Fauji Days
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1971 Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War

Ian Cardozo
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Discover untold stories of valor in '1971: Stories of Grit and Glory.' Authored by Ian Cardozo, this book unveils the indomitable spirit of soldiers during the Indo-Pak War, capturing the essence of grit and glory. A riveting read that brings to life the heroic tales that shaped the course of history

An under-strength Gorkha battalion undertakes the Indian Army’s first heliborne operation deep behind enemy lines, defeating a Pakistani force twenty times its strength. Fighters of the Indian Air force target the Government House in Dhaka in a daring air raid, forcing the Pakistani government in Dhaka to capitulate and surrender. Four battle casualties become close friends at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune in the war’s aftermath.

In this collection of true stories, decorated war veteran Major General Ian Cardozo recounts what really happened during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, piecing together every story in vivid detail through interviews with survivors and their families. The book also seeks to commemorate the lives of those who were killed and wounded in this war, which took place fifty years ago.

From the tragedy tale of the INS Khukri and its courageous captain, who went down with his ship, to how a battalion of the Gorkhas launched what we accept as the last khukri attack in modern military history, these stories reveal what went on in the minds of those who led their men into battle-on land, at sea and in the air.

BrandPenguin Random House
ISBN/SKU9780143454557
ImprintPenguin Random House
LanguageEnglish
FormatPaperback
Pages304
Year of Pub.2021
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About the Author

Ian Cardozo

Major General Ian Cardozo was born in Mumbai and studied at St Xavier’s School and College. In July 1954, he joined the Joint Services Wing which later became the National Defence Academy. Here he was the first cadet to win the gold medal for being the best all-round cadet, and the silver medal for being first in order of merit. He was commissioned at the Indian Military Academy into the 1st Battalion the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (FF) in 1958, and was the first officer of the Army to be awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry on a patrol in NEFA in 1959. Wounded in the battle of Sylhet in Bangladesh in 1971, he overcame the handicap of losing a leg and became the first war-disabled officer to be approved for command of an Infantry Battalion. He retired in 1993 from his appointment as Chief of Staff of a Corps in the East. Author of The Sinking of INS-Khukri: Survivor’s Stories and Param Vir: Our Heroes in Battle, he has worked with the Spastics Society of Northern India and was chairman of the Rehabilitation Council of India for nine years. At present he is the Vice President of the War Wounded Foundation.

For the Fauji Within: A Curation of Authentic Tales

At Fauji Days, we delve deep to bring you authentic narratives that capture the essence of the military experience. Our carefully curated collection features stories of valour, sacrifice, and camaraderie, penned by military leaders, serving personnel, and those deeply connected to the armed forces.

Name this unique place famous for its intersection of soldiering and sports.

That one village, one family, one street gave India 14 Olympians, an unrivaled track record even today. Take a look at the haul:

14 Olympians – 15 medals (8 Gold, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze)

10 Asian Games players – 13 medals (4 Gold, 8 Silver, 1 Bronze)

5 Arjuna Awardees

4 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees

2 Padma Shri winners

1 Tenzing Norgay (National Adventure) Award winner.