Changed Facet of Army Day
Last Year, Union Cabinet decided that the 2023 onwards, Army Day Parade will be conducted in places other than New Delhi, the first on Priority List being Bengaluru in South India.
NewsBharati 15-Jan-2023 08:11:33 AM
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The regular Army in India officially coming into existence on 01 April 1895 and India getting her First Indian Army Chief on 15 January 1949 is indeed a long journey charted by Indian Army. This year on India is celebrating 75th Anniversary of an Indian Officer taking over the reins of the Indian Army.
The regular Army in India originated from the Forces of East India Company, which later became British Indian Army and eventually, after Independence, it came to be known as the National Army of India or Indian Army. Army Day in India is celebrated every year on 15th January to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander in Chief (C in C) in 1949 thus becoming First Indian Commander in Chief of Independent India.
When India became independent, on August 15, 1947, Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck was appointed the Supreme Commander, and General Sir Rob Lockhart became C-in-C Indian Army.
On January 1, 1948, General Sir Roy Bucher had taken over as C-in-C Indian Army. His one year engagement was to expire in January 1949, and the Government decided that he should be replaced by an Indian. At that time, the three senior officers were Cariappa, Rajendra Sinhji, and Nathu Singh. All three were Lieutenant Generals, the first two being Army Commanders.
Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wanted Rajendra Sinh and Defence Minister Baldev Singh preferred Nathu Singh to be C-in-C. But both of them declined the offer citing the reason; "Such supersession will set up wrong precedence, Officers will gravel in front of/toe the line of the Powers that be/Politicians to ask for/get promotion and within no time, Army will be politicised". The truth and authenticity of that perception were proved by events after the retirement of Cariappa leading to the debacle of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It is true even today.
At the time of Independence, India was facing/experiencing severe communal riots along with huge flocks of distressed refugees coming from/migrating to East/West Pakistan. Due to this anarchic atmosphere, many Administrative Problems arose requiring the Army to come forward to control the situation. Anticipating a future turn of events; British Parliament thought it to be prudent to pullout and hand over Control of India to Indians. That entailed an Indian becoming First Indian Army Chief. Since this was a very remarkable moment/ocassion for Indian Army, it was decided to celebrate this grand day every year as Army Day and since then this tradition is continuing.Army Day is celebrated every year at all Army Command Headquarters and National Capital by organising Army Parades and many ancillary Military Shows.
For this; a Grand Parade is organised every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. It is attended by Naval and Air Chiefs and Defence Secretary. The salute is taken by the Chief of Army Staff. On this day, Soldiers of the Indian Army, who selflessly served the country and set a sterling example of sacrifice and brotherhood are honoured. Solemn Homage is paid to all those Brave Fighters who gave everything to Protect and Maintain the Integrity of India.
Last Year, Union Cabinet decided that the 2023 onwards, Army Day Parade will be conducted in places other than New Delhi, the first on Priority List being Bengaluru in South India. This decision has been taken by the Government to facilitate people all over the Country to see, feel and appreciate the grandeur of their Army.
General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, nicknamed “Kipper,” was born on 28 January, 1899, at Shanivarsanthe, Coorg Province, in a farming family of the Kodava Tribe. He was raised in what is now Kerala. His father, Madappa, served Revenue Department of East India Company. Cariappa was the second oldest child in a family of four boys and two girls. He graduated from Central High School,Madikeri in 1917 and then attended Presidency College, Madras to further his education. In college, he was enumerated by a program under which,Indians would be allowed to serve in the British Military as Officers after receiving due training. Since his childhood ambition was to join Forces,he signed up. The year was 1919.Only 70 applied for undergoing training at Daly Cadet College, Indore and Cariappa was third in the list of 42 successful candidates.He was declared Best Student on culmination of rigorous Military Training and Studies.
