Speaking in an interview with PTI Videos, Naravane said the matter was effectively closed from his perspective once the ministry intervened, adding that he had moved on from the episode. He also expressed displeasure over being repeatedly referenced in connection with the unpublished manuscript, which had drawn public attention when opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was prevented from citing excerpts in the Lok Sabha due to its unpublished status.
Naravane has since shifted focus to writing, releasing his latest book, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, published by Rupa Publications. He noted that he has already completed two books following the controversy, with a third publication expected soon. He described his latest work as an engaging narrative rather than a formal academic study.
The book explores lesser-known stories and traditions within the Indian Armed Forces, covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It traces the historical origins of widely used military expressions, including the slogan that translates to “Victory to India,” which emerged during the freedom movement and was later adopted by the armed forces.
Naravane also documents the story of a soldier from the Assam Regiment, Badluram, who died during the Battle of Kohima in 1944. Despite his death, ration supplies continued to arrive in his name, sustaining the besieged unit. This unusual circumstance inspired British Indian Army officer Major M. T. Proctor to compose a spirited regimental song titled “Badluram’s Body,” which has since become an unofficial anthem of the Assam Regiment, widely performed at regimental events for its morale-boosting impact.
Another account in the book highlights the remarkable journey of a military mule named Pedongi, which was captured during the 1971 conflict and later used by opposing forces to transport supplies, including ammunition. The animal eventually escaped, navigating difficult terrain and minefields to return to its original unit. In recognition of its endurance and loyalty, Pedongi was honored and retired from activeduty, spending the remainder of its life at Bareilly, where it lived for 37 years before dying of natural causes.
Naravane’s latest work presents these narratives as part of a broader effort to preserve and share lesser-known military histories, blending folklore, documented events, and institutional memory within India’s armed forces.
The development highlights the former Army chief’s transition from military leadership to authorship, while also underscoring ongoing debates around unpublished memoirs, public discourse, and the boundaries of official clearance in historical documentation.
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