In a heartfelt revelation of military life beyond the battlefield, retired Colonel Avnish Sharma launched his debut book "Boots, Bonds and Belly Laughs" at the Military Literature Festival 2025 on Friday. The collection transforms ordinary moments from army life into warm, humorous narratives that showcase the human side of soldiers.
The Man Behind the Uniform
At the book launch ceremony attended by UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Colonel Sharma explained his motivation behind writing the book. "Soldiers are often perceived as stoic, men with a stiff upper lip," the retired colonel shared. "But behind that tough exterior resides a simple soul with an uncanny funny bone. I wanted my non-fauji brothers and sisters to see this lighter, more human side of a soldier."
The book represents a significant two-year effort by Colonel Sharma, compiling his previously published columns into a cohesive narrative that explores the camaraderie, daily routines, pressures and emotional undercurrents that define a soldier's journey.
Decoding the Title's Significance
Colonel Sharma provided insightful explanations for each component of his book's distinctive title. "Boots signify the soldier in service of the nation," he elaborated. "Bonds represent the brotherhood and bonhomie that bind us within the forces and with our brethren in the civilian world. Belly Laughs are those moments of joy and emotional fulfilment that keep us human amidst the rigours of military life."
Drawing from his extensive 27 years of military service, the retired colonel emphasized that all anecdotes in the book stem from real experiences. "All stories are facts, though they've been crafted into a readable format without compromising authenticity," he assured readers.
A Soldier's Journey Through Laughter
The book chronicles Colonel Sharma's personal evolution within the military, tracing his path from joining as a 19-year-old cadet to retiring at 47 years old. According to the author, each phase of military life brought equal measures of pride, humour and reflection.
"Every incident I've written about reflects the beauty and pleasure of serving in uniform," Colonel Sharma expressed. "The bonds shared with troops, colleagues and superiors stay with you long after the uniform is folded."
The collection revisits friendships forged during rigorous training periods, the quiet trust developed within military units, and the shared humour that sustains soldiers stationed far from their families and homes.
Through "Boots, Bonds and Belly Laughs", Colonel Sharma hopes to bridge the understanding between military personnel and civilian readers. His ultimate goal is to help people see the complete individual behind the military rank - someone who laughs, loves and lives like anyone else, albeit with enhanced discipline and remarkable courage shaped by their unique experiences.
The book launch at the Military Literature Festival 2025 marks a significant contribution to military literature in India, offering readers unprecedented access to the emotional landscape of soldiers' lives beyond their professional duties.
