Source India Today
Former Chief of the Army Staff General (Retd) M.M. Naravane has spoken publicly for the first time about his unpublished book, days after reports emerged about concerns over its contents and the circumstances under which it was withheld from publication.
General Naravane said the manuscript, written after his retirement, was intended to be a personal reflection on his decades-long military career and leadership experiences rather than a political or controversial account. He emphasised that the book was still undergoing internal review and had not received final clearance, making any public discussion about its contents premature.
Addressing speculation, the former Army chief clarified that he had followed all established protocols while submitting the manuscript for scrutiny. “As a soldier, I remain committed to discipline and procedure. The book was shared for review in good faith, and I respect the process that governs such publications,” he said.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that certain sections of the memoir may have raised concerns related to operational details and sensitive decision-making during his tenure, prompting authorities to seek further clarifications before granting approval. However, no official statement has confirmed specific objections.
General Naravane also expressed disappointment over what he described as “selective leaks and conjecture” surrounding the unpublished work. He cautioned against drawing conclusions based on incomplete information and reiterated that the intent of the book was to contribute constructively to public understanding of military leadership, not to create controversy.
The issue has sparked a wider debate on the balance between freedom of expression and institutional confidentiality for retired senior officials. For now, the future of General Naravane’s memoir remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the review process.
