AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) HARSHA KAKAR AND TANNAAZ IRANI CHIEF EDITOR CREATIVE CROWS PUBLISHERS

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) HARSHA KAKAR AND TANNAAZ IRANI CHIEF EDITOR CREATIVE CROWS PUBLISHERS

Why do you think this book must reach the civilian who needs to think for himself?

The common Indian is seeking knowledge on the role and functioning of the Armed Forces, which are amongst the most visible government agencies today as also the most dependable. Inputs on its role, tasks and functioning have remained the domain of very few. The same has been the case with matters pertaining to national security, Kashmir and international relations.

This book clears basic concepts, current involvements and issues on the topics. It enhances awareness and knowledge. Its simple wordings and short essays are easy to comprehend.

 

How will this book and forthcoming volumes help students appearing for relevant competitive examinations?

It provides backgrounds and possible solutions to current issues and topics of interest. Thus, enables those appearing for competitive exams to handle questions on the subject as also enhance knowledge prior to interviews.

 

How do your writings resolve curiosity on internal Armed Forces policies or the Defence policy?

The articles discuss issues from both ends, are unbiased and based on facts. Thus, a reader’s basics are cleared and he could now proceed for greater research, comfortable with the knowledge that his basics are now clear.

 

Does the Reader have to be from the Defence fraternity to understand your book?

No, he does not have to be. In fact, the book is addressed for the common Indian whose knowledge base on such issues is restricted due to lack of exposure.

 

What, from among the themes in the book do you feel most passionate about?

I feel most passionate about the Armed Forces, their concerns and tribulations as also on Kashmir, where opportunities are missed, and the situation exploited by political entities.

 

What made you embark upon this exercise, of compiling your articles into a series of Volumes?

I have many followers on social media who have always been reading my articles. They repeatedly advised me to put select articles in the form of a book, which would become a data base and be easily readable based on availability of time as also at leisure. It would also assist those who would desire to brush up knowledge close to their interviews or exams.

 

What in your opinion would be the contribution of this compilation to the Armed Forces?

Armed Forces personnel have a difficult and busy routine. Thus, a book would provide them the opportunity to read at leisure as also broaden their knowledge. This is essential as small tactical actions of theirs have strategic impacts. Further, it would enable them to understand issues which concern them as soldiers, but which remains out of their normal domain.

 

The Military is considered epitome of Honour and Dignity; yet the Media highlight only juicy details. How does your book aim to change perception of the Armed Forces?

It clearly lays out the truth which the media occasionally glosses over. It also lays down the reasons for specific decisions and where facts have been misquoted. The reader obtains the true picture from the perspective of the Armed Forces, which generally in the Indian democracy avoids getting into a public debate. The nation has now begun to accept that the Army Chief must speak and share the military’s concerns, an issue which was considered taboo earlier. I have largely contributed to supporting this stand.

 

The civilian-military relationship is growing positively as citizens are increasingly aware of the contributions and sacrifices made by the Soldier. How relevant is your book in this important aspect given that we are a democracy? What do the people really need to know and why? Hitherto the Armed Forces have been kept isolated from the public at large, but now citizens are keen to know… May we have your thoughts on this?

My book backs the truth behind every military action. There have been occasions where the military has been pulled up if wrong. Thus, for any reader it opens the truth and reasons for specific actions.

People desire to know the hows and whys, which is what has been done. Specific articles, linked to current topics of national interest have been included in the book.

The nation wants to associate with the Armed Forces as they visualize them as responsible for their security as also always being there when needed. The construction of the foot over bridges in Mumbai is an example. However, the military remains shrouded in mystery as it stays in its cantonments and is only read about, but not seen. By sharing its details and hows and whys, I have attempted to bridge this gap and make the Indian realize what it does, why and how.

INDIAN OUR IDENTITY

IndianArmy recruits talented youth from rural India, drawing from all 29 states, speaking 22 different languages and innumerable dialects, representing all major religions. They take the responsibility of safeguarding the nation and serve without considering their caste, creedor religion andfulfill their responsibility with commitment, courage and conviction.Their resolute sense of discipline, devotion, dedication and determination epitomizes Nationalism &National Unity.