Major General Rajpal Punia in Conversation about his Military Memoir, 'Rejoice in Adversity, Triumph in War'.
Published by HarperCollins India, 'Rejoice in Adversity, Triumph in War' in war is a compelling military memoir penned by General Rajpal Punia. Major General Rajpal Punia, with over four decades of service behind him, holds the honor of commanding the prestigious Armored Division at Hisar. Under his command, he successfully controlled the Jat agitation of 2017, and also vacated the dera of Ram Rahim in Sirsa. General Punia has also headed Operation Khukri as a part of a UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone
With an illustrious four decades of service behind you, sir, I can only imagine the number of stories and unique experiences you might have had along the way. What made you consider writing a book about your experiences in the armed forces? I'm very curious to know how the idea for this memoir really came about
And you know, what I have plea done is combined the various military situations with the lessons of life and the hybrid created is actually amazing. Rejoice in Adversity is not only a book but I would say it's a life coach for the young generation coupled with interesting military stories to read
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The second and the most important takeaway from NDA was the self belief created during the three long years of tough training at National Defense Academy. And believe you me, most of it was imparted to us by your seniors in the premises of the hostel, which we refer to as a squadron
'Do hurt your ego to progress in life' - I was very much intrigued by this singular perspective of yours on how one's ego can drive positive changes in life, and the anecdote of the volleyball championship where you led your team to victory very much underscores your thought. Have you had similar such experiences where you've made your ego a positive influence in the situations that you faced?
The two chapters on Sierra Leone incident in this book rejoice in adversity, and the readers would realize that what situation we had actually gone through in Sierra Leone while doing a peacekeeping assignment
Ah. Thank you so much for your time. Sir, I ask you this final question at the risk of making too general a statement, and I would like to apologize in advance. So, with the priorities of today's youth being so much different, would you say that patriotism, as a motivation for the younger generation to serve the country is not as strong as it used to be back in the days?
You well, Ramya. Any other profession may give you a livelihood but what military gives you is a life. So in case the young generation wants to live life jindigi gina hay to join the military the charisma of donning a uniform can only be experienced once the olive green fabric touches your heart and no amount of words can explain the same in the same breath. Let me share it with the listeners that the ultimate motivation has to be like the fire in the belly