Air Warriors

Recently in November, Jimmy Amarnath’s book ‘Fearless’ was released. It was heartening to hear Dr. S Jaishankar’s genuine admiration for cricket and cricketers with integrity. His examples taken from the game of cricket and applied to the foreign policy were amazing.

Only about a month earlier, our own cricketer, Wg Cdr Arijit Ghosh launched his book titled ‘Air Warriors’. We all have been talking to friends about our cricket experiences of leadership and team spirit, applied to professional and social domains. However, this book is not about Arijit’s own story. He has taken pains in researching and talking to air warriors with first-hand experience. Arijit has made a name for himself as a sportswriter in the last few years. However, this book goes well beyond a sport to the real stuff, courage valour and patriotism. This is the story of brave men who fought to keep the nation alive unmindful of their own safety.

It was befitting that the book was released by the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Mshl Arup Raha. His speech at the launch was extremely motivating as he paid tribute to illustrious air warriors. The former Air Chief delightfully acknowledged the phenomenal research undertaken by Wg Cdr Arijit Ghosh. His statement that “Despite being an Air Force man and having led the Air Force, there are many facts in the book, which I didn’t know myself” says all about the book.

 In recent times, I have been a fan of Arijit’s sports coverage especially cricket. Not given to see matches ball by ball, I have benefitted from the comprehensive coverage in Arijit’s writing. I have admired his strengths in writing - the sincerity of purpose and simplicity of language from a nature lover, and a storyteller, who has been an avid reader himself. I have always believed that this book would be a great success.

As Air Chief Mshl Raha said, “this is his first book, but I am sure he will write many more”, he has urged Arijit to continue to serve us with his delightful writing.

 

Congratulations, and best wishes Arijit !

Air Mshl PV Athawale