“Human life is so fragile that, as between ordinary bombs and atomic bombs, the individual has little to choose. I believe, therefore, that the dominating effort should be for the preservation of peace, rather than for preparation for war,” wrote General SM Shrinagesh, former Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army (1955 to 1957), a telling statement that seems more relevant today than ever, as humanity stands witness to sporadic wars across the globe, some at the brink of a nuclear flashpoint.

Commanded by Destiny – A General’s Rise from Soldier to Statesman is a memoir, published posthumously in his memory, reproducing the author’s own manuscript of his life’s journey, which was thankfully preserved by the family. Son of Dr S Mallannah, a foremost bacteriologist, and consultant to the Nizam of Hyderabad, Shrinagesh completed his education at Cambridge with good proficiency both in studies and sports, before he chose to join the Indian Army in August 1923, and went to the Royal Military College (Sandhurst), Camberly, for military training.

He writes that India Inherited a military institution that was designed to serve British interests and mentions that during British rule, the army was looked upon as a mercenary force and not a people’s army meant to secure its borders. Indian-origin army officers, who were awarded King’s Commission (KCIOs), were confined only to eight regiments out of 50, so as to restrict their influence in the army. In later years, Indian-origin officers, who were trained at the Military Academy in Dehradun, were offered lesser pay and perks than KCIOs, who went to RMC Sandhurst. Annoyed with colonial practices and biases, Gen Shrinagesh firmly believed that India needed a military that reflected its own traditions, values and strategic priorities. He remarks that it was a proud moment for the entire country when Indian officers took control of the Army soon after Independence. Describing the Kashmir operations of 1947-48 in great detail, he concludes. “History is often made through miscalculated or untimely political moves, and Kashmir is an outstanding example.”

Writing about the plight of Indians during the violent partition of India in 1947, the author records, “It is difficult to imagine their feelings at the loss of their homeland and their hard-accumulated earnings,” and adds “partition of the army was an emergency operation made at express speed.” During partition, 75 per cent of the army was allotted to India, but many cantonments went to Pakistan as much of the army was stationed in the North West Frontier prior to Independence. This created an unexpected housing crisis for Indian soldiers.

Military reforms

Among the vital military reforms undertaken post-Independence, supreme command of the armed forces was vested in the President of India, while the operational control of the Indian military passed on from the British Commander-in-Chief to the Indian Defence Minister. Further, each Service became autonomous under its own Chief of Staff. The author notes that 15 Jan 1949 was a day of immense pride for all Indians as Gen Cariappa was appointed the first Indian Commander-in-Chief.

Arguing that the British government failed to secure the cooperation of Congress leaders during the initial stages of WWII, he recounts that the Indian soldiers fought gallantly, when pressed into the war later, making substantial contribution to the Allied cause, in Europe, Middle East and in South East Asian countries. After the war, when Shrinagesh was deputed to the Indian Military Mission in Germany, he admired the spirit of Germans who worked unceasingly, in the most heart-breaking conditions. Appreciating the Japanese, who re-built their war ravaged nation through sincerity, hard work and discipline, he observes that such qualities were largely found missing in Indian society.

When Gen Shrinagesh was appointed as COAS in 1955, the size of the army was approximately 4.5 lakhs, and directions from the government were to gradually downsize the army to 1.5 lakhs, based on a premise that army was an “expensive luxury” as the country’s philosophy was attuned to peace and remained non-aligned. Perceiving threats from the neighborhood and sensing that such a massive reduction in numbers could compromise national security, he worked hard in the face of stiff opposition, and persuaded the government to accept a force level of three lakh.

“My long service in the army has convinced me that the soldier’s loyalty to his service, his love for his country and his constant sacrifice deserve adequate recognition from his fellow countrymen,” emphasises the accomplished General. Known for his fairness and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, he writes, “The threat of punishment or fear would not evoke obedience in a soldier. He will be interested in what you are trying to accomplish if he finds that you are genuinely interested in him.” He empathised with soldiers and their families who faced acute shortage of accommodation, frequent transfers resulting in academic instability for children, and felt for every soldier’s wife who was often left to fend for herself when the husband was killed in the line of duty.

Administrative acumen

After his retirement from the Army, and a stint as the Principal of the Administrative Staff College, PM Nehru appointed him as Governor of Assam, in October 1959, when the NEFA and Naga Hills were presenting formidable border and military problems. In July 1962, he was appointed the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, with his office in Hyderabad - the place where he spent his early childhood. Subsequently in May 1964, the General was appointed as Governor of Mysore State, replacing the Maharaja of Mysore, who served as Governor until then. The fact that Gen Shrinagesh held such vital appointments, even after his retirement from Army service demonstrates his competence, administrative acumen and sincerity of purpose, in whichever position he held.

“No one hates war more deeply than the solider, who specialises in the arts and instruments of war, and perhaps no one is more keenly conscious of its senselessness,” asserts the General. The book captures the transition of the Indian military from the British period to the post-Independence era, particularly the struggles during the formative years to effect a change in military thinking, ethos, operations and governance. A must read for military historians and military book lovers.

(The reviewer, Gp Capt Dr R Venkataraman (Retd) is an IAF veteran, currently serving as General Manager, Madras Management Association)

https://www.amazon.in/Commanded-Destiny-Generals-Soldier-Statesman/dp/0143464973

Published on August 19, 2025