Probal Dasgupta, a former Indian Army officer, has penned a compelling narrative that delves into the highs and lows of General Krishnaswamy Sundarji's tenure as the Chief of Army Staff. The book, titled 'Brasstacks Highs to OP Pawan Lows: The Sundarji Story', offers an insider's perspective on one of the most controversial and transformative periods in the history of the Indian Army.
The Brasstacks Exercise
The Brasstacks exercise, conducted in 1986-87, was one of the largest military exercises in India's history, involving over 400,000 troops. General Sundarji, who was the Army Chief at the time, conceived this exercise to test the army's readiness for a conventional war. Dasgupta's book provides a detailed account of the planning and execution of Brasstacks, highlighting its strategic significance and the tensions it generated with Pakistan.
Operation Pawan
In stark contrast, Operation Pawan, the Indian Peace Keeping Force's mission in Sri Lanka, turned into a quagmire. The book examines the challenges faced by the Indian Army in Sri Lanka, including the difficult terrain, the elusive LTTE, and the political constraints. Dasgupta does not shy away from criticizing the shortcomings and the lack of clear objectives that plagued the operation.
General Sundarji's Legacy
Dasgupta portrays Sundarji as a visionary but also as a controversial figure. He credits Sundarji with modernizing the Indian Army and introducing new doctrines, but also points out his flaws, such as his tendency to micromanage and his overconfidence. The book offers a balanced view, acknowledging Sundarji's contributions while also holding him accountable for the failures.
Overall, 'Brasstacks Highs to OP Pawan Lows' is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the inner workings of the Indian Army. It provides a rare glimpse into the decision-making processes at the highest levels and the human stories behind the headlines.
