Former Army Chief Gen Naravane’s new book launched, check what it is about and what he said after the launch

Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) has released a new non-fiction book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, following earlier controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny.

According to publisher Rupa Publications, the book examines lesser-known aspects of India’s armed forces, presenting stories that contribute to the legends and traditions of the Army, Navy and Air Force. It is described as an exploration of myths and memories that shape the military, focusing on themes of courage, culture and curiosity.

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Focus on folklore, history and anecdotes

The book covers a range of topics, including the origins of the popular phrase “Chak de Phatte” in Sikh military history and the story of Captain Baba Harbhajan Singh. It also recounts the story of Badluram, linked to the song ‘Badluram ka Badan’, and references the 1944 Battle of Kohima.

Other subjects include the association of Bengaluru with a World War I-era weapon, the fate of INS Khukri, accounts of airmen and their call signs, and the role of a military mule named Pedongi. The publisher describes the work as focusing on lesser-explored and unusual aspects of the armed forces.

Previous work and writing pursuits

Naravane had earlier indicated at a book event in Pune that he had taken up fiction writing in addition to contributing military analyses to academic journals. His earlier fiction work The Cantonment Conspiracy was released in 2025.

Controversy over unpublished memoir

The release of the new book comes after a controversy involving Naravane’s unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny. The issue arose when Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi cited excerpts from a magazine article based on the memoir during a parliamentary debate on the 2020 India-China standoff.

The remarks led to objections from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who said that excerpts from an unpublished and unauthenticated book should not be cited in Parliament. The exchange triggered protests from ruling party members, and Opposition MPs later moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, which was subsequently dropped after a voice vote.

Penguin Random House India, which holds publishing rights to the memoir, clarified that the book had not been published. Naravane also stated that no version of the book had been released in print or digital form.

Naravane on controversy regarding his first book

In subsequent interviews, Naravane said it was unfair to involve him and the armed forces in political debates based on an unpublished work. He stated that he had not been abandoned by the government during the 2020 Line of Actual Control standoff with China.

He said that he had full backing and authority to act, including opening fire if required. Referring to leadership roles, he noted that while decision-makers may appear isolated, they continue to have institutional and national support.

Naravane also said there was nothing in the unpublished book that warranted the controversy.

Who is Gen MM Naravane

Gen Naravane served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022. Commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry in 1980, he has held operational, peacekeeping and diplomatic roles over a career spanning more than four decades. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.