General MM Naravane (Retd), the former Chief of Army Staff, has launched a new book called The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries. This release comes shortly after the controversies surrounding his previous work, Four Stars of Destiny, which remains unpublished. Unlike his former book, this non-fiction work aims to explore interesting aspects of India’s armed forces.

The Curious and the Classified brings to light various traditions, folklore, and enduring legends associated with the Indian military. The publication is a departure from his earlier controversial statements and focuses rather on the historical and cultural insights into military life.

Published by Rupa, the book was announced and made available a mere 80 days after the issues surrounding Four Stars of Destiny emerged. General Naravane’s earlier memoir examined his extensive career, including significant military events like the Galwan Valley standoff during his service from 2019 to 2022. The current work is a testament to his ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and perspectives from his time in service.

Launch Context and Background

The publication of The Curious and the Classified follows a period of scrutiny, in which Naravane’s previous memoir was reportedly not cleared by the Ministry of Defence for release. An incident gained traction when a copy of the unreleased book surfaced in Parliament, held by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This situation raised questions regarding the approval process for military publications.

While Naravane maintained that the issue was a matter between the publisher and the government, the controversy did influence his earlier intentions of moving towards fictional writing. In 2025, he attempted fictional narratives with The Cantonment Conspiracy, marking a first step away from the complexities of non-fiction. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for writing evidently pushed him back into the realm of non-fiction.

In earlier statements, General Naravane expressed his satisfaction with writing as a natural extension of his reflective practices developed during his extensive military career. His newer book showcases a shift in focus, moving away from contentious topics to a tract of shared cultural heritage.

Content and Themes of The Curious and the Classified

The Curious and the Classified delves into the lesser-known stories and traditions of the Indian military. It includes historical anecdotes from the 17th and 18th centuries, examples of military bravery, as well as examining various legends, such as that of Captain Baba Harbhajan Singh, who is celebrated in military folklore.

Additional narratives cover significant incidents, such as the story linked to INS Khukri, which adds depth to the depiction of military history. The text seeks to engage readers by addressing colourful tales from within the army, crafting a lighter tone compared to his previous work.

The publication has been positively received in terms of interest in its insider perspectives. Remarkably, the book’s blurb features a note from General VP Malik (Retd), who had also contributed to Four Stars of Destiny. This suggests a continuity of dialogue among military leaders regarding the importance of sharing stories from India’s military history.

Ultimately, General Naravane’s latest book serves as a cultural exposition, shedding light on both the military’s rich past and the lighter, whimsical aspects of life within the forces. The release is timely as it revitalises the author’s narrative ability while transitioning away from contentious themes towards storytelling rooted in heritage.

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