A saga of courage and camaraderie
Prarthana Magod
ON July 3, Kargil War: The Turning Point, written by my father, the late Col MB Ravindranath (a Vir Chakra awardee), was released. It is about the sweat, tears, strategy, dedication and determination of the fearless warriors of the 1999 war. Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, and Lt Gen Mohinder Puri (retd) released the book.
As a young girl in the summer of 1999, I was more interested in toys and games than in understanding that my father was at war, fighting for the nation. Today, 25 years later, I am the proud daughter of a war hero, writing about what the war meant to him and his comrades.
In 1999, the Pakistani army attacked various locations across the LoC; the Indian Army launched a series of counter-attacks to beat back the enemy. Our fathers were in the midst of it and returned victorious to share tales of courage. Dad led 2 RAJ RIF (Rajputana Rifles) during the war, securing the first victory at Tololing on June 13, 1999. It opened the gates to success and is widely accepted as the turning point of the war, turning the tide against Pakistan.
‘There is so much to learn from a war for everyone,’ dad used to say, and he decided to pen his thoughts. In the midst of writing his book, he passed away in 2018. But, as always, the extended family of a soldier stepped in and fulfilled his dream. The Chhappans, dad’s course mates from the 56th NDA course, took charge of completing the manuscript. Col David Devasahayam (retd), CMD of the Radiant Group, led the initiative; Maj Gen Ajay Sah (retd) and Lt Gen JS Sandhu (retd) structured and edited the book and took care of its publication. Brig Mohit Saxena (retd), one of dad’s company commanders during the war, filled in the missing details and provided a first-hand account of the events. Six months of efforts, and Kargil War: The Turning Point was ready.
Many attended the book release function to honour and acknowledge dad’s exemplary leadership in the battle. Lt Gen Parnaik (retd), who had commanded 2 RAJ RIF, highlighted dad’s depiction of the apprehensions and fears of a commanding officer leading his troops to attack, especially where others had failed in previous attacks; the meticulous strategy and planning that goes into an attack; the brave and fearless mindset of the troops; the leadership and dedication displayed by all and many more aspects of the human psyche. Gen Puri (retd), who was my father’s Division Commander during the war and has written the foreword, recalled dad’s leadership, commitment and honest perspective, which inspired trust and comradeship among the warriors of Rajputana Rifles.
It was indeed a beautiful tribute to dad, who cherished gatherings, meeting people, talking and inspiring everyone.