His Military Career started in Bombay, when he was commissioned in the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry Battalion located in Bombay. In 1923, Cariappa was promoted as Lieutenant, then in due course as Captain and Major but never saw/participated in active action after commission. He wandered in few Regiments but finally settled as a Captain in 1/7 Rajput Battalion and remained in that Regiment till his retirement.It was in 1934, a few days before World War II, that the British Indian Government began pressurising Britain/British Parliament to integrate Indian Officers with British Military Personnel.
When Cariappa became a Lieutenant Colonel, he saw/participated in active action in Second World War and eventually became Brigadier before the conclusion of that War. During War,he saw action in Egypt,Syria,Mesopotimia (Iraq) and Iran during 1940–42 and Burma (Myanmar) and Japan in 1943–45. When he became Lieutenant Colonel in 1942, he was the First Indian given Active Command of an Infantry Battalion. In recognition of his service during World War II, he was awarded Gallantry Medal, “Order of the British Empire”.
In 1947,Cariappa was given responsibility for the proportionate division of British Indian Military between Pakistan and India.He was so impartial and meticulous that Pakistan Authorities could not raise a finger or find any fault in the process.
Cariappa was elevated to the rank of Major General in January,1947 to effectively carry out bifurcation of British Indian Military.Just before Independence, he was appointed as Eastern Army Commander after being promoted as Lieutenant General. To effectively deal with and ward off subsequent anticipated woes of Partition,he was given command of Delhi and East Punjab Command (present Western Command) in September,1947. He led his Troops in the First Indo Pak War when Pakistan attacked India. He/his Troops successfully saved Kashmir Valley and recaptured Zojila, Drass and Kargil,thereby establishing a linkup with Leh.To commemorate his services to Kashmir, locals there erected “Cariappa Park” at Baramulla in Kashmir which is located on the banks of River Jhelum.
During Cariappa’s illustrious career in the Army spanning 1918-1953, he had a Series of Firsts to his credit: the First Kodava to join the First batch of Indian Cadets at the Daly College, Indore; First Indian Officer to enter Military Staff College, Quetta; First Indian to become a Brigadier; First Indians to enter the Imperial Defence College, Camberley,UK; First Indian to become Major General in 1947; and First Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.He was First Chief who effected many Structural Changes in Army for better effectiveness. He was First to adopt "Jai Hind” He effected many Structural Changes in Army for better effectiveness. He was First to adopt "Jai Hind', a slogan of IMA popularised by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, as our Military Slogan.
After retiring from the Indian Army in 1953, he served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.He went on to receive many awards and accolades in his career spanning three decades. Apart from 'Order of the British Empire, he was conferred the "Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit" for his services in Korea as Head of Indian Peace Keeping Force. This was First ever Award given by the President of America to an Indian. Mr Harry Truman was in Chair as President of America who bestowed the hohour to him.
Cariappa kept Army out of Political Reach and Affairs to Maintaining its Autonomy despite being put under a lot of pressure by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He advocated an Apolitical Army.Most importantly,General Cariappa opposed, staunchly rejected and turned down the proposal to Reserve Caste based Vacancies in the Army as had been done in other Government Army will eternally remain indebted to him for this Noble Stand.In 1983, he was conferred the title of Field Marshal by the Government of India.Cariappa retired from Army in 1953.
In his farewell speech, emphasised that the "Army’s job is not to meddle in politics but to give unstinting loyalty to the Elected Government". Cariappa's health began to deteriorate in 1991; he suffered from arthritis and heart problems. He died in his sleep on 15 May 1993, at the age of 94 at the Bangalore Command Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for a few years. His mortal remains were cremated in Madikeri two days later.
Cariappa was a disciplinarian, yet loving father; who ensured that his son Nanda and daughter Nalini grew up well despite the absence of a mother.He wanted his son to follow in his footsteps to join Army but when came to know his intimate desire to be a Pilot, conceded mischievously that "The Air Force needs a few good chaps too". Wing Commander KC (Nanda) Cariappa became a Prisoner of War in the Second Indo-Pak War, in 1965 when his plane was blasted out of the sky over Pakistan.
