The protagonist recreates the glory days of the British Raj through his idyllic childhood while highlighting the pangs of the freedom struggle, the gloom of Gandhiji's assassination and the circumstances that propelled him towards the rigours of the Indian Army at the tender age of fifteen.
This inspiring and sentimental story is a tribute to war heroes, courageous Armed Forces personnel and those who never give up, whatever the odds.
My husband, Captain (Indian Navy) Rikeesh Sharma, Veteran and a second generation Fauji has always given invaluable feedback. Our sons, Lt Cdr Rishabh Sharma, Sarthak Sharma and daughter-in-law, Ishita thank you for being my cheerleaders.
Thank you, Ritu Didi for being a fountainhead of memory and wisdom with your guidance on timelines, people and places. Thank you to my nephews, Parv and Punya. Punya, it is your photograph of Nanaji that inspired the cover design of Soldier On.
Special thanks to Taiji Brij Aunty and Mamiji Shobha Aunty for their anecdotal references that added an extra element to the book.
Heartfelt gratitude to the Sikh Regiment for their whole-some support system while Papa was in service, as a veteran and for ensuring that he got a well-deserved final journey.
On behalf of Papa, I want to thank DLF Chairman K.P Singh for giving him an opportunity post retirement and for trusting him for almost three decades.
This was a standard opening line every time we made our way to his house to pick him up to attend an event. In this case, the monthly GLiterARti book club meetup at the DLF City Club in Gurgaon.
I am ready and waiting for you,' would be his response, even when he was far from ready. Today was an exception. I spotted him even before the call disconnected. There he was, my dear father, a comfortingly familiar figure, standing ramrod straight, and his hand resting protectively over a leather bag strung across his body.
I was a child again, looking for my father as school got over on those rare days when he was in town. The only difference from then to now was the shiny bald pate - what he laughingly referred to as proof of his brilliant mind. Only now, he had begun to cover it up. This recent transformation into a fashionista meant I would be left guessing his headgear. Would he be sporting a beret, a cowboy style fedora or his Army style cap?
It turned out to be the latter in his favourite regimental colours, with his name 'Prithvi' proudly emblazoned on one side with the slogan '18 till I die' on the back.
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