On this auspicious 79th Independence Day, India received a remarkable gift—the release of “Nation’s Calling—A Life of Chivalry and Commitment,” the compelling memoir of Brigadier B.D. Mishra. Published by HarperCollins India, this extraordinary account chronicles over six decades of distinguished service to the nation, weaving together the personal narrative of a soldier-statesman with the broader tapestry of India’s post-independence military history.
A Life Forged in Service and Sacrifice
Born on July 20, 1939, in Uttar Pradesh, Brigadier Bal Dutt Mishra embodies the very essence of military valor and civilian leadership. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer into the Madras Regiment on December 17, 1961, his military career spanned 34 years until his retirement on July 31, 1995. What sets this memoir apart is not merely the chronological recounting of events, but the profound insights it offers into the evolution of India’s defense capabilities and strategic thinking over more than half a century.
The memoir’s significance extends far beyond personal reminiscence—it serves as a living document of India’s military heritage, capturing pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s security landscape. From the battlefields of the 1962 Sino-Indian War to the complex counter-insurgency operations in India’s Northeast, Mishra’s narrative provides readers with an intimate understanding of the challenges and triumphs that defined an era.
Battlefield Chronicles: From the Himalayas to Sri Lanka
The 1962 Sino-Indian War marked a defining moment in India’s military consciousness, representing both a tactical defeat and a strategic awakening. Mishra’s firsthand account of facing Chinese aggression offers invaluable insights into the harsh realities of mountain warfare at altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet. The conflict, lasting from October to November 1962, saw China launch a massive attack across the 3,225-kilometer border, ultimately ending with a unilateral Chinese ceasefire on November 20, 1962.
His participation in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War in the Sialkot Sector and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War further demonstrates his commitment to national defense during India’s most challenging conflicts. The 1971 war, lasting just 13 days from December 3-16, resulted in one of the most decisive military victories in modern history, with over 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendering and the birth of Bangladesh. Mishra’s role in this historic campaign adds personal dimension to one of India’s greatest military triumphs.
Perhaps most significantly, the memoir details Mishra’s leadership role as Brigade Commander of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from 1987-1988. This controversial deployment, initially intended as a peacekeeping mission, evolved into intense combat operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The IPKF’s experience in Sri Lanka represented India’s first major post-independence military intervention, involving approximately 75,000-100,000 troops and resulting in over 1,200 Indian casualties. Mishra’s account of these operations provides crucial insights into the complexities of modern peacekeeping and counter-insurgency warfare.
The Amritsar Moment: Defining Leadership Under Pressure
One of the memoir’s most compelling chapters focuses on the April 24, 1993 anti-hijacking operation at Amritsar. As Commander of the NSG’s Counter Hijack Task Force, Mishra led the successful rescue of Indian Airlines Flight IC-427, which had been hijacked by Mohammed Yunus Shah with 141 passengers and crew aboard. The operation, codenamed “Operation Ashwamedh,” demonstrated the precision and professionalism that would become hallmarks of India’s elite counter-terrorism forces.
The hijacker had demanded the flight be diverted to Kabul, but after being denied entry into Pakistani airspace, the aircraft was forced to land at Amritsar. Following failed negotiations throughout the day and night, Mishra ordered the NSG commandos to storm the aircraft at 1:05 AM on April 25. The operation concluded within five minutes, with all hostages rescued unharmed and the hijacker neutralized. This surgical operation received Prime Minister’s appreciation and established a benchmark for counter-hijacking operations.
This dramatic episode highlights a crucial aspect of Mishra’s career—his ability to make critical decisions under extreme pressure while maintaining absolute regard for civilian safety. The success of this operation contributed significantly to India’s developing counter-terrorism capabilities and demonstrated the effectiveness of specialized forces in hostage rescue scenarios.
Academic Excellence and Teaching Legacy
Beyond his operational achievements, Mishra distinguished himself as a military educator and scholar. Holding degrees from multiple prestigious institutions—an MA from Allahabad University, M.Sc from Madras University, PhD from Jiwaji University, Gwalior, and LL.B from Delhi University—he brought intellectual rigor to his military service. His five years of teaching experience at the College of Combat, Mhow, and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, influenced generations of military officers.
