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The book ‘India-Pakistan Wars & Consequences,’ written by Saroja Sahadevan, was released on National Day (October 2) during an Ex-Defence Personnel reunion. The book was formally launched by Wing Commander SSA Razaak (Retd) and Wing Commander S Ganesh Kumar (Administrative Officer, Central Institute of Skill Development).
The first recipients of the book were Air Veterans Sri E Ganesh, GS Thomas, G Sankaran, Vivian E Paul, and A Selvakumaran. The function was blessed by many revered defence personnel—some of whom had participated in all three major wars, and others belonging to families that have served the Indian Army for four generations since the British era.
Originally published in Tamil in 2023 by Manimegalai Prasuram, the book received exceptional reviews in leading dailies and magazines. The publisher has now released the English edition for a wider readership.
Reputed personalities have written forewords for the book. The essence of their reflections is presented below.
"The author presents the long history of conflicts between India and Pakistan—particularly the wars fought over Kashmir and along the borders—in a style as gripping as a novel. Rather than just listing facts, she brings history to life by including the biographies of military leaders, their strategic decisions, and the humanitarian efforts they made amid war. The book also recounts thrilling real-life events that shaped these conflicts. This is more than just a book. It is a well-documented record—a true treasure trove of knowledge. The author has carefully gathered and structured the information in a way that captivates the reader. This book instills a greater sense of respect and admiration for our armed forces. It is well-suited to be included as a supplementary lesson in school curricula. It is fully deserving of such recognition. A book like this can only be written by someone with an immeasurable love for the nation."
—Writer Pattukottai Prabhakar
(Popular and leading Tamil writer for decades)
"Her analysis of the background to these wars and the buildup she gives to the readers keeps the attention sustained. The little tidbits interspersed to the main narrative add to the interest.
The wars have been detailed very explicitly, which makes one ponder whether the author has had any firsthand information. It is a matter of wonderment that her information was all from the media, yet the reflections are all so vivid.”
—Dr Shobha Varthaman
(M/O Group Captain Abhinanthan)
“There is not an iota of doubt that madam's writings will bring out the true meaning and pride to the services of the government and every soldier for years to come.”
—Wing Commander Dr S Ganesh Kumar
(Administrative Officer, Central Institute of Skill Development)
“I commend the author and wish for this valuable book to be translated into many languages and read by every Indian.”
—Dr HV Hande
(Former Minister, TN born with 9 siblings,5 served in the Indian army in high positions, fought on the frontline, and 3 became martyrs)
"Throughout the book, the author highlights the humanitarian acts of the army, strengthening our faith and pride in the Indian Army. Many facts absent from history books have come to light. The events of the war have never been explained with such clarity. Yet, without taking sides, she presents them in a remarkably balanced manner. Overall, this book is undoubtedly a valuable effort to instill patriotism in the younger generation by showcasing the achievements, integrity, dignity, and humanitarian values of the Indian Armed Forces. This book, published as a historical document through dedicated effort, should reach school and college students."
—Mrs Bhanumathi Dharumarasan
Retired Professor, Department of History
The event also witnessed heartfelt reflections on the deep respect society holds for soldiers. One such moving moment came from the book’s English translator, who shared this thought on Gandhi Jayanti:
“In this august reunion of ex-defence personnel and their families, there are many who are seated humbly, not knowing their greatness, reminding the Tamil phrase “the Great God who just doesn’t know his pride!”. I shall try to share a major evidential discovery not from one or two experiences, but from my lifetime experience.
Throughout my life, whenever I meet a person, the mind monkey always tries to prove within, how I am superior to him/her or at least not inferior. Worst case tries and finds a parameter where I am better. This comparison psyche seems to be very instinctive and doesn’t leave anyone. Even when I encounter teachers, even though my heart knows the one who taught letters is God, it argues, a teacher teaches in school or in college, but I also do the same by training many in my office. Even if it doesn’t leave doctors by consoling, I handle and heal verbal injury, moral injury, social injury, etc., without any shame. This comparison disease shows its head even with close friends, family members, relatives and unknown people in life. To suppress this and remain focused to be productive, I had to make consistent efforts!
However, from the days I remember from my childhood till date, whenever I meet a defence personnel or his/her family member from the depths of my heart and even from my subconscious mind, I have never even had an iota of intention or thinking to compare with them. That’s a fact. Sathyam. For this truth, Gandhi is the witness. Even for a normal civilian, the mind, heart and soul all seem to know naturally, by instinct, that these army personnel or their kith and kin are supreme souls beyond comparison. This is an undeniable, naturally known truth.”
Saroja Sahadevan has published over 160 short stories—mostly centred on the military, visually impaired students, and social causes—in leading Tamil literary and commercial publications. She has authored six novels and received numerous awards.
She has also been a devoted advocate for blind student communities for more than two decades, providing ground-level and emotional support to help them achieve higher education goals. Her efforts have led to three PhD holders, several MPhil and degree achievers, and successful government exam candidates.
Her guiding motto—"time guarding work"—stands in contrast to the common notion of "time passing", reflecting her discipline and purpose-driven life.
The Book is available in Kindle format on amazon.in. The link is- https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FT6JBMBL/