"The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
Since childhood, whenever someone told me about warriors and heroes, my mind conjured images of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Bhagat Singh, Veer Savarkar, and many more Indians who fought against invaders, Mughals, Britishers, and every enemy of India. But you know, some heroes fought against Pakistanis and Chinese for the sake of our independent nation, giving rise to the names of new generation heroes.
I have already reviewed some books about our Indian soldiers, including "Battle of Barki" and "Balidan," but this one is quite different. It reminds me of the bond between a mother and son, much like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his mother, Jijabai. In this review, I will highlight why the book "Tiger of Drass" is special.
Many soldiers became martyrs in the Battle of Kargil, but Captain Anuj Nayyar MVC's story tells us how someone can build history with their courage, the courage of being part of a soldier's family. The most important aspect is that while many authors are writing about Indian army soldiers, only a soldier's family truly understands the inner strength and motivation behind fighting the battle. I am glad that this book was written by none other than Shaheed Capt. Anuj Nayyar's mother, along with Himmat Singh Shekhawat.
While reading this book, I learned that Madam Meena Nayyar hid all memories related to Capt. Anuj Nayyar until 2014, keeping herself away from his memories. However, this book became the reason she reopened all his documents, mark sheets, and other belongings.
It's hard even to imagine the mental situation of a mother who lost her child for the nation. Still, it's important to convey his story to the next generation so that everyone can understand what true patriotism is. In an era dominated by Instagram, Facebook, and reels, where the majority of youth are preoccupied with trivial matters, they need to know about heroes like Capt. Anuj Nayyar, who sacrificed his life at the age of only 23. Special thanks to Himmat Singh Shekhawat, the founder of Rashtriya Riders, who made it his life's mission to help the families of fallen soldiers and share their stories with the world.
Analysis of "Tiger of Drass"
The book "Tiger of Drass" tells the story of Shaheed Captain Anuj Nayyar MVC, a soldier of the 17th Jat Regiment who sacrificed his life in the Battle of Kargil (1999). He was posthumously awarded the Mahaveer Chakra by President KR Narayan for his ultimate courage and sacrifice.
This 176-page book can be divided into three parts. The first 126 pages tell us the story of Capt. Anuj Nayyar, from birth to sacrifice, highlights major events in his journey to becoming a soldier, including his school days at Army Public School, his entrance exam for NDA, his passing out parade, his love life, and his friends. The next part collects testimonials from his friends and comrades who worked closely with him in the Indian Army or during his academy days, giving insights into his behavior outside the battlefield. The third portion includes short details of the soldiers of the 17 Jat Regiment, most of whom also sacrificed their lives in Kargil.
Three Lessons from Tiger of Drass
Use your strength wisely
On page 35, Capt. Anuj Nayyar tells his mother while motivating his younger brother who developed a fear of vehicles due to a few injuries,
"Mani, an elephant also holds tremendous strength, but the jungle bows to the tiger who uses his strength wisely."
Dharma is always with soldiers
On pages 108 and 116, I learned that ten days after Capt. Anuj Nayyar's last rites, his ashes were immersed in the Ganga at Haridwar, and the priest refused to accept money for the rites, citing the Bhagavad Gita and stating that,
souls like Anuj's reach heaven without a pandit.
Additionally, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib offered Maha Vir Shaheed Captain Anuj Nayyar a sword in honor of his sacrifice and held a prayer meeting for him.
A small motivation is enough to make history
When Professor Nayyar (father of Capt. Anuj Nayyar) took a close look at the honors board of martyrs in Indian wars, he noticed the absence of the Nayyar name. He asked his son, "Anuj, is there not a single Nayyar on this list?" Anuj gave him a knowing smile in reply, seeming determined to be the first Nayyar on that board. And now he is.
The audience I would recommend this book to
Let's conclude with the beginning phrase, "The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
This book needs to be read by our youth because we must pass on these superhero stories to the next generation. If you ever dream of joining the Indian Army, this book is for you. If you ever thought that an Army job is just a source of employment, then you must read this book. Even if you don’t know about the Indian Army, this book can explain everything. And in the end, you will realize that freedom is not free; our soldiers are paying the price for it every day.
Jai Hind!
Anuj Nayyar Amar Rahe!
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