The arrest of young Cariappa was widely publicised on Radio Pakistan once the identity of the wounded Airman was confirmed. On insistence of President of Pakistan,Field Marshal Ayub Khan; Cariappa was personally summoned to Pakistan Embassy to discuss safety of his son with the President.Ayub Khan suggested;"If you so desire,Sir,Nanda could be released immediately", Cariappa said;"General,treat my son like any other Indian Prisoner of War. He is not only my son but a Soldier who has vowed to give his life to protect his Country.I appreciate your kind gesture, but I must insist that you either release every POW or nobody.It is either ALL or NONE”.
Discovery of a Clarificatory Note by Cariappa in State Archives in Karnataka indicates that the General had definite and strong views about the State of Indian Democracy, prevalent Political Parties/Systems and the future of Linguistic States. As per a news item published in The Times of India dated 20 January 1971, the General wanted to have “President’s cum Military Rule for Five Years" to set things right. This is corroborated by a letter dated 18 May 1947 held in the National Archives of India, written by one Major A A Khan to the then Brigadier Cariappa undergoing a course at Imperial Defence College in Britain.
The letter states; "We had agreed that if our statesmen cannot agree with each other, then they should hand over the Country to Army who will show them how to run it". During a visit to Pakistan in 1958, Cariappa publicly praised the Military Coup by Field Marshal Ayub Khan, his former colleague in the British Indian Army, saying it was a “Chaotic Internal Situation which must have forced the General to plan Imposition of Martial Law in the country to save his homeland from utter ruination”.He fought Lok Sabha Election from Northeast Mumbai in 1971 but lost to Jan Sangh and Congress candidates. It was this gentleman soldier in whose memory, Indian Army celebrates Army Day.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) will host the upcoming Army Day Parade on 15 January 2023, keeping in tune with the decision of holding such events of national importance outside the National Capital in order to give wider visibility and participation to citizens. While the conduct of this historical event at Bengaluru is in recognition of the valour, sacrifices and services of the people of Southern India for the Nation, it is also an apt tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa who hails from Karnataka. For this celebration to become a success, Indian Army had undertaken Extensive Outreach Campaigns and organised various events in Schools/ Colleges/Remote Villages to connect with people from all walks of society.
A series of events showcasing Indian Army’s commitment to Nation Building were conducted by Army Units of Southern Command, prominent being;
a) Southern Star Vijay Run 2022 (Run For Soldiers;Run With Soldiers);
b) Multiple Events depicting Army commitment to the Nation (My Nation:My Country);
c) Blood Donation (Donate Blood;Save Life);
d) Outreach Programme in 75 Remote/Border/Under developed villages (Gram Seva;Rashtra Seva);
e) ‘Vidyanjali’ Scheme, wherein Army Public Schools would affiliate with 75 Government /Government aided schools and share and exchange mutually beneficial development programmes (We are one;We share);
f) Work on creation/ resuscitation of 75 Amrit Sarovars/Ponds (Jal Jeevan Suraksha) for revival of water bodies & ecosystem development;
g) ‘Vraksharopan’ (Paryavaran Suraksha:Desh Suraksha) Plantation of 75,000 saplings for Green India and h) Weapons and equipment display, Band performances, Quiz competitions, Painting & Essay writing Competitions, Cyclothons,Talks by Gallantry Awardees, Presentation on Famous Battles, Visits to War Memorial/Museums based on theme 'Ek Bharat Sarvashreshtha Bharat.
General Manoj Pande, COAS, will lay a Wreath at Bengaluru War Memorial to Honour the Martyrs and then review the Army Day Parade. The Parade will highlight the Military Prowess of the Indian Army and also showcase Army's Transformation into a Future Ready, Technology Savvy, Lethal and Agile Force. Adventure activities like Motorcycle Display, Para Motors and Combat Free Fall are being organised to inspire the younger generations to join Army.
COAS will bestow Gallantry Awards and Unit Citations in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and Units. It is a matter of pride and prudence for retired Soldiers like me to be Lucky to witness the Diamond Jubilee of Army Day.
