborne´ is not commonly used as one word but as separated ´chair borne´, but Encarta Dictionary gives the meaning of this used as one word as: "holding sedentary military job" Work at a desk in an office job in the armed forces rather than having combat or field duties. Since, I started my lawyer´s career within the air force going into the Department of the Judge Advocate, I think it is appropriately used.

38 years in anyones life is a very long period. I was privileged to be associated this long with the marvellous service known as the Indian Air Force. Although retired more than 24 years ago, I often forget that I am no longer in the service. In my dreams, I still see myself worrying about some unfinished tasks of the Squadron. On several occasions, I dream as if I am packing household items hurriedly to proceed on some imaginary transfer. After waking up, I realise it was only a dream; but the sweetness of those moments keep lingering on my mind for rest of the day. Psychologists might name this condition as an obsession, and I wouldnt differ with them. Dreaming at night and recollecting past events during the day ultimately nudged me on to make the anecdotal record in the form of a book, which is now in your hands. Most of the Autobiographies are written by Top Ranking people with Top view of the organization they command. This book is however different that it is written by a person holding lower position and viewed from the bottom echelon of the organization. All the characters in the book are absolutely real, with their correct names and locations. However, in a couple of places, the names are changed to avoid controversy. The change of name is clearly indicated wherever it occurs. There is no malice, and no intention to hurt anyones feelings. Still, if anyone feels hurt, please accept my apologies in advance.

The Indian Air Force is today 82 years old, a battle-scarred, highly professional force. How it reached this level is an epic saga of struggle against bias and racial prejudice for the officers and men from early thirties to the beginning of World War II. The charge was that Indians lacked leadership qualities and could not fly military aircraft and technically maintain them. In just three years, IAF technicians and pilots imbibed the discipline of the Air Force and performed magnificently in the North West Frontier Province. By 1939, when the war broke out, there was just one squadron. In 1941-42, the Japanese onslaught on Burma provided the IAF with an opportunity to show its competence and leadership in battle. As the Allied armies were retreating, along with the RAF, the IAF provided air cover. By 1944-45, there were nine squadrons and till the end of the war there were constantly in action. History records events taking an impersonal view. What our younger generations need to know is people. Without people there are no units and no organization. This narrative is an effort to bring to the reader the fierce joy at fighting for the country, the professional pride of doing one’s duty and finally the personal touch: “I did it.” Through the mouths of youngsters (who are no longer youngsters and some who have passed away) the reader can imagine himself to be there whether in the North-West tribal region, or flying over the thick jungles of Burma. It is the first-person account that provides the flesh and blood to history by describing hopes, fears, and pride in facing death and the enemy at close quarters on the frontier or in Burma. The narrative has interviews with those who took part in operations. This is a story of the Indian Air Force coming of age after being bloodied in war.

India’s armed forces play a key role in protecting the country and occupy a special place in the Indian people’s hearts, yet standard accounts of contemporary Indian history rarely have a military dimension. In India’s Wars, serving Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam seeks to rectify that oversight by giving India’s military exploits their rightful place in history. Subramaniam begins India’s Wars with a frank call to reinvigorate the study of military history as part of Indian history more generally. Part II surveys the development of the India’s army, navy, and air force from the early years of the modern era to 1971. In Parts III and IV, Subramaniam considers conflicts from 1947 to 1962 as well as conflicts with China in 1962 and Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. Part V concludes by assessing these conflicts through the lens of India’s ancient strategist, Kautilya, who is revered in India as much as Sun Tzu is in China. Not merely a wide-ranging historical narrative of India’s military performance in battle, India’s Wars also offers a strategic, operational, and human perspective on the wars fought by independent India’s armed forces. Subramaniam highlights possible ways to improve the synergy between the three services, and argues in favor of the declassification of historical material pertaining to national security. The author also examines the overall state of civil-military relations in India, leadership within the Indian armed forces, as well as training, capability building, and other vitally important issues of concern to citizens, the government, and the armed forces. This objective and critical analysis provides policy cues for the reinvigoration of the armed forces as a critical tool of statecraft and diplomacy. Readers will come away from India’s Wars with a greater understanding of the international environment of war and conflict in modern India. Laced with veterans’ intense experiences in combat operations, and deeply researched and passionately written, it unfolds with surprising ease and offers a fresh perspective on independent India’s history.

IAF from its humble beginning in 1932 has transformed itself into fourth largest AF operating at frontiers of technologies with multi-dimensional capabilities and a potent force to reckon with. It is said that the history is written by winners. But what is important is that the history is documented impartially, objectively and factually, as much as possible. It may be worth for IAF to consider coming out with a book each on Operations, Maintenance and Administration, depicting the historical decisions taken - successes and failures in equal measure - and how the IAF progressed over the decades to be what it is today - a professionally managed, optimally exploited, synergistically working and one of the most effective instruments of national power to ensure accomplishing objectives of the nation. Yes, coffee table books and anniversary issues do gloss over a few events, but the real history is made by the toil, blood and sweat and tears of the men behind these operations. Individual awards and citations many times compromise on actualities and are miserly with truth. “History is an argument without an end” said Pieter Geyl the Dutch historian. “I am glad to recommend this book to all, as the readers of the book, irrespective of their background, will enjoy the journey of these ‘spanners and screwdrivers’ of 12 AEC covering almost 900 man-years of IAF maintenance. It is also bound to raise curiosity in many minds to know more about air force maintenance. The book may act as a lighthouse for a lot of the present serving aeronautical engineers in their progression.” – Air Marshal KS Bhatia, PVSM AVSM & BAR “40 years of IAF maintenance history told through the voices of 39 outstanding air force officers with an unsurpassed breadth of experience and accomplishments. Most inspiring.” – Ramesh Dontha, Author of The 60-Minute Startup series of books, 3 times bestselling author, Gold Medal Award winner in 2020 Reader’s Favorite International Competition (Marketing)

