Skeletons from 1962 war are still lying in the Namka Chu valley: Brig Dalvi’s son Michael speaks up
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ค. 2020
- #1962War
Brigadier John Parashram Dalvi, the highest ranking Indian army officer to have been taken prisoner of war, in his case by the Chinese after the short border conflict with India in 1962, returned to tell the tale after seven months of being held hostage with a group of other officers in Lhasa, Tibet. The book, 'Himalayan Blunder', strips bare the deliberate misinformation that Army officers as well as the entire country was fed about the Army's preparedness to fight the Chinese ("the soldiers wore gym shoes in the mountain heights) and the subsequent humiliation they were subject to when Chinese troops overran posts deep in the Ladakh sector as well as in Arunachal Pradesh, then known as North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). As Indian and Chinese troops confront each other in the Western Sector once again, 'Himalayan Blunder' by Brigadier J P Dalvi is a searing account of what went wrong in 1962 as well as an essential moral for the future.
"The Indian soldier will die for the izzat of his paltan, which he believes is the izzat of his country," says Michael Dalvi, 75, a former cricketer and gentleman-at-large who lives in Dehradun, surrounded by memories of his father's 1962 war, a restaurant-bar called 'Brigadier's", and the incredible courage of the Indian Army's jawans. He spoke to ThePrint's National Affairs editor Jyoti Malhotra over video link.
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Michael Dalvi, like his father, is an icon to all who have known him. Full power. God Bless him, and keep him safe. Jai-Hind.
This was an emotional journey to those difficult times. I was Michael’s college contemporary - junior to him. Thru my own older brothers in the army, I knew some - not all, of the facts surrounding Brig Dalvi’s heroic tale of survival. Being US based for many years, have continued to keep in touch with the army’s strong binding traditions. Agree, all files should be declassified, an inquiry conducted, and accountability placed where it belongs.
Heart wrenching story. My salute to the fallen soldiers and officers in that war of 1962. Feeling tears in my eyes.
Brilliant video.
I came across this book when I was in class VIII, way back in 1993. It took me weeks to read it, in the end I understood that Nehru, Gen Kaul and V K Krishna Menon were the cause of the shameful defeat.
Tears welled in my eyes as Dalvi Jr was narrating the events. I read his father's book almost 35 years back and all the sad happenings flashed through my mind. As mark of respect to Brig.Dalvi & his men of all ranks, (He has dedicated his book to all the ranks of the army) I think we should buy & read his book along with the related ones, as Dalvi Jr has said.
This is quite informative interview, there are lot of moving pieces. We're a family who've lost our grandfather Lt. Subhash Chander Chanan who's commanding company B of the 2 Rajput Regiment. Col. Rikh who's mentioned by Michael who was later Gen. Rikh was from the 2 Rajputs too. It's appalling how our soldiers were treated, paid the ultimate sacrifice and what breaks the families most is no last rites were performed (lot of them don't know what happened to their loved ones). Will there ever be programme to bring last human preserves of Indian soldiers from Namka Chu
I played cricket with Michael Dalvi in Hyderabad, in the late 70 ‘s never connected him with his father . One of the best interviews in print 🙏
As I am listening to this interview, my blood is boiling with rage at the people in power and at the same time my heart is crying out in pain for the soldiers fighting the unfair war. The Henderson Brooks report must be made public and I would request The Print to put pressure on the government to make it public.
He was talking his heart out. no requirement of unnecessary cut in between the interview
Brig Dalvi's book is a wonderful read. It's compulsory read for one and all to understand how Chacha Nehru goofed up managing the country & ditched his Army.
@Vidya Sagar Rao How to differentiate between the two?
@Vidya Sagar Rao Yes. That might be true but is there any glaring difference between the 2 editions? Title, cover page, text format, index, colour scheme etc
Without arms and backup the army was ordered to attack China, many commanders fled. Hindi-Chini bhai bhai was Nehru's policy, but Congress henchmen changed his mind, just like changing Gandhi's 'united India' was divided before 1947, proving what an worthless leader they were.
@P Maitra That's the absolute truth.
Vidya Sagar Rao Where can one get that copy of the book?
Great video. Himalayan Blunders is one of the finest books I have ever read. The clarity in writing the events and discipline in sticking to the objectives behind writing is there to see. Apart from the history of the battle, the book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand what is strategic, operational and tactical and what are the implications of taking these decisions at wrong levels. An amazing book indeed by one of the finest commanders! Total respect.
My grandfather tells how so many soldiers perished in the 1962 conflict- bloodiest conflict post independence. Jawans and officers just disappeared and never came back not even their bodies. Indian government has hidden a lot of information regarding the war and deaths of Indian soldiers and officers.
Thank you Michael Dalvi for sharing your father's story. May his soul rest in peace. I wasn't even born when the war happened but thanks to Bravehearts like him we live in the country that we do.
