Param Vir - Our heroes in battle

Cannon to the right of them,

Cannon to the left of them,

Cannon in front of them,

volleyed and thundered,

Stormed at with shot and shell,

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of death,

Into the mouth of hell.

- Alfred Lord  Tennyson

War is probably the least expected thing on this planet, which is an extension of politics of a nation and ultimately falls to the lot of the soldier to face combat on the ground. Major General Ian Cardozo has but his best effort in the book 'Param Vir - Our heroes in battle'.  Param Vir Chakra is the nation's highest decoration for gallantry. This book honor's every brave Indian men who showed their patriotism even in the darkest hour of the night. Their extraordinary bravery in the battle field is well explained in every page of the book. Sir Cardozo has stressed his words on these Indian soldier and their degree of commitment to the Indian Army, and the nation they have served. Every paragraph of the book highlights the fact that few men have never thought about their life, rather they thought all was about his motherland and her dignity. Sir Cardozo's word's are a strong arrow on our hearts to build patriotism in our soul. He has also well described. The introduction by Sir Cardozo's written poem 'The Unknown Soldier' pays tribute to every soldier, and his desire for duty. 

The first Chapter is on the War in Jammu & Kashmir in 1947-1948. Major Somnath Sharma's bravey has been very well highlighted and if we read we can feel how brave he acted even when the enemy had shattered every Indian base and he stood till the end. The sacrifices of the other recipients of Param Vir Chakra and their citation have been beautifully presented for our read.  The other recipients of the PVC are -

Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, 6th Rajputana Rifles

Lance Naik Karam Singh, MM 1 Sikh

Major Somnath Sharma

Naik Jadunath Singh, 1 Rajput

Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, Bombay Engineer's  

The last word's of Major Sharma, "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round." 

The second chapter is of the war in the east, The Sino-Indian War. 1962 was the time when Indian politicians failed to recognize the duplicity of Chinese Diplomacy. Subedar Joginder Singh's bravery when the advancing Chinese Troop had to face disappointment because he and his few men charged them with heavy firing. Major Dhan Singh Thapa of 1/8 Gorkha Rifles who showed his cool courage and conspicious fighting qualities and leadership fighting against the army. Even after been captured as a prisoner by the Chinese Army, he never spoke against his motherland and his Government. Major Shaitan Singh of the 13 Kumaon who had shown his supreme courage and was found dead after he succumbed to his injuries. 

The third Chapter is of the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. This war had two brave men who were awarded with the PVC - Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid of the 4 Grenadiers and Lietanant Colonel A. B. Tarapore. Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who can be termed as the terminator of tanks.

The Third chapter is on the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 which ultimately resulted in birth of Bangladesh. This war had a number of PVC recipients-

Lance Naik Albert Ekka, 14 Guards

Major Hoshiar Singh, 3 Grenadiers

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Poona Horse

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Poona Horse belonged to a family of long tradition of military service. He has shown the qualities of leadership and excellent warfare even at his training days. It is a must read.

Captain Vikram Batra

The Fourth chapter is on the The Kargil war of May-June 1999 where there are four PVC-

Captain Vikram Batra, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles

Grenedier Yogender Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles

This was the first time when two men of the same regiment received the PVC for the first time. This war had many crucial points like Khalubar, Rocky Naub, Pimple Complex and Tiger Hills. Thanks to all these men in Uniform who has saved our country's dignity and earned her respect.

This 220 paged booked is a real patriot's words that beautifully speak and salute of all Great men who have stood straight while keeping intact the country's independence. Every Indian must read this book. This book is available in all leading book store of all cities and towns and available in Flipkart as well.

JAI HIND.

Salute to those Gentlemen who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our motherland.

 The images have been taken from Google.