Unkahi: The Unsung – An Anthology of Poems from the Armed Forces - Edited by Dr. Pragya Bajpai and Lt. Col. Salil Jain

 With the 73^rd Republic Day round the corner, and 75 glorious years of Independence, what better tribute could there be than a bilingual anthology of poems dedicated to the trials and the tribulations, the valour and the spirit of this wonderful powerhouse known as the Indian Armed Forces? Who else could know better about the sacrifices made by our brave warriors than the people who make up this esteemed universe – the veterans, the serving officers and their family members?

‘Unkahi: The Unsung’, a remarkable volume of poems has been conceptualized, curated and edited by the intrepid Dr. Pragya Bajpai, and co-edited by Lt. Col. Salil Jain. The foreword, and the first few inspiring poems, are by Major General (Dr.) G D Bakshi, SM, VSM (Veteran), himself a poet and motivational speaker. The book has been endorsed by several senior officers, who call the effort an inspiring one that brings out the essence of the Armed Forces. Sketches and photographs by various officers enhance the read even more.

The stirring poem on NDA, “a galaxy of destinations,” and “of dreams born in the boulevards of Khadakwasala” gives a fitting start to a book that was conceived here. 

The cover design by Subham Kumar Dev showcases the tricolour, evoking the emotion of patriotism which flows across the gamut of the book through the rousing war descriptions and the fervour that still galvanize the intrepid veterans as they traverse through memory lane in Section One. The poems speak of the synergy that brings the country together. The beauty of the lines below adds a touch of nostalgia.

 “Hours of wakefulness, stretches of sleep,

Let the Bukhari sigh, let it weep.” (Bukhari Nights)

‘The Charade of Choice’ is reminiscent of ‘The Charge of The Light Brigade’ (Tennyson) as it describes an adventure in the air.

Where there is gallantry, the spectre of death hovers around, as is brought out in the poignant poems titled ‘The War Widow’, ‘Journey of a Paper’ and ‘The Hold’.

Section Two by the serving officers is a cornucopia of well penned poetry, both in English and in Hindi. They reminisce about celebrating Holi on the border, exhort their comrades to keep advancing with courage, and sing ‘An Ode to a Fighter Pilot’. They speak of greedy battles for territory, bloodshed in the valley, the deadly silence of the battlefield, and the glory of the Tiranga. One striking line goes “There is always a last man standing first/ Against all that threatens his land.” (‘I Do Not Understand’)

‘The Good Old Fauji’ is respected by even those across the fence and ‘Lest We Forget’ reminds us that “we were, and forever are in/ Your profound debt”, referring to the valour of the martyrs who remain ‘Forever Young’.

References to Kashmir and Kargil, the bukharis, the maple trees and the Chinars, appear in all three sections, highlighting how vital a role has, and still is, being played by both.

The third section validates the saying that behind every great man, stands a great woman, be it his mother, his wife or his daughter. It is a collection of poetry by the family members. It begins with a tribute – ‘In Memory of Captain Vikram Batra’ and goes on to proclaim ‘Enough! No More!’ referring to the martyrdom of young soldiers, the anguish of seeing “another tricolour draped/ Young coffin”. The same poignant idea is carried on in ‘Call of Duty’.

The poem ‘Wars’ reveals the painful truth that “But ‘Loss’ it is for either side/Whether you are a Victor/ Or there is a vanquished by your side.” Once again, the idea is echoed in another poem titled ‘A Soldier’s Daughter’ which ends with the stark truth – “This war or that war/ The war can never be a gain! / As life never remains the same/ For neither the friend nor the foe.”

“I Miss the Letters That You Wrote” is a wonderful ode to that forgotten art that used to bring to the recipient “a world of hopes and joys”.

‘A Game, Hopefully, Well Played’ spans across the lives of three generations, reiterating that “There’s no life that’s more adventurous, no life that’s more blest/” than that within the Armed Forces. And finally, isn’t that the absolute truth, when all is said and done?