Jai Hind
Excellent tribute of a Son to his brave Father, . I had read his book as a boy. Thank you for sharing. Love Nathan Sekhar Sydney, Australia.
having served in that area in 82-85....i can only imagine how bravely our troops under brig dalvi fought in 1962 .....the guilty men of 1962 has been in the HBB report so no wonder it still lies under the carpet.....yet to see the daylights....late maj pant''s wife visited the area with her son (An AMC officer) sometime in 83.....
Dalvi sir, this is so tragic .... thank you for not not letting us forget!
The Himalayan Blunder by Brig. John Dalvi is spine chilling. Our soldiers fought till last breath with less to no resources. Every Indian must go through the book.
I am retired Lt Col Kanaujia, ex 4 Dogra, which along with 4 SIKHS ,were literally mauled/ massacred, as part of LOHIT BRIGADE in Walong SECTOR. Unfortunately my half of the Bn , was wiped out, with 108 killed , as many casualties and 30 of them , including Coy cdr taken as PW....(otherwise declared Killed).He was my first Commanding Officer in Mar 68, when I joined the Bn, in NEFA...SIANG SECTOR OF 5 MTN BDE...in West, Adjacent to the 1962 War Bde , were my 2 Coys , were ANNIHILATED DUE TO LACK OF AMN OR ANY BACKING SUPPORT BY 11 MTN BDE....THEN BEING COMMANDED BY BRIG ROWLEY WITH MAJ HANDOO ( later Unfortunately
rose to Army Cdr, levels). Both ROWLEY and Handoo(apologies for not addressing by the Ranks they got by fake projections and following false /concocted /fabricated images of NEHRU- MENON& KAUL).
Now, one Brig( Retd) KULDIP BRAR, IS WRITING AFAKE BOOK , BY GLORIFYING THOSE EPISODES OF 1962.WHERE AS , HE WAS INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (IO) OF 4 DOGRA, then.He guided the troops, wrongly in to the Trap of Chinese, where they were MASSACRED, WITHOUT ANY AMMUNITION/ ADMIN SUPPORT. KULDIP BRAR, INSTEAD OF HELPING THE TROOPS BY SENDING AMMUNITION ETC AND ASKING FOR REINFORCEMENT, WENT INTO HIDING, RAN AWAY LIKE A COWARD , AND CREATED A ROSY & HEROIC STORIES, AS DICTATED BY ROWLEY AND HANDOO.....BASED ON DIRECTION OF KAUL.. MENON & NEHRU ,TO COVER UP THE ISSUES. ALL THOSE , WHO REVEALED THE TRUTH WERE COURT MARTIALLED/ POSTED OUT....RELINQUISHED OF THEIR POSITIONS. THESE ARE THE FACTS REVEALED BY MY SOLDIERS , WHO SERVED LATER FOR ABOT 10 TO 20 YEARS , AFTER 1962 DEBACLE.
NOW , ARUNACHAL PRADESH GOVT & EASTERN COMMAND ARMY CDR WITH 11 BDE ARE GLORIFYING THE TOTAL FAKELY PROJECTED EPISODES. WHAT A PITY....GLORIFYING BY INSTALLATION OF STATUES, ON THE MASSACRED BODIES / GRAVE YARDS OF THOSE DARING MARTYRED HELPLESS SOLDIERS. ...🌷💐🌹⚘️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Amazing story - just in time - thank you so much . Will be grateful if You could forward PDF
@P Maitra Also, if at all possible the book should be purchased or at least there should be a possibility of making a nominal donation towards the download. Why freeload off a war hero.
Been reading this eye opener book since 15-16 days, & I m quite astonished & shocked. I mean, how can a government or our political masters can do such plethora of blunders, I mean how?
If u read this book, you will start thinking that, even I could take better decisions if I would hv at that position without any war or military experience.
& Despite making such blunders, then government remained in the power. No one sacked the government. How can a country so kind to these criminals (yes they were criminals).
I request to everyone, plz read this book & also recommend others bcz this bitter truth should be known to every indian.
Thanks jyoti maim for interviewing the son of that brave soul.
As a teenager in 80s, we heard of this book as the alternative and real narrative of then Gov't propaganda whose attitude was to sweep it aside & glorify nehru & his team of grandstanding bunch. Sadly this book is still hard to find in whole northeastern India where it happened. I searched all the bookshops of New Delhi and found only two copies. There's no demand for it, that's the sad state of affairs towards the real history in today's India.
Can you share the pdf copy of the book ?. I do have a Kannada translation but what to read the original
I absolutely loved this interview. Now to find the book!
