Armyman etches resilience in 'The Graphene Mentality'

Hailing from the dusty village of Umra in Hisar district, Lt Col Sanjeev Malik (38) of the Armed Forces Medical Corps has authored a book titled The Graphene Mentality – In the Age of Distraction: Build Mental Strength to Dream, Dare and Deliver.

The book was released by Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), at an event organised by the Army in Delhi’s R&R Hospital earlier this month. Releasing the book, she described it as “a thoughtful exploration of the strength, flexibility, and resilience of the human spirit — qualities indispensable in today’s fast-paced world”.

Congratulating him on behalf of the DGAFMS, she termed his effort “an inspiring work” and wished that it motivated readers toward positivity and perseverance.

Speaking to The Tribune, Lieutenant Colonel Malik said the book drew inspiration from his own life and from graphene, the wonder material known for its strength and flexibility. “The idea came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when life came to a standstill. That’s when I decided to write about adaptability in changing circumstances,” he said, adding that the book aimed to inspire youngsters to dream big and pursue success with determination.

Recalling his days during his Para Special Forces selection, he said he had to complete a 40-km run carrying a 25-kg backpack, despite suffering a ligament tear a week earlier. “My instructor advised me to withdraw, warning it could end my career,” he recalled. “But I used ice and heat therapy, took painkillers, and ran through the pain. I wanted to earn the maroon beret — that was the ‘graphene mentality’ in action.” He eventually finished first, and was selected into the elite force.

Lt Col Malik’s sporting achievements are equally remarkable. At the World Medical and Health Games 2023 in Colombia, he won gold medals in all five events — 800m, 1500m, 3000m, cross-country, and 5000m — despite battling a hairline ankle fracture just months before the event and enduring 48 hours of sleep deprivation during travel.

His performance set a world record in the history of the games, established in 1978, and was even featured as a question on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

An alumnus of Sainik School, Kunjpura, Malik completed his MBBS from AFMC Pune and was commissioned into the Army as a Lieutenant in 2010. His father is a retired Nayak

from the Army.