Sunday, September 30, 2012

My Bookshelf: Books By Colonel Ajay K Raina, SM, Founder Trustee, Military History Research Foundation (R), India




Hi guys,

      This blog is the noticeboard for my books that have been published till date. Alternatively, you can see the latest status at MY DASHBOARD
BOOKS AVAILABLE AT www.sabreandquill.com

AMAZON LINKS GIVEN IN THE END TOO



2010


 This book was written on a subject that was found to be a bit too sensitive. So, while it is not available in the civil market/public domain, serving personnel of Indian Defence Forces (only) can procure a copy of this book only by communicating directly with me at ajaykrraina@gmail.com. The hardcover edition is now out of stock (see the second edition ahead)
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2011


This is an outcome of my love for Ladakh and Tashi's vast knowledge about the land and its people. Having been there as a traveller and then as a resident (i.e., me) and having seen travellers and tourists of all kinds (ie, Tashi's observations), we sat down together to address a very basic necessity - Demystifying Ladakh.
You see, any outsider or an onlooker would invariably, unless and until he/ she happens to be Buddhist, find new and strange looking objects strewn all across this great land. If he/she is curious enough, he/she will find a different way of life that is not found anywhere else in our great land. You wonder at such things and in the worst case, you may, out of sheer ignorance, may do a thing that may not be in order.
So, here we are....presenting you with simplified details of all such objects, rituals and traditions. For those who may be interested in background knowledge, we have also included a portion of the history of the region and its principal religion as also the geography, again in a layman's language. One portion also provides information that would be of some use to travellers and tourists who may plan to visit this fabulous place.
Available at:-
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon.in (Paperback in India)
Kindle (e-book across the globe)
Amazon.com (for international paperback edition)
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  2014
Conditions, as applicable for the First Edition (above) apply

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2016

(this edition is out of print and the Second Edition (see below) is now available)


One of the principal organs of a secular state, the Indian Army is yet another hallmark of the stated religious stance of our country. Religion, for the most sensible believers, is simply a way of life. And when viewed from the perspective of a soldier for whom, not surprisingly, wreath-laying ceremony in the regimental Quarter Guard may be more sacred than a visit to a temple back home, religion tends to have a different import. In any case, a soldier who spends a minimum of nine months in a year in some professional environment wherein a Sarva-dharamsthal (a place for all religions) signifies the point of spiritual indulgence for one and all, orthodox practices appear to be foreign and alien. For a soldier, there can be no distinctions based on religion because when the moment of glory comes and his blood mixes with that of his buddies, religious beliefs do not appear to make any difference to the colour and texture of the fluid of life. Being a modest soul, a warrior prefers to look beyond religion when it comes to the soldierly way of life.
Sainik Dharamliterally meaning ‘soldier’s religion’- is what the Indian Army calls its faith. And for all of us donning Olive Greens, this term is more about a soldier’s faith rather than his/her religion per se. In our professional lives, we follow a certain code of conduct that defines our way of life. Therefore, way of life as defined by different religions, would many a time, get overshadowed by the soldier’s code of conduct. For a soldier, it is more of a belief system that cannot really be kept bound by the defined boundaries of any particular religion. Every unit has a certain belief system that is nurtured with care and all members of the team, irrespective of individual religious alignments, dutifully follow such a belief system. This belief system, in turn, gives birth to soldiers’ faith. And this faith is such that it does not think even once before imbibing healthy rituals and deeds of any community (even if not strictly military) that it comes in contact with. It is a well-meaning, all-embracing state of mind that sets soldiers apart from conformist believers. This very faith guides us through critical situations when everything else appears to be deserting us.
This work is all about such a Faith. Based on folklore, existing practices and some related anecdotes, it attempts to place on record some of the practices that have been shaping our faith for decades and have been instrumental in lending such a great character to our profession. It is, in no way, an all-inclusive product since a combination of the sheer size of our fraternity and great geographical dimensions of our nation can simply thwart any such attempt. Most of the tales and incidents mentioned here are based on experiences of the author as also some of the closest buddies. The work has been laid out in two parts – the first one is about symbols of faith and the second one deals with experiences of a somewhat different kind.
Soldiers, for the better part of their professional lives, live amongst intangibles and most of the operational situations too come wrapped in dense foggy layers. We are expected to operate and take decisions in situations that come loaded with ambiguity. As we grow in our profession, we learn to accept and handle such settings with grace and élan. Unknown to many of us and beyond the reach of our conscious minds, our faith also builds up over a period of time. It is this near-simultaneous evolution of such cognisant and subliminal facets that helps us accept varying practices, beliefs and received wisdom with a degree of natural ease. As a result, nothing remains alien for long and before we realise, our faith is well on its way to imbibe such beliefs even if the origin of such beliefs may lie well outside the perimeters of our operational bases and peacetime locations.

