A Soldier's Odyssey: From Battlefields to Books, Major General Ian Cardozo's Remarkable Journey

“‘Where is my khukri ?’ I asked my Gorkha batman, Balbahadur. When he pulled it out I said, ‘Cut off my leg.’ He refused. So I cut it off and told him to bury it. Poor chap. I now have a piece of land in Bangladesh,” Major General Ian Cardozo recounted over the phone from New Delhi to The Hindu.

The account of 86-year-old Cardozo, who stepped on a landmine during the final days of the Indo-Pak War of 1971, leading to the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, has become part of the records of Indian military history. Cardozo, India's first recipient of the Sena Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, recounts this incident and 13 other stories in his book, "1971 - Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War," published by Penguin. However, he narrates his own experience with humility, focusing more on the valour of others who fought on land, sea, and air, many of whom did not survive to share their stories.

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The eastern part of Pakistan had lived in the shadow of its wealthier and politically dominant western counterpart for 25 years after the Partition of India. Amidst refugees pouring into India and a harsh military response by Pakistan on its own citizens, India supported the call for independence by the Mukti Bahini, leading to the third Indo-Pak War. Fought over 13 days on multiple fronts, seas, and air, the war concluded on December 16, 1971, with Dhaka falling to Mukti Bahini fighters and Indian forces commanded by General Sam Manekshaw. The surrender of Pakistan’s Lieutenant General AAK Niazi and 93,000 soldiers marked the end.

Cardozo's focus in his book lies on the human stories of those who orchestrated this historic event, providing essential operational details to keep the narrative flowing. Born into a family in Bombay that valued sports and literature, Cardozo, with Goan roots, encapsulates the essence of the individuals who played a crucial role in this significant chapter of history.

“I was inspired by World War stories and by Sunith Rodrigues, my school senior who later became Chief of Army Staff, to join the Army. John Masters’ opus Bugles and A Tiger sealed my decision to choose the Gorkhas,” says Cardozo, who was the first National Defence Academy cadet to win the gold and silver medals for best all-round performance and merit — a rare feat. He was commissioned into the 5 Gorkha Rifles, served with the 4th battalion (4/5 GR) during the ‘71 war and commanded the 1/5 GR later.

“I didn’t join the Army to be chained to a desk,” he says. “I was determined that my war disability would not stand in the way of commanding my men.” Cardozo, undeterred by his artificial leg, traversed icy mountains, outpacing able-bodied officers, and went on to achieve the unique distinction of becoming the first war-disabled Indian Army officer to command a battalion, brigade, and a division.

In addition to his military accomplishments, Cardozo embraced a life filled with love, marriage, and family. Since retiring, he has taken on roles such as chairing the Rehabilitation Council of India, participating in marathons, and serving as the chairman of the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research. Despite his remarkable achievements, Cardozo remains modest. His writing, characterized by humane storytelling, refrains from boasting and gives credit to the enemy where it is due—a set of values increasingly rare in today's jingoistic world.

The book serves as a nexus for the heroism of the Indian armed forces, the courage of the Gorkhas, and the tumultuous birth of a nation. Cardozo employs clear and engaging prose to recount well-known incidents, from the pursuit of the INS Vikrant to the sinking of the PNS Ghazi, Captain MN Mulla's refusal to abandon the sinking INS Khukri, the Battle over Boyra witnessed as Gnat and Sabre jets clashed in the sky, the Indian Navy's bombing of Karachi harbour, and the tank battle at Longewala.

Cardozo excels as a scene setter, infusing his sketches with an old-world charm. He assumes the role of a battlefield tour guide, skillfully drawing attention to the bravery displayed on both sides. Through stories gathered from oral narratives, regimental records, and bonfire nights, he unfolds tales of the last khukri attack in modern military history, the plundering and retrieval of the gates of Rattoke gurudwara in the '65 war, the unique hierarchy of the 4/5 Gorkhas, an influential BBC broadcast that altered the course of the battle for Sylhet, the glint of the decanter on General Jacob's table, a legendary map at the United Service Institution, pilots flying night sorties in lungis, and an enduring friendship among battle casualties flourishing at Pune’s Artificial Limb Centre.

Cardozo says he has carried the stories in his heart for half a century, reliving them with his army fraternity. “I felt these stories of the men I had lived and laughed with had to be now told to a wider world,” he says, of the nine days and nights they fought without food or water, forged only by the cold steel of the khukri and the battle-cry ‘Ayo Gorkhali’ — the Gorkhas are here. “You never forget the faces that never returned or the lessons learnt on leadership, life and love.”

Within these pages unfolds the splendid tales of days gone by, recounting the valour of men who cut their way through tropical jungles and enemy lines. In Cardozo's case, his own sacrifice is etched in history, his leg now resting in the soil of a forgotten battlefield. While many play a role in shaping history, only a select few have the ability to eloquently narrate their experiences. This book is a must-read because Cardozo has accomplished both feats exceptionally.

Prompted by the moving impact of his story on others, Cardozo penned his latest book, "Cartoos Saab: A Soldier's Story of Resilience in Adversity." In reflecting on this endeavour, he expressed the belief that sharing one's story is preferable to having an inaccurately portrayed tale in print. He emphasizes that his book carries a meaningful message for the youth, the army, and the diverse citizens of the country.

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Through his book, Cardozo aspires to inspire all who engage with it, shedding light on the resilience and bravery of his fellow Gorkha soldiers. He aims to spotlight the unwavering dedication and determination exhibited by the Indian Army and its soldiers. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Cardozo said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in your years.”

He said the war and his time serving in the army taught him the value of life is priceless. “One cannot appreciate the true value of life until one has lived in the shadow of death,” Cardozo said.

“This book is the story of every army officer and the Indian army. Through the book, I hope to bring the army closer to the citizens of the country.” It took him two years to complete the work.