Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of POW 1971 - A Soldier's Account of The Heroic Battle of Daruchhian by Major General Vijay Singh

We often hear stories of victory—the medals, the triumphs, the goosebump-inducing wins. But what about the stories where things didn’t go as planned? Where courage still roared, even if the outcome wasn’t in our favor? That’s what makes POW 1971 such a standout. Major General Vijay Singh doesn’t just tell a story—he opens a wound the country forgot existed and lets it breathe.

The author, a seasoned Army veteran, tells the story of his own father, Brigadier Hamir Singh, with honesty and restraint. This isn’t a grandstanding war memoir. It’s deeply personal, yet remarkably professional. And perhaps that’s the magic—when someone writes not just as a son, but as a soldier who understands what it means to wear the olive green and lead men into battle.

Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the book dives deep into the lesser-known Battle of Daruchhian—a battle that, unlike others, didn’t end in a flag-hoisting victory. Instead, it ended with blood, bravery, and the capture of Indian soldiers—including Hamir Singh himself.

But don’t expect a tale of gloom. This is a story of grit. Of a soldier who led his men till the very end, got severely injured, became a POW in Pakistan, and still never let his spirit waver. It's also the story of Laxmi, his wife, who held the fort at home, shielding her sons from fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

If I had to sum up the writing style in one word: authentic. Major General Vijay Singh doesn’t dramatize the events. Instead, he presents them with a quiet power that actually hits harder. His language is simple yet effective—there’s a cinematic flair in his use of flashbacks, but it never feels like he’s trying to be clever. It just feels right.

He doesn’t try to impress with jargon, though there are terms like SPUR explained early on for clarity. It’s clear he wants everyone—from seasoned officers to curious civilians—to understand this story. And that’s rare.

Hamir Singh isn’t written like a superhero—and that’s exactly why he stands out. He’s brave, yes. But also deeply human. You feel his pain, his silence, his resilience. And Laxmi? She’s the kind of unsung hero we don’t talk about enough. Her quiet strength is humbling.

The book also explores larger ideas—like secularism within the Army, professional respect between enemies, and how personal dignity doesn’t die, even in a POW camp. These aren’t spoon-fed. They’re layered in, waiting to be uncovered.

The narrative jumps between past and present, but it’s never jarring. In fact, the flashbacks enhance the story. The operational details and battle maps ground the reader, while the emotional undercurrent keeps you hooked. The pacing is deliberate—letting each moment breathe—just like how soldiers measure time differently during war.

Courage. Loss. Patriotism without chest-thumping. And above all—dignity in defeat. These are not easy themes to handle, especially when dealing with something as personal as your father’s trauma. Yet Vijay Singh manages to maintain balance.

There’s also a silent but powerful commentary on leadership—how sometimes decisions are taken far away from the front lines, and it’s the boots on the ground who pay the price.

This book made me pause—often. I found myself thinking about my own family, wondering how I would cope if someone I loved disappeared into war and returned a changed person. The final chapters, especially when you realize Hamir’s sons also serve in the Army, are a punch in the gut and a salute at the same time.

You don’t just read POW 1971—you feel it.

POW 1971: A Soldier’s Account of The Heroic Battle of Daruchhian stands out for its authenticity—raw, real, and unsentimental. It carries a deeply human touch, especially in portraying Laxmi’s strength and quiet resilience. The narrative strikes a fine balance—steering clear of jingoism or hate, offering instead a dignified respect for humanity, even across enemy lines. Educational yet accessible, it’s a powerful read even for those unfamiliar with military life or tactics.

If I had to nitpick, some readers might find the operational details a bit dense initially—but that’s more about reader preference than a flaw. And honestly, even those parts help you visualize what really went down.

As someone who’s always had deep respect for our Armed Forces, this book struck a chord. But more than that, it reminded me that wars aren’t just about borders—they’re about people. My father, who was with the Indian Air Force, was involved in this very war, which makes POW 1971 feel even more personal. Hamir’s story deserves to be known. And Vijay Singh has done justice to it—not with loud words, but with quiet courage.

POW 1971 is not just a war story—it’s a human story. It breaks the stereotype that only victories are worth telling. And it does so with grace, honesty, and a sense of duty that mirrors the very values of the Indian Army.

This book deserves to be read, remembered, and respected. I’d recommend it to anyone—whether you’re into military history, emotional memoirs, or just powerful storytelling.

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