The regular Army in India originated from the Forces of East India Company, which later became British Indian Army and eventually, after Independence, it came to be known as the National Army of India or Indian Army. Army Day in India is celebrated every year on 15th January to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander in Chief (C in C) in 1949 thus becoming First Indian Commander in Chief of Independent India.
When India became independent, on August 15, 1947, Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck was appointed the Supreme Commander, and General Sir Rob Lockhart became C-in-C Indian Army.
On January 1, 1948, General Sir Roy Bucher had taken over as C-in-C Indian Army. His one year engagement was to expire in January 1949, and the Government decided that he should be replaced by an Indian. At that time, the three senior officers were Cariappa, Rajendra Sinhji, and Nathu Singh. All three were Lieutenant Generals, the first two being Army Commanders.
Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wanted Rajendra Sinh and Defence Minister Baldev Singh preferred Nathu Singh to be C-in-C. But both of them declined the offer citing the reason; "Such supersession will set up wrong precedence, Officers will gravel in front of/toe the line of the Powers that be/Politicians to ask for/get promotion and within no time, Army will be politicised". The truth and authenticity of that perception were proved by events after the retirement of Cariappa leading to the debacle of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It is true even today.
At the time of Independence, India was facing/experiencing severe communal riots along with huge flocks of distressed refugees coming from/migrating to East/West Pakistan. Due to this anarchic atmosphere, many Administrative Problems arose requiring the Army to come forward to control the situation. Anticipating a future turn of events; British Parliament thought it to be prudent to pullout and hand over Control of India to Indians. That entailed an Indian becoming First Indian Army Chief. Since this was a very remarkable moment/ocassion for Indian Army, it was decided to celebrate this grand day every year as Army Day and since then this tradition is continuing.Army Day is celebrated every year at all Army Command Headquarters and National Capital by organising Army Parades and many ancillary Military Shows.
For this; a Grand Parade is organised every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. It is attended by Naval and Air Chiefs and Defence Secretary. The salute is taken by the Chief of Army Staff. On this day, Soldiers of the Indian Army, who selflessly served the country and set a sterling example of sacrifice and brotherhood are honoured. Solemn Homage is paid to all those Brave Fighters who gave everything to Protect and Maintain the Integrity of India.
Last Year, Union Cabinet decided that the 2023 onwards, Army Day Parade will be conducted in places other than New Delhi, the first on Priority List being Bengaluru in South India. This decision has been taken by the Government to facilitate people all over the Country to see, feel and appreciate the grandeur of their Army.
General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, nicknamed “Kipper,” was born on 28 January, 1899, at Shanivarsanthe, Coorg Province, in a farming family of the Kodava Tribe. He was raised in what is now Kerala. His father, Madappa, served Revenue Department of East India Company. Cariappa was the second oldest child in a family of four boys and two girls. He graduated from Central High School,Madikeri in 1917 and then attended Presidency College, Madras to further his education. In college, he was enumerated by a program under which,Indians would be allowed to serve in the British Military as Officers after receiving due training. Since his childhood ambition was to join Forces,he signed up. The year was 1919.Only 70 applied for undergoing training at Daly Cadet College, Indore and Cariappa was third in the list of 42 successful candidates.He was declared Best Student on culmination of rigorous Military Training and Studies.
His Military Career started in Bombay, when he was commissioned in the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry Battalion located in Bombay. In 1923, Cariappa was promoted as Lieutenant, then in due course as Captain and Major but never saw/participated in active action after commission. He wandered in few Regiments but finally settled as a Captain in 1/7 Rajput Battalion and remained in that Regiment till his retirement.It was in 1934, a few days before World War II, that the British Indian Government began pressurising Britain/British Parliament to integrate Indian Officers with British Military Personnel.
When Cariappa became a Lieutenant Colonel, he saw/participated in active action in Second World War and eventually became Brigadier before the conclusion of that War. During War,he saw action in Egypt,Syria,Mesopotimia (Iraq) and Iran during 1940–42 and Burma (Myanmar) and Japan in 1943–45. When he became Lieutenant Colonel in 1942, he was the First Indian given Active Command of an Infantry Battalion. In recognition of his service during World War II, he was awarded Gallantry Medal, “Order of the British Empire”.
