In a significant cultural and military milestone, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, received the memoir titled Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Memoirs of the Indian Army’s First Ethnic Gorkha Lieutenant General, authored by retired Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung. The presentation of this book not only represents a personal achievement for Lt Gen Gurung but also marks a historic moment for the Gorkha community within India’s armed forces.
The memoir charts Lt Gen Gurung’s groundbreaking career, emphasizing his distinction as the first ethnic Gorkha to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. His ascent through military ranks is portrayed as a challenge to the conventional confines of regimental structures. Notably, he served in the Grenadiers, a regiment where Gorkha soldiers are not commonly seen, illustrating his leadership capabilities in varied military contexts.
The book offers an in-depth exploration of his operational experiences, particularly focusing on his counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast region of India. His experience commanding a corps positioned along the Line of Actual Control further enhances the strategic significance of his narrative, providing valuable insights into national defense strategies and the complexities of regional security.
Lieutenant General Gurung, an alumnus of both the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, has also served as India’s defense attaché to Myanmar, adding a diplomatic layer to his extensive military service. His memoir gives readers a rare look into the challenges of combat leadership faced throughout his decades-long career.
The Gorkha community, celebrated for its exceptional bravery and contributions to the Indian Army, has been an integral part of the nation’s military history. This community was solidified into the armed forces through the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between Britain, India, and Nepal and has played crucial roles in every major conflict since independence, including being the first to receive the Ashok Chakra Class I in 1948.
Lt Gen Gurung’s memoir is anticipated to be a vital resource for training officers, military historians, and defense analysts. Moreover, it is likely to inspire young individuals from the Gorkha community and beyond, promoting a deeper understanding of the evolving role of ethnic diversity within the Indian armed forces.