This academic foundation adds substantial weight to his memoir, elevating it from mere personal narrative to scholarly analysis of military strategy and leadership principles. His educational background enables him to contextualize tactical decisions within broader strategic frameworks, offering readers both immediate drama and long-term perspective.
Constitutional Custodian: Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Following his military retirement, Mishra’s commitment to public service continued through constitutional roles that demonstrated his versatility as a leader. Serving as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh from October 3, 2017, to February 15, 2023, he navigated complex political and administrative challenges in one of India’s most strategically sensitive states. His subsequent appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on February 16, 2023, placed him at the forefront of India’s border management with both China and Pakistan.
These civilian appointments reflect the Indian establishment’s confidence in Mishra’s judgment and leadership capabilities. His governance of border states during periods of heightened Indo-China tensions demonstrates the continuing relevance of his military experience to contemporary national security challenges.
Literary Craftsmanship and Historical Documentation
“Nation’s Calling” distinguishes itself within the military memoir genre through its sophisticated narrative structure and literary quality. Unlike many military autobiographies that focus primarily on tactical descriptions, Mishra’s memoir weaves personal anecdotes with broader historical analysis, creating a work that serves multiple audiences—from military professionals seeking operational insights to general readers interested in India’s post-independence history.
The memoir’s 288 pages represent a carefully curated selection of experiences that illuminate both individual character and institutional evolution. HarperCollins India’s decision to publish this work reflects the growing market for military memoirs and historical narratives, particularly those that combine personal authenticity with national significance.
Publisher Sachin Sharma’s assessment that the memoir is “unputdownable from the word go” suggests that Mishra has successfully balanced historical gravitas with engaging storytelling. This accessibility is crucial for reaching younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the conflicts and challenges that shaped modern India’s security architecture.
Contemporary Relevance and Strategic Insights
The timing of this memoir’s release on Independence Day 2025 carries particular significance given current geopolitical tensions along India’s borders. Mishra’s experiences along the Line of Actual Control with China and his involvement in counter-insurgency operations provide valuable context for understanding contemporary security challenges. His insights into military decision-making processes and civil-military relations offer important lessons for current defense planners and policymakers.
The memoir’s exploration of peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka remains especially relevant as India continues to play an important role in regional security architecture. The IPKF experience, despite its controversies, provided crucial lessons about the complexities of intervention and the importance of clear political objectives in military operations.
Legacy of Leadership and Service
Brigadier Mishra’s memoir ultimately serves as a testament to the values that have sustained India’s armed forces through seven decades of independence—courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to constitutional principles. His journey from a young Infantry Officer in 1961 to Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh in 2023 illustrates the breadth of opportunities available to those who serve with distinction and integrity.
The memoir’s emphasis on “chivalry and commitment” reflects enduring military values that transcend tactical considerations. These principles—respect for civilian authority, protection of non-combatants, and service before self—remain as relevant today as they were during the conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s.
Inspiring Future Generations
Perhaps most importantly, “Nation’s Calling” serves as an inspiration for young Indians contemplating careers in public service. Mishra’s diverse experiences—from frontline combat to academic instruction, from counter-terrorism operations to constitutional governance—demonstrate the multifaceted nature of service to the nation. His memoir shows that military service can be a foundation for lifelong contribution to society, whether in uniform or in civilian roles.
The book’s launch on Independence Day reinforces its fundamental message: that serving the country is not merely a profession but a calling that extends throughout one’s lifetime. This perspective is particularly valuable as India faces complex 21st-century security challenges that require leaders capable of adapting military expertise to civilian contexts.
A Lasting Contribution to Military Literature
“Nation’s Calling—A Life of Chivalry and Commitment” stands as a significant addition to India’s military literature, offering both historical documentation and personal inspiration. Through Brigadier Mishra’s experiences, readers gain insight into the evolution of India’s defense capabilities, the challenges of military leadership, and the enduring importance of service to the nation. This memoir will undoubtedly serve future generations as both historical record and moral compass, reminding them that true leadership emerges not from rank or position, but from an unwavering commitment to principles larger than oneself.
Available in both hardcover and eBook formats across leading bookstores and online platforms, this memoir deserves a place on the shelf of anyone interested in India’s military history, leadership principles, or the continuing evolution of the nation’s strategic culture. It stands as a fitting tribute to all those who have served—and continue to serve—in defense of India’s sovereignty and democratic values.
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