Such a touching story. A true story. It makes your blood boil.Jawaharlal Nehru, Krishna Menon,Brij Mohan Kaul- they are the arch villains of India's loss and the death and suffering at the hands of the Chinese Army. Because of their stupidity and arrogance.A brave man giving his life, dedication and reputation defending an impossible position.Impossible because of the three people I mentioned; and their hangers-on.And gets shunned in the process.Salutations and great respect to this hero.
Jyoti, you have cut down lot of passages from this wonderful discussion. I think you must republish the uncut and uncensored version. Hope Shekhar understands my request.
How did you guess...
@ThePrint If this is true, Shehar Gupta should immediately look into this disturbing behavior of Jyoti before she does any further significant damage to the flawless VIEW the audience has on The Print.
Dear Jyoti Madam, may I request you to forward me the pdf version of Himalayan Blunder. My e-mail id is "das.akhil8@gmail.com" and WhatsApp no. 9831325471
I would like to have a e- copy of "The Himalayan Blunder", prameshiyer24hours@gmail.com
Pls share the pdf of the book - robobabulal@gmail.com
Send me a copy of this book. I remember Michael Dalvi the cricketer. He was a prolific run scorer. I was a student at IIT Delhi in 1964
Great times with good friends. The 1962 war was disheartening to day the least
1961 was the liberation of Goa . Krishna Menon ordered the attack. He informed Pandit Nehru. When the war was underway. The commander was General Candeth a malyali like VK. You can imagine the disconnect at the highest level. On the China war we would have done better if Thimayya was incharge instead of Kaul. He knew our eeakness and would have done his utmost to minimise the casualty rate. Will wait for the book.
Vow Michael Dalvi!
He was my childhood cricket idol when he was playing for Tamilnadu in early 70s.
Ms.Jyothi,
Great interview!
Can I get a copy of that book please.
Print surprises me everytime I want to move away from it...
i think along with all other books this book by shiv varma "1962_ The War That Wasn't"
explains the situation very well. everyone must read it.
It was a very nice interview. I feel he had much more details to share.
I would like to have a pdf copy of the book. If you can provide, nothing lik eit
Himalayan Blunders is a book worth reading.. the book rightly is a testament of the bravery of our soldiers. With little supplies, in adequate winter clothing, no time for acclimatisation and insufficient ammunition our men fought valiantly.. one of the most moving parts of the book is when the Rajput company, out of ammunition does a bayonet charge on the enemy as one final assault, laying down their lives. In most of the formations, no one one was left even to write citations of what happened, the extent of damage was only known later when PoWs returned back home...
The war was failure of Indian political leadership and hopefully never again we will let our men down!
Ma'am, I'm a Subscribe, don't know if it matters but could you please share the pdf copy of the book
I have a hard copy of Himalayan blunder.
Where do I look for the untold story by Gen kaul
I would like Michael Dalvi to pen all these in a book for posterity and include all those who have their near and dear ones missing.
Dalvis Pain seeps through his narration. The sacrifice of the Jawans and officers for no fault of theirs is very poignant.
I am picking up on your offer. Request yo to please share the pdf version?.
Many thanks!
Hi Jyoti, pl send me pdf of book Himalayan Blunder.
Based in Dallas, watch the programme regularly. Very informative interview with no nonsense perspective. I would like to get the PDF. societies and nation should learn from mistakes. Until unless we will have public closure of the China war, these memories will keep festering. Releasing of the Henderson- Bharati report would be one such closure step.
Mam can you please send me a PDF of the book?
How can I get the book in PDF
Please share the pdf of the book himalayan blunder. Thanks
please send me a .pdf copy of the book "Himalayan Blunder" By Brig. Dalvi.
My whole hearted thanks for sharing the soft copy of book. Thank you Mam!. Regards Anant
Hello, please send me a pdf version of the book 'The Himalayan Blunder' .
it is only 510 INR on amazon here www.amazon.in/Himalayan-Blunder-Curtain-Raiser-Sino-Indian-1962/dp/8181581458 if yu are really interested why don't buy it and give some royalty to the author?
The interview is very revealing. can you please send me the PDF of the Book The Himalayan Blunder
kindly send me the link for pdf of 'the Himalayan blunder'.
Wonder why there are so many edits when this is supposed to be uninterrupted.
The reality of Nehru, Krishna Menon must be made public, Must honour and show country's gratitude which our brave soldiers deserved.
It was a nice interview. I would like to have pdf copy of the book please. Thanks for the generous offer.
Awesome 💥
How do I get the PDF...
I would to live to read the book. Could you please share it with me.
Please send me the PDF of The Himalayan Blunder.
Please send me the PDF copy of Brig Dalvi's book.
Excellent interview 👌
Much improved interview skills compared to previous interviews.
I am thinking she has a habit of butting in if she disagrees politically. Keeping mum and letting finish is mark of a good interviewer.
Great and moving account also pl read klers book UNSUNG HEROES OF 62
you can make out soldiers anguish as this unit ie 1 SIKH LOOSES commander ,Co and adjutant...
