Always a Soldier

Mohammad Asif Khan

In Ambreen Zaidi's book, 'Soldiering On: The Remarkable Resilience Of India’s Disabled Soldiers,' a crucial but often overlooked aspect of soldiers' lives comes to light. The book sheds light on the challenges disabled soldiers face in obtaining the benefits they deserve due to bureaucratic hurdles and the lack of a proper framework for disabled soldiers.

The stories within the book reveal a remarkable resilience. Despite their disabilities, these soldiers demonstrate unwavering dedication and determination. They challenge societal norms, showing that 'disability is in the mind.'

One standout example is Lieutenant General Ian Cardozo. He played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and later became one of the first Indian officers to receive an artificial limb and return to active duty.

His resilience and determination paved the way for the rehabilitation and integration of disabled soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Post-retirement, Cardozo remained an advocate for the rights and welfare of disabled veterans. He served as the Director-General of the Border Roads Organization, overseeing the construction of vital infrastructure in border regions.

In the book, Ambreen narrates the inspiring stories of various disabled soldiers, each one more uplifting than the last. One such remarkable tale is that of Flying Officer Anil A. Kumar. Despite facing a level of adversity that would daunt even the bravest, Kumar refused to be defeated. Paralysed from the neck down, he ingeniously modified his computer, holding the stylus and keyboard in front of him. With this setup, he not only managed to type but also authored articles and even a book."

Another awe-inspiring account is that of Mridul Ghosh, a soldier who emerged from the depths of despair as a beacon of hope. A severe spinal cord injury left him unable to move from the neck down. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he came across the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center. There, he witnessed others like him defying the odds, and it ignited a spark within him. Despite his limitations, Mridul ventured into mouth painting, a pursuit that would profoundly transform his life. Teaching others and even sending his artwork to Switzerland, he found a renewed purpose.

His story, along with others in Zaidi's book, showcases the strength of the human spirit in overcoming challenges.

In an Interview with Force Ambreen Zaidi stated her reason for writing the book stemmed from the desire to bring awareness to the struggles and triumphs of these individuals who had served their nation with great dedication and courage. Ambreen felt that their stories deserved to be heard a