Penguin Random House India announces the acquisition of a memoir, titled Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye: My Life Story, of the distinguished Army veteran, Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM (Retd). He served extensively in Kashmir and North East and has the distinction of commanding the elite 15 Corps. His last assignment before superannuation on 31 January 2022 was Director-General Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) under the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat till his unfortunate demise on 08 December 2021. The book is scheduled for an early 2023 publication under Penguin’s Vintage imprint.
With a host of captivating anecdotes and escapades, the book is poised to capture the readers’ attention with fascinating tales and the toughest challenges he has encountered in his career, including those from his multiple tenures in Jammu and Kashmir since 1988 to Chinar Corps Commander during the most challenging environment of Pulwama IED blast, Balakote strikes and Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A in J&K by the Union Government in August 2019 allows him to provide key insights into the intense socio-politico and law and order situation prevailing in Kashmir during this period.
Apart from a rendition of the tough role of an army man devoted to his nation and his occupation, the book will take us behind the scenes to bring out the nuances of various intriguing developments at a critical juncture in the history of the erstwhile State of J&K, and their impact on the scenario playing out at the national level. With a promise to transport readers right into the middle of army action, seen through the eyes of a gallant fighter and an inspiring leader, this book will beguile scores of readers through its twin focus on patriotism and commitment to one’s duty.
Lt General Dhillon (Retd) says, ‘Kite Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye’ is a first-hand narration of my life journey from a young boy to the Commander of Chinar Corps with Kashmir being an inseparable part of this story including the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, terrorism, Pulwama blast, Balakote and abrogation of Article 370. I am extremely excited to be associated with Penguin, the most prestigious publishing house in India and globally. I sincerely hope that the book will inspire youngsters and demystify many myths and half-truths about Kashmir.’
Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher, Ebury Publishing and Vintage said, ‘Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon’s (Retd) life stories—full of challenges—should interest a wide spectrum of readers. Anecdotal, candid, and evocative, this inspirational memoir will open a window to the true stories from this army veteran’s life. From the barbarous attack on the convoy of Indian security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing 40 CRPF staff to the abrogation of Article 370 and its impact on the socio-political and law and order, among others, will form an integral part of the narrative in the book. We are glad to have Lieutenant General Dhillon (Retd) onboard.’
Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Ebury Publishing and Vintage said, ‘Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon’s (Retd) has had an extraordinary career and continues to motivate people. I am proud and delighted to be publishing his memoirs which I hope will not only give an insight into the trials and tribulations faced by him but will also inspire the youth of India.’