More than anything else, it is recommended that this work may be looked at as a way of appreciating such a unique quality of soldierly life. Soldiers cutting across their natal religious beliefs, adopt soldierly faith as they grow in the organisation. Without anyone forcing anything on anyone, all of us slowly get settled in a system where our collective faith becomes what religion would become for others who have not been so privileged to be a soldier in their worldly lives.

AVAILABLE at:-

www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon.in  (Paperback in India)
Kindle (e-book across the globe)
Amazon.com (for the international paperback edition)

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2017

CUTTING EDGE


Cutting Edge is all about the Sub-unit Commanders of the Indian Army. The book aims to provoke certain basic and common sense issues that tend to get ignored while in command of troops in a maddening peace station. Oriented towards command of troops in peace and soft fields, it is a manual for the young sub-unit commanders of all arms and services.

Available at:-

www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback with 10% discount)
Amazon.in (Paperback in India)
Kindle (e-book across the globe)
Amazon.com (for international paperback edition)

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2019

A riveting, action-packed account of intrigue, behind the scene labour, dirty
games and everything else that concerns the Valley

The proverbial crown often makes the head uncomfortable and if such a crown is crafted by quisling apostates, adept at coercing the head to force the whole body to twitch, the matter becomes a bit too serious. Kashmir, the crown of India, has been manipulated by many such shrewd individuals for too long, causing excruciating pain and agony to many. But every suffering, like every joy, does end at some point in time!

Electoral promises, being what these are, have always been short-lived in the biggest democracy of the world. Common people, the key stakeholders, have got used to such a phenomenon. The troublesome neighbour is not too far behind; he is used to typical tolerant reactions to one and many of a thousand cuts that he keeps inflicting on his big neighbour every now and then.

The usual script, however, changes one fine day and a subtle change begins to happen. Those who observe things closely notice the change while many others just brush them aside, calling such changes nothing but flashes in a hot cast iron pan.  And then the truth reveals itself – absolutely naked and stark- beyond doubt and impossible to ignore! Yes, a lot goes into running a country; no different than an iceberg; only the tip is visible and yet a lot sails underneath. There are institutions and then there are agencies. Beyond visible, there are many entities that work 24x7 and remain obscure and unsung!

Yes, it takes a lot to run a nation!


Available at:-

www.sabreandquill.com (Hardcover with 10% discount)

Amazon.in (Hardcover within India)

Kindle (International e-book) & Pothi.com

Amazon.com (International paperback)

Pothi.com (International paperback)


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                                                2020



This book is a war chronicle that starts with the relevant background information, sequence of events leading to the invasion by Pakistan backed raiders into Naushera-Jhangar area of Mirpur-Bhimber belt in 1947 and the long, hard campaign by the Indian Army to recapture the lost territory within the constraints of political decision-making. More importantly, the book also covers the heroic deeds of the isolated troops of the State forces who held on against all odds during the initial days of the invasion. Many tales that have never been told before appearing alongside the saga of bravery, courage and relentless operations by the Indian Army. 

Available At:-

www.sabreandquill.com (Hard copy with 10% discount)

Amazon.in (Hardcover for India sales)

Kindle (International e-book sales)

Amazon.com (International Paperback sales)


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                                                  2020



Following closely on the heels of the first book, ‘Against All Odds: The Naushera-Jhangar Battles 1947-48’, the next book in the series of books on the conflict, titled, ‘In the Nick of Time’: Saving Kashmir Valley 1947-48’, while focussing specifically on the operations in the Kashmir Valley, does cover the broader picture of the conflict since many other areas outside the Valley were also embroiled in a similar situation around those days.

 Crisp, fast-paced and full of explanatory notes and sketches, the 330 pages hardbound book looks and feels fascinating. Many background issues, unusual anecdotes and some rare pictures of that era make the work an invaluable one for those who love to read about history, both military and political. With the period covered between the 1820s and 1949, the book offers a wholesome package to the readers.

