For an avid student of military history and of Punjab’s marital traditions, the book Bravehearts of Punjab is both interesting and absorbing. The people of Punjab always stand for justice and righteousness. They rise with all strength and selflessness against repression by tyrants. This is the core reason for the blessed land to have nurtured one of the oldest civilisations in the world. The saga of the Punjabi Bravehearts, which has been recorded in the book, gives ample evidence of the fact that this basic ethos and culture of the Punjabis continues to exist in full glory.
To the Punjabi readers, the book instils a feeling of pride and nostalgia. In others, it creates an abiding interest to know more about this extraordinary class of people who have the potential of performing extraordinary feats to the cause of their nation, their people, their religion and their land. For the youth, the book provides role models to emulate; it will help them understand the core values that they have to adopt in all activities that they pursue.
The book has a flawless narration supported by a large volume of research. It opens up with a detailed description of the awards – how the medal was designed, the number of total recipients and the equivalent honours in other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States and lots of other useful information. This explanation helps the reader understand the significance of the award and evokes interest.
The authors have documented their book in running order of the wars and operational challenges that the nation has faced over the years since Independence
A defining information is in page 20 that contains photographs of the civilians who have been conferred with these honours. The last Chapter named “Miscellaneous” contains descriptions of their
acts of valour.
There are numerous books and reference material where the qualifying act of the recipients of these prestigious awards are given. A high point of this book which sets it carries a vivid brief of the family background of the Braveheart’s and the operational background that propelled the exhibition of gallantry beyond the call of duty also. The manner in which the related aspects of social and cultural background of the gallantry award recipients has been juxtaposed in the narrative of their courage and bravery is appreciable.
The authors have documented their book in running order of the wars and operational challenges that the nation has faced over the years since Independence, wherein, the awards were earned. The process begins with the India-Pakistan war of 1947. This facilitates a continuity in the historical context and leaves the reader with a logical overview of the manner in which the Nation’s security and integrity was threatened by inimical forces and how our brave soldiers rose to protect it at times with the sacrifice of their lives.
Since one of the authors, Lt General (Dr) JS Cheema, is a retired General of the Indian army, the military aspects and explanation of the deeds of valour, have been covered with exemplary professionalism. One can literally visualise the battle as it unfolded and led to the extraordinary act of bravery.
Lt Gen (Dr) JS Cheema is a full bloodied soldier from Punjab who not only joined the Indian Army but also the Sikh regiment. One need not go further than this to understand his motivation for producing this excellent book. He is presently the Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala.
Dr Kanwalpreet Kaur is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at DAV College, Sector -10-D, Chandigarh. She has contributed more than 100 book reviews for various newspapers, especially The Tribune, besides contributing articles in subjects related to education. Her poems have been published in various international magazines. She has also authored 14 books. For her academic and literary accomplishments, she has been honoured by the Chandigarh Sahitya Academy as well as the Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association and has received an award from the Governor of Punjab for being one of the best Nodal Officers in the city. Most importantly, she belongs to a prestigious military background since her late father also served the Sikh Regiment as an officer.
Both authors of the book have an abiding interest in military history based on their traditional connection with the Armed Forces; they also have deep knowledge of the same. Reading the book indicates that it has been written by a military historian and academician.
This book is, very clearly, a labour of love of the authors and an ode to the Braveheart’s of Punjab, their beloved land. I have enjoyed reading it and gained significant insights from it. I strongly recommend the same for the youth of Punjab and onwards the youth of the nation and for military historians as a ready reckoner on the most important aspect of military gallantry. Other States should also take a similar initiative.
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