Book Review: Treatise by the Warrior Thinker@Vinod73

I have just finished reading the book ‘WAFADARI IMAANDARI ZIMMEDARI’ written by Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd). This insightful book not only explains how military leadership ethos is relevant to students, schools, defence aspirants & corporate HR but also provides a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges, striving to succeed in work, and overcoming difficulties in daily lives. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and motivation in their personal and professional journey.

Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon’s language carries the fragrance of our soil (mitti ki khushboo, as he will put it). Even as he quotes the world’s renowned management thinkers and gurus, his own interpretation of their wisdom is wrapped in rustic, colourful language. This is why he connects with his readers. Like his first book, Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye, his second book too carries this strong streak of native wisdom.

It is not surprising that all the chapters of this book carry Chanakya’s quotes. This book, Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari, is a management treatise on leadership, primarily based on the writer’s experience spanning forty decades of his military life, from a fresh teenage cadet to reaching the top echelons of military leadership. Most of his lessons are based on his experiences as a commander. He presents it in a way that offers valuable lessons for both corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. After all, both facets of life are battles of domination and the urge to win.

However, unlike the Western model of management and leadership, the Bharatiya model of leadership is lacking a vital component in corporate life—spiritualism and compassion. This emerges repeatedly in Tiny’s narration.

The book is a treasure trove of life lessons, structured into a treatise with the help of leading management thinkers. What sets it apart is the use of real-life incidents to illustrate these ideas, making them easier to understand and connect with. It’s the anecdotes that stick with us, not just the theories. These stories make the book engaging and the lessons memorable.

While reflecting on the book and as an Indian Navy veteran, it struck me that the genteel persona of our Generals has a warmth that you don’t see in the officers of other armies worldwide. These qualities come from treating the force and the platoon as ‘my family’. Here, every member of the platoon is the responsibility of the Commanding Officer and, in his absence, his juniors.

Lt Gen Dhillon’s many stories touch your core. The trust in buddy, the warmth in gruff behaviour, everything exudes this sense of being a family. Second is the role of ‘Memsahibs’ — wives of the officers who become the ‘mother’ or models of ‘mother shakti’ to the families living in an army station. It is as if the paltan thrusts heroism and courage onto the memsahib by virtue of her being the wife of their senior, which she later owns. This kinship makes the bond unbreakable.

Any young man or aspiring leader or CEO can read this manual on being a successful leader for its pithy, simple explanations and meaningful anecdotes.

Warmth that carries our mitti ki khushboo, rooted in Bharatiya ethos, despite being presented through the thoughts of great leadership coaches and thinkers.

The book is an influential treatise written by the warrior thinker, KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon. By the way, there is nothing tiny about this giant of a man. I will end by quoting two inspiring lines from the writer himself, and you will understand why you will enjoy the book — ‘Tootna buri baat nahi, toot ke bikharna bhi buri baat nahi, Toot ke judna himmat hai, aur judke udna himmat hai.’ (There is nothing wrong with falling apart; what is unacceptable is to allow yourself to disintegrate if you fall apart. Summon the courage to get back after a setback, and rise like a phoenix from the ashes of failure.) This book is a beacon of hope, encouraging resilience and unity in leadership, and empowering us to rise above challenges.

A book that stays with you long after you close it. Happy reading