'Gannu Hidida Kaiyalli Pennu' (Pen in the hands which held a gun)

Whenever we read about the defence forces, army in particular, we get extreme accounts of valor and sacrifice or that of failure and corruption. But a normal army man's humane life gets lost somewhere in between. This Kannada book titled 'Gannu Hidida Kaiyalli Pennu' (Pen in the hands which held a gun) by Brigadier SG Bhagwat is a pathbreaking account of life in the army in all its hues which never make it to the media. 

Though Brigadier Bhagwat picks instances from his own life in the army in no way the book can be called as a biography. His lucid narration makes sure that the reader focuses on the event rather than the author himself. But the experience he gains from the events he narrates is also from which we get to learn. Amazing isn't it? Some of his experiences makes you proud of the army, some tell the pitfalls in the institution and our system, while few others incidents just make you smile. 

Brigadier Bhagwat's narration of his unit's preparation for war in its nuances is a great learning for us civilians. Instances of how armymen react to loss of life of their colleagues, emotions they experience makes us wonder whether we have given them their due. Insights into the 'orderly' system in the army, its advantages and pitfalls have been narrated well. Another highlight of the book is Brigadier Bhagwat recounting incidents in his army life which give valuable insight into the relationship between the army and local residents where he was posted. Along with the great work done by the army for the locals, their bonhomie, the reader also gets to read about some unique customs and practices of the civilians there. Invauable I must say! The reader is also enriched with the knowledge of day-to-day working of the army, its court-of-enquiry, difficulties faced while relocating with family and also frictions between officers. Other incidents like his travails in a train journey with his family with the ticket misplaced, 'never-say-no' spirit in one of his sub-ordinates, experiences with other army officers in different postings with hilarious outcomes, puts a smile on your face making your time worthwhile. 

But the icing on the cake is the author's experience with our beloved APJ Abdul Kalam which not only gives an insight into the man himself but also narrates the extent to which our scientists and army men go to make our country safer. Thank you Brigadier Bhagwat for this wonderful book. 

This unique book in Kannada is sure to make you richer in your understanding of life in the army and would also amuse you. Don't forget to buy yourself a copy if you come across one. A great read for sure!

ps: Cannot afford to forget to thank my friend Vijay Hegde through whom I got to get a hand on this masterpiece