In 1947,Cariappa was given responsibility for the proportionate division of British Indian Military between Pakistan and India.He was so impartial and meticulous that Pakistan Authorities could not raise a finger or find any fault in the process.
Cariappa was elevated to the rank of Major General in January,1947 to effectively carry out bifurcation of British Indian Military.Just before Independence, he was appointed as Eastern Army Commander after being promoted as Lieutenant General. To effectively deal with and ward off subsequent anticipated woes of Partition,he was given command of Delhi and East Punjab Command (present Western Command) in September,1947. He led his Troops in the First Indo Pak War when Pakistan attacked India. He/his Troops successfully saved Kashmir Valley and recaptured Zojila, Drass and Kargil,thereby establishing a linkup with Leh.To commemorate his services to Kashmir, locals there erected “Cariappa Park” at Baramulla in Kashmir which is located on the banks of River Jhelum.
During Cariappa’s illustrious career in the Army spanning 1918-1953, he had a Series of Firsts to his credit: the First Kodava to join the First batch of Indian Cadets at the Daly College, Indore; First Indian Officer to enter Military Staff College, Quetta; First Indian to become a Brigadier; First Indians to enter the Imperial Defence College, Camberley,UK; First Indian to become Major General in 1947; and First Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.He was First Chief who effected many Structural Changes in Army for better effectiveness. He was First to adopt "Jai Hind” He effected many Structural Changes in Army for better effectiveness. He was First to adopt "Jai Hind', a slogan of IMA popularised by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, as our Military Slogan.
After retiring from the Indian Army in 1953, he served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.He went on to receive many awards and accolades in his career spanning three decades. Apart from 'Order of the British Empire, he was conferred the "Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit" for his services in Korea as Head of Indian Peace Keeping Force. This was First ever Award given by the President of America to an Indian. Mr Harry Truman was in Chair as President of America who bestowed the hohour to him.
Cariappa kept Army out of Political Reach and Affairs to Maintaining its Autonomy despite being put under a lot of pressure by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He advocated an Apolitical Army.Most importantly,General Cariappa opposed, staunchly rejected and turned down the proposal to Reserve Caste based Vacancies in the Army as had been done in other Government Army will eternally remain indebted to him for this Noble Stand.In 1983, he was conferred the title of Field Marshal by the Government of India.Cariappa retired from Army in 1953.
In his farewell speech, emphasised that the "Army’s job is not to meddle in politics but to give unstinting loyalty to the Elected Government". Cariappa's health began to deteriorate in 1991; he suffered from arthritis and heart problems. He died in his sleep on 15 May 1993, at the age of 94 at the Bangalore Command Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for a few years. His mortal remains were cremated in Madikeri two days later.
Cariappa was a disciplinarian, yet loving father; who ensured that his son Nanda and daughter Nalini grew up well despite the absence of a mother.He wanted his son to follow in his footsteps to join Army but when came to know his intimate desire to be a Pilot, conceded mischievously that "The Air Force needs a few good chaps too". Wing Commander KC (Nanda) Cariappa became a Prisoner of War in the Second Indo-Pak War, in 1965 when his plane was blasted out of the sky over Pakistan.
The arrest of young Cariappa was widely publicised on Radio Pakistan once the identity of the wounded Airman was confirmed. On insistence of President of Pakistan,Field Marshal Ayub Khan; Cariappa was personally summoned to Pakistan Embassy to discuss safety of his son with the President.Ayub Khan suggested;"If you so desire,Sir,Nanda could be released immediately", Cariappa said;"General,treat my son like any other Indian Prisoner of War. He is not only my son but a Soldier who has vowed to give his life to protect his Country.I appreciate your kind gesture, but I must insist that you either release every POW or nobody.It is either ALL or NONE”.