Available at:-

www.sabreandquill.com (Hardcover with 10% discount)

Amazon.in (Hardcover edition for Indian territory)

Kindle (e-book sales internationally)

Amazon.com (International Paperback sales)

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                                               2020



The Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir was invaded during the first week of October 1947 when, well over three weeks before breaching the border with Kashmir, the raiders led by Pakistan army officers, attacked the isolated garrisons of the State forces in Bhimbar-Mirpur-Poonch area, pushed back the forward posts and then occupied the areas so divested. Many prosperous towns and most of the villages in the countryside started falling to the enemy one by one. Indian Army did land in Kashmir in the last week of October but by then, the situation was becoming irretrievably adverse in the areas West of Pir Panjal Range. And then, Poonch found itself completely isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. The town remained cut off for almost a year except for the aerobridge that was established through sheer hard work and muscle power jointly put in by civilians and Indian troops. The long period of isolation saw some outstanding leadership, steadfast soldiering, unmatched civil-military co-operation and flying skills of the highest order. The saga that got written in the process, stands recorded in this book for the future generations of the nation to read and to get inspired!

This book is a record of what happened, where it happened and how it was handled!


www.sabreandquill.com (Hardcover with 10% discount)


Kindle ebook internationally)

Amazon.com (Hard copy internationally)

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                                                  2021

This work aims to bring to fore certain anecdotes and experiences as narrated by those who were there and who witnessed such events unfolding in front of their own eyes. That is the closest one can get to the truth of a battlefield engagement. Have we been able to achieve 100% accuracy? We can’t say! But we are sanguine that all such accounts are as close to the truth as possible. The contributors, all in senior age brackets by now, are free from the limitations that get imposed both by the service regulations and the impact of events that may have happened in the recent past. They are well beyond such inducements. These are the true stories as narrated by our esteemed Veterans of the 1971 Indo-Pak War


www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)

 Amazon.in (Paperback India)


Amazon.com (Paperback internationally)
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                                                  2021


Any reference to the 1947-48 conflict invariably takes our minds to Kashmir. Kashmir’s significance remaining undisputed, there were other areas that saw some of the most intense battlefield engagements on the ground as also some of the most arguable decisions that were taken at the highest levels. Kishanganga Valley (KG) that, covers a huge span right from the North of Sonamarg and all the way to the confluence of the river by the same name with Jhelum at Domel, had actually fallen to the enemy without anyone really knowing about it. However, by the time whole of the Kashmir Valley, per se, was liberated towards the middle of November 1947, the enemy had already fortified his positions in the KG Valley. The following spring saw the beginning of a long, tiresome slog by our soldiers who had to fight a well-entrenched enemy and some real harsh weather in an unforgiving terrain. This book is a wholesome record of those gallant actions that have, more or less,  faded away from public memory.


www.sabreandquill.com (Hardcover @ 10% discount)

Amazon.in. (Hardcover in India)

Kindle. (e-book)

International Paperback
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                                                 2021



The response from the contributors to the first book of the series, as mentioned above,  was so encouraging that we went ahead with the second volume. As the subtitle tells us, this volume had some more first-hand accounts from the war veterans of the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Available at

www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon.in .(Paperback India)
Kindle. (ebook)
International Paperback
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2021



This book is based on the true narration by a young Mukti Jodha. As the readers will discover, Shahzaman Mozumder had just about been old enough to be allowed into Mukti Bahini when the resistance against the atrocities by the Pak army in Bangladesh reached a shameful level. Interspersed with the notes by the co-author, this book makes a light but very interesting read. Unfortunately, Shahzaman didn't live long enough to see the book in print.

Available at

www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon.in (Paperback in India)
Kindle. (ebook)
International Paperback
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This is, as the title indicates, is the third book in the series of Remembered Glory. Unlike the first two volumes, this volume carries detailed battlefield accounts. In other words, instead of stories as recorded in the first two volumes, this volume goes into details of operational and battlefield plans and the execution of the same.

Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon. (Paperback in India)
Amazon Kindle
International Paperback
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Our Special Forces are among the best in the world. While today, we have a number of such specialised units, it was not so during the 1970s. As a result, the two para SF units (9 and 10 SF) took part in the 1971 war. In addition, another force, the Special Frontier Force (SFF), too, played a stellar role in that war. This volume, the fourth in the series, records their valour that has never been told before.

Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon. (Paperback in India)
Amazon Kindle
International Paperback
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Operation Datta Khel, much like Operation Gulmarg that was unleashed by the British through the newly-created state of Pakistan to annex territories in Jammu as well as the Kashmir region, was also the brainchild of the British who looked at Pamirs with a certain amount of apprehension. However, unlike Operation Gulmarg, Operation Datta Khel was planned and executed directly by the British without involving any Pakistani. While the British and Western authors have tried to keep Britain clear of two operations, pointing out other issues involved in the dispute that lingers on even today, Operation Datta Khel was an act that no one sitting in London could ever deny. A couple of awards that followed each other with an almost four-and-a-half-decade long gap between the two further cements the contention that it was nothing but a British ploy to annex Gilgit-Baltistan, by force. Pakistanis, too, stepped in once the territory in the high Himalayas was presented to them by their Masters. What followed then was a long slog that J&K State forces and the Indian Army undertook to push the invaders as far back as was allowed, again by the British! 

Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Hardcover @ 10% discount)
Amazon (Hardcover in India)
Amazon Kindle
International Paperback
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From “Kashmir is J&K” to “Maqbool Sherwani saved Kashmir,” “Dogras committed atrocities on Kashmiris,” “The Instrument of Accession was never signed” to “Kashmiris are different and deserve a special treatment,” a number of narrativesboth false and make-believehave been occupying the centre-stage of political and academic discourses about J&K for many decades. This work intends to take a deliberate look at some of the narratives that are related to the most vital period of our history and continue to influence the hearts and minds of people of J&K as also many an observer watching from far even today. This book may help those who have been swallowed by certain narratives floating around in our premier educational institutes across the country to find the proverbial straw that can help them come out of the abyss. It is hoped that the readers who make an effort to go through the book will have reasons to change their minds about the issues contained herein; the change, if at all, however, is expected to be purely on the merit of the argument being presented in this book.

Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon (Paperback in India)
Kindle (ebook)

Hindi translation of this book is available at Prabhat Prakashan:
Available at Parbhat Books...HERE

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The Princely State of J&K was the largest among its 564 siblings. It had contributed immensely to the war efforts of the British and its army had won laurels in many battlefields across the globe. The British, transfixed by the dynamics of the Great Game, wanted the State to go to Pakistan. When that didn't happen, and Maharaja Hari Singh appeared to be standing firm, they evolved a plan. That plan had two sub-plansOperation Gulmarg and Operation Datta Khel to annexe parts of J&K.

The British, however, knew that with the kind of soldiers that made the Dogra Army of the State, execution of plots would not be easy. It was then that they decided to play a game of deceit, treachery and betrayal. And while they almost succeeded in achieving that, their worst fears came true when the Dogra Army stood in their path that led to the seat of power at Srinagar. The British then used their influence to stir the situation in favour of Pakistan, but their dream of handing over Kashmir to Pakistan remained unfulfilled and forever!

Largely based on first-hand accounts, this story has never been told before.

Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon (Paperback in India)
Amazon Kindle
International Paperback
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2022


The use of religion to achieve political ambitions is nothing new; religion, as a tool, has been used for centuries and all across the globe. We may call them extremists or fringe elements or crusaders, and the fact remains that religion-based motivation to wage war has been part of the modern history of humankind. Jihad, as per Islamic belief, is supposed to be a struggle towards self-betterment by each individual as also a holy war when the faith is in jeopardy and needs to be safeguarded. It is, by no stretch of the imagination, is an act of aggression though vested quarters have been preaching skewed interpretations of the same with underlying hidden motives of all kinds.
While it is now well-established that the highly publicised word, Kashmiriyat, is nothing but a political invention of the mid-1970s, life in Kashmir Valley has always been dictated by its majority since 14th Century. There has, however, always existed a fine ‘quantity-quality’ balance between two communities, with a small community of Kashmiri Pandits invariably holding high offices and the brute majority of Muslims dictating the social life. At a practical level, it boiled down to the inter-dependence between the two. That delicate balance, too, was tampered with when Pakistan-sponsored terrorism arrived in the Valley. Killings and rapes of minority community then saw the sixth mass exodus from the Valley over as many centuries. The fire, so cleverly ignited by the Pakistani agencies who left no stone unturned in selling the idea of Islam being in danger and Jihad as an obligation to the Kashmiri Muslims, however, soon started scorching Kashmir itself. This story is an effort to showcase what happened and how did it happen. Based on the life story of a terrorist, this book can be considered as one of the few books that give a peep into various layers of the trouble in Kashmir.
Available
www.sabreandquill.com (Paperback @ 10% discount)
Amazon (Paperback in India)
Kindle (ebook)
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“……..I only wish and pray that no Commanding Officer is ever rushed into such a hopeless situation!” 
The above statement by Brigadier AS Brar, VrC, says a lot about the circumstances under which the Battle of Mynamati was fought. His battalion had been ordered to attack a well-defended hill complex being held by an enemy brigade. The enemy also enjoyed well-coordinated artillery and armour support. The order given to his battalion was just a one-liner; no detailed briefing or appreciation by the higher commanders was shared, nor time given for a deliberate reconnaissance. Maps were obsolete and the objective lay more than 15 km away. No artillery support; tanks reached only after the attack had gone in and fierce fighting had been on for over six hours. Air support never materialised and an indifferent brigade HQ did nothing to assist the battalion. 
This mesmerising first-hand account throws up many lessons that commanders at all levels need to assimilate, absorb, and ensure that no unit is ever thrown into a battle with such handicaps. 

