New Delhi: Even as his first book awaits clearance from the government, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Mukund Naravane has come up with a second book, The Cantonment Conspiracy: A Military Thriller.
The book, set for release on 17 March, is a fictional story of two officers from the National Defence Academy (NDA).
According to publisher Penguin’s website, two young officers, Rohit and Renuka, face challenges at a quiet riverside garrison. A woman is assaulted at the officers’ mess and Rohit is suspected. But when a witness due to depose in court is murdered, Rohit is absolved. Joined by a local village girl, Rohit and Renuka race to catch the killer before they strike again, revealing links to past events. The narrative delves into themes of duty, integrity, and the challenges faced by the armed forces, especially the Army.
In December 2023, a controversy erupted around General Naravane’s upcoming memoir Four Stars of Destiny, which is facing delays due to the need for clearances. The book was supposed to be released in April 2024, however, it has yet to see the light of day.
As of now, the book is said to be undergoing reviews by the Ministry of Defence. While it is a standard procedure for books containing sensitive information from former high-ranking military officials, General Naravane’s book courted controversy for having revealed discussions of ‘sensitive issues’ such as the Agnipath Scheme.
According to reports, the book also gives details of the matters related to the Chinese troop movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020 when the India-China border standoff occurred. General Naravane was the COAS at the time.
General Naravane’s autobiography seeks to give readers a peek into the officer’s life and military career, which spanned nearly four decades.
The book talks about the workings of the Indian Army and lessons on leadership and management with universal applicability through an insider’s perspective. It also speaks about what needs to be done to make the forces a more potent instrument of national power, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century, according to the publisher.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
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