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Good governance is the greatest act of patriotism in 21st century India, says Maj Gen Dipak Mukherjee, in his book, Battle for Hearts & Minds from North East to Kashmir and Beyond. Just military intervention cannot compensate for governance deficit, argues Maj Gen Mukherjee, sharing his unique insight into how the Indian Army actually won wars on the ground. When the moral compass was steady, as in Nagaland, in the 1950s and '60s or during the Bangladesh war of 1971, the Indian Army achieved victories far bigger than military surrenders. But in Sri Lanka, India's moral compass was severely tested. As one havildar said, 'Sahib, we all are now in Sri Lanka. Last time in ancient history, Ram came here with his army to fight Raavan. Can you tell us, who is our Raavan here?' Pleading for a larger perspective, he says, the battle for hearts and minds will continue to inform our understanding of wars.

In this journey, General Mukherjee's insights are a valuable milestone. Written with poignant exuberance, this book is recommended for reading particularly by the young generations of India and neighbouring countries. It is equally good reading for the older generation of people to reflect and introspect upon the state the nation has been consigned to and bequeathed to young Indians. It is indeed a low bottomline from where young Indians have to lift India in this so- called Asian century.