New Delhi: General Manoj Naravane, the 28th Chief of the Army Staff, has authored a new book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries. Published by Rupa, the book is described as a lively exploration of the underexplored and often wildly amusing aspects of the Indian Armed Forces. The General revealed that the inspiration for this work came two years ago after he came across Shashi Tharoor’s A Wonderland of Words, which explores the quirks of the English language. Gen Naravane began working on the project in mid-2025 with the aim of bridging the gap between military life and civilian society through anecdotal storytelling rather than academic discourse.
The book delves into several captivating nuggets of military history and legends, such as the origins of the popular cheer “Chak de phatte,” which traces back to the Sikh armies of the 17th and 18th centuries. It also highlights the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh and the heroic story of the military mule, Pedongi. Gen Naravane meticulously researched these tales, ensuring they resonate with a wide readership by focusing on aspects people might frequently encounter without knowing their historical significance or the military ethos behind them.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the story behind “Badluram ka badan,” the regimental anthem of the Assam Regiment. The song honors Rifleman Badluram, who was killed during the Battle of Kohima in 1944. Following his death, a surplus of rations—unintentionally accumulated because his name was never removed from the rolls—saved the lives of his besieged unit when supply lines were cut by Japanese forces. Major MT Proktor later composed the song in 1946 to commemorate this remarkable event. While the General’s previous memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, remains unpublished amid controversy, this new release offers a thoroughly entertaining foray into the “bizarre” and “classified” mysteries of the Indian military.
