From ‘Chak De Phatte’ to INS Khukri: Naravane’s new book revisits military myths
Curious and Secret, Revealing Military Myths and Mysteries, the book pulls back the curtain on lesser-known stories that color the history of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Also Read: Former Army Chief General Naravane’s new book released, see what it was about and what he said after the launch
Did you know that the popular chant ‘Chak De Phatta’ has its roots in the Sikh armies of the 17th and 18th centuries? Or that Badluram, the real soldier behind the popular foot-tapping number ‘Badluram ka Badan’, was killed in action in the decisive Battle of Kohima in 1944? The book also explores how the city of Bangalore became associated with a weapon that was seen as a game-changing weapon during the First World War, alongside dozens of gripping, often wildly entertaining narratives.
Beyond the anecdotes, the book ventures into the enduring legend of Baba Harbhajan, the tragic fate of INS Khukri, the extraordinary world of airmen and their callsigns, and the raw, extraordinary courage of the military mule Pedongi. Equal parts accessible, humorous, and thought-provoking, this book is peppered with warm personal stories and quirky illustrations that bring each story vividly to life.
Speaking to ANI, General Naravane said that unlike his previous fictional work, The Cantonment Conspiracy, this book is not pure fiction.
“This time, I am bringing stories from real life that people are really curious about but are not very aware of. These are real events that a soldier witnessed in his life. These are the stories that people actually want to read and are curious about.”Also Read: ‘Not an inch lost to China’: Former Army Chief Naravane stands firm and urges nation to keep defense forces out of politics
As he told ANI, “Everyone is free to interpret things according to their own conscience; while doing so, they should see what is good in the overall national interest.” This book feels like a natural extension of that philosophy; It feels like an invitation to understand the armed forces not through arguments, but through their deepest, most human stories.
Meticulously researched yet compellingly readable, The Curious and the Undercover is a page-turner that shines a warm light on the principles by which every soldier lives: duty, loyalty, camaraderie, and pride rooted in deep traditions and tested by difficult choices and their lasting consequences.