Available:

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Colonel Chewang Rinchen, MVC**, SM, is rightfully hailed as the Lion of Ladakh. Starting as a young soldier at the tender age of 17, he excelled as a soldier and leader of men while operating in possibly the harshest terrain and weather conditions in the country. A die-hard soldier, a great leader, a loving father, a doting husband and a social activist, Colonel Rinchen continues to inspire the following generations of the Indian warriors and Ladakhi youth alike. With two Mahavir Chakras, one Sena Medal and a Mentioned-in-Dispatches, he stands tall amongst the highest decorated soldiers of India. 

Available:


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                                              2023



The untold story of our Bravehearts from LADAKH SCOUTS
Not available for open sale.
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AMAZON LINKS

1. UNHOLY JIHAD: A True Story from Kashmir ....https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09QRQY3SV?ref=myi_title_dp

2. Valour & Betrayal: Last Man Last Round Battles of Brig Rajendra Singh, MVC.....https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09KPHSXRR?ref=myi_title_dp

3. Kashmir Narratives: Facts & Myths of Jammu & Kashmir.....https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09FQCPS63?ref=myi_title_dp

4. Kashmir Narratives (HINDI) https://www.prabhatbooks.com/kahani-jammu-kashmir-ki-hindi-translation-of-kashmir-narratives-myths-vs-realities-of-j-k.htm

5. Treachery & Gallantry: Gilgit-Skardu-Ladakh 1947-48......https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09BQQ4Q2Z?ref=myi_title_dp

6. Born for War: Memoirs of a Young Mukti Bahini Jodha (1971).....https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583444?ref=myi_title_dp

7. Fighting Across Passes: Recapture of Tithwal & Gurez 1947-48....https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583401?ref=myi_title_dp

8. A Soldier's Faith: Country Before Gods (Unusual stories of faith from the Indian Army).....https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583371?ref=myi_title_dp

9. Hold at All Costs: Siege & Relief of Poonch 1947-48.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583363?ref=myi_title_dp

10. Cutting Edge: Being a Subunit Commander in the Indian Army.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/9352688236?ref=myi_title_dp

11. Against All Odds: Naushera-Jhangar Battles 1947-48.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583347?ref=myi_title_dp

12. In the Nick of Time: Saving Kashmir Valley 1947-48......https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583355?ref=myi_title_dp

13. Ladakh Simplified: The Unofficial Handbook of the Buddhist Ladakh.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/8184658559?ref=myi_title_dp

14. And Quietly Flows the Jhelum: A 370 Degree Turn........https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583339?ref=myi_title_dp

15. Command in Line of Fire: Being a Company Commander in Rashtriya Rifles (only available through sabreandquill@gmail.com)

16. Remembered Glory: True Stories from 1971 War.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583398?ref=myi_title_dp

17. Remembered Glory Vol 2: More True Stories from 1971 War...https://www.amazon.in/dp/8187583428?ref=myi_title_dp

18. Remembered Glory Vol 3: Battlefield Accounts from 1971 War.......https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09B15929B?ref=myi_title_dp

19. Remembered Glory Vol 4: Special Forces Operations in 1971 War....https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09BQRPR2G?ref=myi_title_dp

20. Forgotten Glory: Battle of Mynamati 1971: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0B7XKYR6L?ref=myi_title_dp

21. Lion of Ladakh: Life & Times of Colonel Chhewang Rinchen https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0B4WH1NPY?ref=myi_title_dp

22. The Gallant Nunnus: A   Saga of Courage, Valour and Unparalleled  Sacrifices (only available through sabreandquill.com

9 comments:

  1. sir,
    just noticed 'first print sold out' on Ladakh simplified, Bravo.
    Once u mentioned in ur fb status about 'dirty mind n blank paper' is it warning order for third rd of gun fire?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Maggi,
    thnx!
    yep, there wd be a MRSI, if only I have time.....all in the pipeleine at the same time, leading to a jam like situation!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sir,

      Then I request you not to forget me this time:).
      As suggested by you, i tried in Leh too last month but did not get it, so please, this time do help me in laying my hands on it.

      -
      Thanks,
      Rajiv

      Delete
    2. Hi Rajiv, thnx...word given! It will reach you. Pl send me ur address once again (sorry for asking for it, again) and i will pass it on to the publisher at Leh..tc

      Delete
  3. Good to see you as a prolific Author

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good to see you as a prolific Author

    ReplyDelete