Himalayan Blunder: The Curtain-Raiser to the Sino-Indian War of 1962 (Book review)

                             The author, Brigadier J.P.Dalvi was the commander of 7th Infantry Brigade in the North-East Frontier Agency Sector of Tawang. The 7th Brigade was destroyed, and  Brigadier J.P.Dalvi was captured by the Chinese Forces on 22nd October and repatriated in May 4,1963. This book is the memoir of the author, the first hand account, the real story of the biggest blunder in Indian military history. The book was banned in Indian almost immediately on its release as it pointed to the loopholes in establishment, flawed foreign policy, lackadaisical military preparations etc, however this ban was later lifted.

                            Himalayan Blunder is a fascinating war memoir of the 1962 Conflict between India and China in which India was humbled by Chinese onslaught. It was the watershed moment in Indian History when many political stalwarts who were living in their fancy lands had to bite dust. Such was the eye popping, hollow self confidence displayed by the morality preaching superstar politicians, that Chinese were also amazed by their naive foolishness. Although by the time this war ended, the rockstar politicians were begging for arms and armaments in front of same countries towards whom they showed scanty respect and were the target of their ire at international forums. The Indian military establishment on its part, didn't show the spine to stand firm against ever increasing public pressure and incompetent politicians. The result was, the ill prepared Indian army was thrown as cannon fodder before well oiled Dragon juggernaut.

                      Himalayan Blunder showed the treason with nation and people behind the debacle of 1962 Indo-China war. This book is the first hand account of what transpired during and after the period,as the writer dwells deeply into the circumstances which culminated in this humiliating defeat. The writer categorically reasoned, what  happens when an  ill-equipped, unprepared, confused, demoralized yet fiercely brave and patriotic soldiers were rushed into battle field against a strong adversary in an ad hoc manner because military decisions were influenced more by political prophecy rather than military strategy.

                   This book is a masterpiece and i recommend it to all. Besides being illuminating, the writer with his witty style captivates the reader. Brigadier J.P.Dalvi narrated the story and asked pertinent questions which needs to be answered honestly if we have to avoid risking falling into the similar trap again.