Himalayan Blunder is a fabulous book, it shows the courage and intellect of a great soldier... its good to buy and read. Please do not share it free, it will be an insult to the writer. I was born in the Himalayan state of Sikkim and used to live very close to the border. 1962 war and its aftermath have been an obsession for me, nice to hear from the Brig Dalvi's son
Written by the surrendered commander and every one thought it was a great book.
@@dasgupta9288 it's better then being a keyboard warrior. You read the book to understand the insurmountable challenges in the form of their own government and a tough belligerent opponent . Even now the conditions on our side in NEFA are challenging.
Please share the pdf link of The Himalayan Blunder
I am greatful if you forward pdf copy of Himalyan blunder to me
Had the pleasure of meeting Michael Dalvi at Dehradun and had the privilege of being presented the book HIMALAYAN BLUNDER by his father Brig JP Dalvi.....an awesome officer and most courageous commander
Could you kindly send me a pdf copy of the book.
With kind regards,
Monodeep Chakraborty
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, and it shed light on so much that one has been wanting to know about the India China war ... especially what led to India engaging in that war. Kudos to u
Can you share a copy of the PDF version of “Himalayan blunders” to Sunil.gujral@gmail.com. Thanks & regards.
Jyoti, was Michael referring to the lady from Perth as the daughter of an officer from Brig Hoshiar Singh’s brigade right and not Brig Hoshiar Singh himself? I have seen a pic of respected Brigadier KIA in a Chinese blog
Madam can you please send me a pdf of The Himalayan Blunder
How can we access pdf of Himalayan blunder ?
Excellent interview, and I have read " The Untold Story " and " Himalayan Blunder ".
JyotiM .... thank you for us meeting this wonderful man!
Wonderful interview
May I have the PDF please. I want to know about our men who sacrificed their present for our features.
Please send the pdf of the book .. Thanks in advance
Kindly share the pdf of the book. Thanks
Please send me the copy of the book, Himalayan blunder
Can you please send pdf version of this
Eye opening interview and it filled a lot of gaps in knowledge for me. You mentioned that we can get access to the PDF version of the book. How can we get a copy?
Madam can you please send the PDF file
Is there the book available for me to buy
Please arrange to send a copy of that book
All the cheapskates in the comments section (including well heeled NRIs), would it kill you to buy the book instead of asking for a handout?
the book is not available and is out of print.
@@parcgup www.amazon.in/Himalayan-Blunder-Curtain-Raiser-Sino-Indian-1962/dp/8181581458
Exactly I mean it is only 500 bucks go ahead morons buy it if you are genuinely interested.
Can you send me the pdf file of Himalayan Blunder at awasthi_pkl@yahoo.com. I will be grateful to you
A very heart wrenching account of India China war 1962. A great soldier Brigadier Dalvi..A salute to him. Jai Hind
Very nice and touching conversation with Michael Dalvi who played for Tamilnadu Ranji team. 1962 was a disaster. It is now time for Govt of India to put all archival material relating to 1962 war with China in public domain. It will be some kind of a tribute to all those courageous soldiers and officers who fought and lost their lives in that war.
Hi can you please send the pdf copy of the book to the subscribed email please
Salute to your father.
Kindly send pdf of himalyan blunder,
can I get a copy of the PDF please
Very very moving and informative interview request to please share book pdf,will be greatly obliged and thanks in advance
We are indebted till eternity to our brave soldier
Please publish the original version of this interview.
May i have a pdf of the book
Can I get a copy of the book Himalayan Blunder
Sorry sir for your loss. I can feel the pain in his voice.
Mam
I am an engineer working in private sector and have been associated with our forces. The passion & ability of engineers in forces is great, but there exposure to technology and new improved way of doing same works is not given now as the BABU’ S control the engineers & technocrats in forces. An IAS who passed generic exams or a Charted Accountant in Min of finance decides on what, when and where to buy ??
I voted for PM Modi, but feel Sad that with 300+ MP’s in parliament & control over cabinet the attitude of BABU’s has not changed & no structural change has been done by our PM.
Example - india buying arms from Russia under emergency purchase
Seems state of affairs remain same
Purchasing 18 Mig 29's & 6 Su-30 MKI's Is Just A Signaling To China That Russia Will Support India If War Brokes Out & Nothing More .
can I get a copy please? Thanks.
Please send me a copy of this book. It was very enlightening to listen to him.
Dear Reporter. Please allow guest speakers to complete their comment before intervening.
I would like the pdf please ?
Please forward pdf of the book.Thanks.
Plz send my pdf of Himalyan Blunder. Plz
Please send me a PDF copy, thanking you
Excellent interview
Not even born when this happened we shall never let this happen again
Please send me a copy of Himalayan blunder.. Book
Can I get a pdf please?
Can I have the PDF book