Chief of Defence Staff launches book on soldier’s personal account, says ‘book will strengthen the roots of Indian Army’

Jaipur: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan Friday evening launched a book, ‘Ek Sainik Ki Diary’, during the Joint Commanders’ Conference held at the Sapta Shakti Command in Jaipur.

The book is a collection of diary entries by Honorary Captain Mohar Singh Bainsla from 1943 to 1971, covering his service in the Indian Army. It was published posthumously and compiled by his niece, retired IRS officer Sunita Bainsla. Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, also unveiled the book.

Captain Bainsla joined the Indian Army pre-Independence, when he was posted with 26/8 Punjab Regiment, and after Independence, he was part of 3 Rajput Regiment.

Addressing the gathering at the book launch, CDS Gen Chauhan said, “This book stands apart as a deeply personal account that presents the world through the eyes of a soldier. It reveals the human face of the soldier and, for this very reason, I believe it is truly unique and singular in its nature. It is my firm belief that this book will serve to further strengthen the roots of our Indian Army.”

In his address, Chauhan also emphasised the key role played by soldiers as the foundation of the army. “A soldier constitutes the very core; he is the true reflection of an army’s fundamental strength and military might. As we say, the man behind the machine is always important; indeed, the individual soldier serves as the bedrock of any military organisation. The book showcases the different phases of our national history, which have been presented from the point of view of a soldier,” he said.

Speaking about Rajasthan, the birthplace of Captain Bainsla, the CDS said that it has been a land of valour and heroism. “The contribution of Rajasthan to the Indian Armed Forces has been immensely significant. Soldiers hailing from this region have displayed unparalleled courage in battles and various other military operations, making the supreme sacrifice on numerous occasions,” said Chauhan.

The author, Sunita Bainsla, while speaking about the book and the impact of the Indian Army on their lives, said that eastern Rajasthan’s transformation was driven by the Indian Army because local youth who joined the forces were exposed to a wider world, which helped spur regional growth and social development.
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