Discovery of a Clarificatory Note by Cariappa in State Archives in Karnataka indicates that the General had definite and strong views about the State of Indian Democracy, prevalent Political Parties/Systems and the future of Linguistic States. As per a news item published in The Times of India dated 20 January 1971, the General wanted to have “President’s cum Military Rule for Five Years" to set things right. This is corroborated by a letter dated 18 May 1947 held in the National Archives of India, written by one Major A A Khan to the then Brigadier Cariappa undergoing a course at Imperial Defence College in Britain.
The letter states; "We had agreed that if our statesmen cannot agree with each other, then they should hand over the Country to Army who will show them how to run it". During a visit to Pakistan in 1958, Cariappa publicly praised the Military Coup by Field Marshal Ayub Khan, his former colleague in the British Indian Army, saying it was a “Chaotic Internal Situation which must have forced the General to plan Imposition of Martial Law in the country to save his homeland from utter ruination”.He fought Lok Sabha Election from Northeast Mumbai in 1971 but lost to Jan Sangh and Congress candidates. It was this gentleman soldier in whose memory, Indian Army celebrates Army Day.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) will host the upcoming Army Day Parade on 15 January 2023, keeping in tune with the decision of holding such events of national importance outside the National Capital in order to give wider visibility and participation to citizens. While the conduct of this historical event at Bengaluru is in recognition of the valour, sacrifices and services of the people of Southern India for the Nation, it is also an apt tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa who hails from Karnataka. For this celebration to become a success, Indian Army had undertaken Extensive Outreach Campaigns and organised various events in Schools/ Colleges/Remote Villages to connect with people from all walks of society.
A series of events showcasing Indian Army’s commitment to Nation Building were conducted by Army Units of Southern Command, prominent being;
a) Southern Star Vijay Run 2022 (Run For Soldiers;Run With Soldiers);
b) Multiple Events depicting Army commitment to the Nation (My Nation:My Country);
c) Blood Donation (Donate Blood;Save Life);
d) Outreach Programme in 75 Remote/Border/Under developed villages (Gram Seva;Rashtra Seva);
e) ‘Vidyanjali’ Scheme, wherein Army Public Schools would affiliate with 75 Government /Government aided schools and share and exchange mutually beneficial development programmes (We are one;We share);
f) Work on creation/ resuscitation of 75 Amrit Sarovars/Ponds (Jal Jeevan Suraksha) for revival of water bodies & ecosystem development;
g) ‘Vraksharopan’ (Paryavaran Suraksha:Desh Suraksha) Plantation of 75,000 saplings for Green India and h) Weapons and equipment display, Band performances, Quiz competitions, Painting & Essay writing Competitions, Cyclothons,Talks by Gallantry Awardees, Presentation on Famous Battles, Visits to War Memorial/Museums based on theme 'Ek Bharat Sarvashreshtha Bharat.
General Manoj Pande, COAS, will lay a Wreath at Bengaluru War Memorial to Honour the Martyrs and then review the Army Day Parade. The Parade will highlight the Military Prowess of the Indian Army and also showcase Army's Transformation into a Future Ready, Technology Savvy, Lethal and Agile Force. Adventure activities like Motorcycle Display, Para Motors and Combat Free Fall are being organised to inspire the younger generations to join Army.
COAS will bestow Gallantry Awards and Unit Citations in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and Units. It is a matter of pride and prudence for retired Soldiers like me to be Lucky to witness the Diamond Jubilee of Army Day.
Colonel Abhay Patwardhan (Retd)
Colonel Abhay Balkrishna Patwardhan (Retd) did his BA in Political Science, B Sc in Biology, M Sc and M Phil in Defence Studies, and MBA in Finance and HR. He got commission in the Special Frontier Force and Commanded 19 Jat Regiment. In his 36-year service with the Army, he handled the insurgency in Nagaland, Mizoram, Khalistan and Kashmir; participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak war; trained the Mukti Bahini, and participated in Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984. He also served as member of the IPKF in Sri Lanka, Commanded a battalion in Tawang, and received Unit Citation for Outstanding Ops against the Chinese in 1990-92.
He served as Instructor in Defence Services College at Wellington; