Col Ashutosh KaleRambo: The true account of a Special Forces Officer, Major Sudhir Walia ǀ True story of a brave Para SF Officer

Your book Rambo is more than just a tribute; it's an emotional, intense, and powerfully written account that takes us deep into the world of Para SF.From Maj Sudhir Walia's steely resolve during counter-insurgency operations to his unmatched courage under fire, Rambo brings alive the spirit of a man who redefined bravery. The narrative not only captures Maj. Sudhir’s tactical brilliance and raw grit, but also the brotherhood, ethos, and silent sacrifices that define a Para SF operator’s life.Thank you, Sir, for documenting a hero's journey with such depth and authenticity. It's a must-read for every Indian who wishes to understand what true valor looks like. 🙏💂‍♂️📘

A deeply researched biography, Rambo catches you by the jugular. Ashutosh’s ringside view of the realities of soldiers’ lives and his narration of the skirmishes and conflicts has the reader seated on a razor’s edge applauding the valour, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of soldiers who live and die by the code of duty. Major Sudhir Walia’s sketch is the epitome of this bravery. He resolutely charts his unassailable desire to be at the forefront, scorning safer assignments. In his words, “I was born common. I don’t want to die common. Untitled. Unheard.”The grit of those who battle fearlessly while we remained cocooned in our safe lives took on a special meaning as I read this book during the Pahalgam massacre and its aftermath. The author, Col Ashutosh Kale, a fellow army man, brings an insider’s lens to Major Walia’s life, capturing the facts and the pulse of the military fraternity with equal elan.From the icy heights of Kargil to the dense forests of Kupwara, the narrative swings between the éclat of victory and the ennui of defeat, raw, immersive, and emotionally charged. Photographs and vivid battlefield descriptions pepper the book, enhancing visual storytelling and making the reader a silent partner reliving the history of countless wars.However, this read isn’t just for war enthusiasts or those seeking military detailing; it is a requiem for those choosing courage over comfort, country over relationships. The narrative isn’t all battlefield journalism though, for beyond the medals and missions, we meet Sudhir, the son, the friend, the lover, and the leader. Yet these roles remain muted, and the broader reader may remain unsatiated. I for one yearned to read more of how Sudhir’s single-mindedness affected his relationship with Taslim and his mother and the pain and anguish they may have suffered. Also, while the painstaking research by the author lends credibility, the writing is deeply reverential, perhaps questioning the critical distance and objectivity in portraying Major Walia.That maybe a civilian reader’s critical misstep. We perhaps fail to imagine a human embodiment so driven by an irrational love for the country which subsumes everything else; larger-than-life heroes, we can never emulate and may thus dismiss their magic as illusory. Yet they were real, what they accomplished superhuman. And we exist because they did, often in lives more tenuous and shorter than ours. Without a thought or a pause on the cost or the consequences.That’s the residue we must take away. That such true-life stories stir our souls and leave us with a lump in our throat and deep reverence for our men and women on the battlefront. That such tributes must shine upon the brilliance of bravery rather than what it leaves in the shadows. And on this count, Rambo delivers. And how!

Very well written book about one of the great heroes of our country, Major Sudhir Walia sir. The book tells us about poignant moments of his personal life, his family and juxtaposes them with the numerous occasions he risks his life for the safety of India and Indians. Salute to the hero and thanks to the author for telling the world about the exploits of this hero who went off into glory many years ago.

Fantastic book 👌👌👌

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”This book truly embodies that spirit, highlighting the crucial role that Special Forces play in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of our country. Only a few men are born with a lion’s heart, and these men are the real heroes of our nation. As Major Sudhir Walia once said, “I wasn’t just born to pay bills and die.”The book offers an insightful glimpse into the patience and perseverance of these warriors—men who can stay out for close to 96 hours straight and risk their lives to save others on the world’s highest battlefield, Kargil. The author has done an excellent job in presenting intricate details with authenticity, making the story both gripping and inspiring.Every page pulls you deeper into the narrative, making it impossible to put down. If you are looking for a book that combines action, dedication, and real-life heroism, this is a must-read.