India’s military history is full of unknown heroes — Air Marshal Arjun Subramaniam’s biography of General Nanavati aims to change that.
At a book launch attended by senior military brass, Air Marshal Arjun Subramaniam presents his fourth book on Indian military history, shifting from strategic analysis to biography. The panel, anchored by military historian Nikhil, opens with the 1947–48 Kashmir war — India’s first military test, fought simultaneously with partition horrors, princely state integration, and the coercion of Junagadh and Hyderabad.
The discussion calls urgently for more military biographies, arguing that India’s deficiency in this genre leaves entire generations ignorant of the decision dilemmas, emotional contexts, and strategic brilliance of its soldiers. Understanding wars through human eyes — not bland narratives — is presented as the only way to transmit genuine learning to the next generation.
About Speakers:
Nikhil Apte (Moderator)– Founder of NSquare Business Consulting, Nikhil offers strategic, political, and digital advisory services. A former WhatsApp executive, he led Civic Engagement in India and APAC, and hosts the YouTube podcast Conversations with Colonel.
Shiv Kumar Verma – Author and filmmaker known for acclaimed military and wildlife documentaries like Salt of the Earth and Aakash Yodha. Under KaleidoIndia, he worked closely with the Armed Forces, filmed the Kargil War, and clocked hours on frontline aircraft. His benchmark-setting work aired widely on Discovery Channel.
Colonel Sam Kumar – Founder & MD of MitKat Advisory, is a decorated Army veteran and risk expert. A Sword of Honour awardee, he has led global projects in 25 countries and is a noted thought leader and speaker.
Air Marshal Arjun Subramaniam, retired IAF pilot, is a military historian and author of India’s Wars. He has been a Visiting Fellow at Harvard and Oxford and taught at Fletcher School, Ashoka University, and the National Defence College. His latest book is Shooting Straight: A Biography of Lt Gen Rostum Nanavatty.
