A Glimpse into the Mind of a Military Veteran: “General’s Jottings” Book Reading Event at RSAOI

Bengaluru: The Rajendra Sinhji Officers Institute (RSAOI) in Bangalore is set to host a distinguished event on the evening of Friday, November 8th, 2024, with the book launch and reading of General’s Jottings, the first literary work of former Army Commander, Lt Gen KJ Singh. The event, scheduled for 6 PM at the Moksha Auditorium on MG Road, will offer attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the author and gain insights into his fascinating career that spans five decades of service in the Indian Army, including his post-retirement reflections on national security and geopolitics.

General’s Jottings is a curated collection of the author’s columns over the past seven years, offering a highly accessible primer on complex subjects such as the India-China border standoff, insurgencies in Jammu & Kashmir, the ongoing proxy war, and strategic issues in South Asia. Lt Gen KJ Singh’s expertise is evident as he delves into not just military tactics, but also complementary fields like geo-economics, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The book is not only a political and military analysis but also a personal narrative of a soldier who has lived through the strategic shifts in South Asia and beyond. Lt Gen Singh’s career has been diverse, ranging from his service in some of the most challenging frontlines of the Indian Army, including his time as a peacekeeper with the United Nations in Angola, to his later academic pursuits and role as an advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab.

In addition to its insightful commentary, the book is rich with visual aids, including maps, graphs, and tables that enhance the understanding of the complex issues discussed. One of the standout features of General’s Jottings is a section devoted to the Pakistani military elite, dubbed “Khaki Generals”, where the author details the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of Pakistan’s top brass, offering a glimpse into their worldview and decision-making processes.

Having retired in 2013 after a distinguished career in the military, Lt Gen KJ Singh has continued to contribute to public discourse, writing over 300 articles and columns in national and international media. His thoughts on national security are invaluable, particularly for readers interested in the broader geopolitics of South Asia. Now, as a Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair Professor at Panjab University, and with a recently completed PhD, the general’s contributions to academia, policy-making, and national security continue to hold great relevance.

For those who attend the event, signed copies of the book will be available, offering a unique keepsake from a decorated soldier whose words continue to shape conversations around security and policy. The book is already available at leading bookstores and on Amazon, but the launch event provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the author and delve deeper into his thoughts.

The RSAOI event promises to be an enriching experience for anyone interested in Indian military history, national security, and the geopolitics of South Asia. Attendance can be coordinated with the RSAOI reception at the given numbers for those interested in joining what is sure to be a stimulating and engaging evening.

In an era where veterans like Lt Gen KJ Singh remain actively involved in public discourse, General’s Jottings is a valuable contribution to understanding the strategic challenges facing India today, and this book reading event is an unmissable occasion for those in Bangalore with an interest in military affairs and international relations.