A first of its kind in the world book where people from different walks of life have been brought together in a book to talk about India. India - one of the oldest and wisest civilisations of the world. From agriculture to architecture to Ayurveda ancient India was way ahead of even the present day world. In the worst pandemic the world has seen in 100 years India has displayed exemplary leadership. The challenges we face today as a nation need the mindful participation of people from diverse spheres of life - business, defence, environment, yoga, culture, agriculture, science, naturopathy, crafts, space technology, sports, spirituality, innovators and several more. Dr Krishna Ella - Founder of Bharat Biotech Ashish Chauhan - CEO of Bombay Stock Exchange BK Shivani - Brahmakumaris Dr Karsanbhai Patel - Founder of Nirma Ajay Piramal - Chairman Piramal Group Gen Ved Malik - Retd COAS Dr Rajat Mitra - renowned Psychologist Mohandas Pai - Business Leader Krishnamachari Srikkanth - Former Indian Cricket Team Captain Major DP Singh - Kargil War Hero Dr RS Sodhi - Managing Director of AMUL S. Vijaykumar - Founder of the India Pride Project Dr Gobardhan Das - Scientist Bana Singh - Param Vir Chakra Awardee Dr Radhakrishnan - Former Chairman of ISRO Biplab Paul - transforming lives of farmers through rain water conservation Dr Nagaraj Hegde - an innovator in the agriculture space Vikas Manhas - Helps India to know our Real Heroes - our Soldiers Dr Kumud Joshi - Specialist in Nature Cure Meghna Girish - Founder of Major Akshay Girish Memorial Trust Dr HR Nagendra - Chancellor SVYASA Veteran Air Marshal Ravinder Dhir - Indian Air Force veteran and Defence Expert Peepal Baba - Environmentalist Ami Shroff - Crafts Expert Dr Padmaja Suresh - Bharatnatyam expert, author and speaker Gopal Sutariya - Founder Bansi Gir BS Nagesh - Retail Industry Guru Srikanth Bolla - Founder of Bollant Industries share a glimpse of their life journey and insights for India. Their life story and message offers powerful insights. You will feel enormously inspired as an Indian and optimistic about our shared future, which needs your participation. This is an invitation to every Indian. Wherever you are on the planet you can contribute towards #NewIndia. A nation of a billion plus needs millions actively involved in nation building. Inviting every Indian to put #IndiaFirst. As we step into the 75th year of our Independence let us be inspired by our exemplary citizens. Each one of them has a powerful message to share with you. This is a book for every Indian. A uniquely Indian way to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. India@75

Soldiering On: The Remarkable Resilience Of India’s Disabled Soldiers Book in English- Ambreen Zaidi This book holds profound significance for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on a critical issue often overlooked: the lack of awareness among our fellow citizens regarding the sacrifices and challenges faced by soldiers who have been injured and left disabled in the line of duty. Secondly, it sheds light on the the absence of a comprehensive policy framework to support these disabled soldiers, forcing them into legal battles to secure the disability benefits which they rightfully deserve. As I embarked on my research journey, traveling from one town to another and meeting these courageous soldiers, I came to realize the unknown and unsung legends living amongst us, their stories largely untold. Despite their physical limitations and the enduring psychological trauma, they stand as beacons of inspiration. Their patriotism remains unshaken and they exhibit remarkable determination, capable of rivalling any able-bodied individual in safeguarding our nation's honour and security. Through this book, my intention is to draw attention to the apathy these men of honour endure and to implore the authorities to address their needs. Many of the soldiers featured in this book have shattered societal barriers, triumphing over their disabilities, which they proudly assert exist only in the mind. ""Disability is in the mind"" is a mantra echoed by each of them. This book is my tribute to these resilient soldiers, the true sons of Bharat Mata and their remarkable devotion to the nation.

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A Military History of India since 1972 is a definitive work of military history that gives the Indian military its rightful place as a key contributor to Indian democracy. Arjun Subramaniam offers an engaging narrative that combines superb storytelling with the academic rigor of deep research and analysis. It is a comprehensive account of India’s resolute, responsible, and restrained use of force as an instrument of statecraft and how the military has played an essential role in securing the country’s democratic tradition along with its rise as an economic and demographic power. This book is also about how the Indian nation-state and its armed forces have coped with the changing contours of modern conflict in the decades since 1972. These include the 2016 “surgical” or cross-border strikes by the Indian Army’s Special Forces across the line of control with Pakistan, the face-off with the Chinese at Doklam in 2017 and in Ladakh in 2020, the preemptive punitive strikes by the Indian Air Force against terror­ist camps in Pakistan in 2019, and the large-scale aerial engagement between the Indian Air Force and the Pakistan Air Force the following day. These conflicts also include the long-running insurgencies in the northeast, terrorism and proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, separatist violence in Punjab, and the Indian Peacekeeping Force’s intervention in Sri Lanka. The author also includes a chapter on the development of India’s nuclear capabilities. Arjun Subramaniam enlivens the narrative with a practitioner’s insights amplified by interviews and conversations with almost a hundred serving and retired officers, including former chiefs from all three armed forces, for an in-depth exploration of land, air, and naval operations. The structure of the book offers readers a choice of either embarking on a comprehensive and chronological examination of war and conflict in contemporary India or a selective reading based on specific time lines or campaigns.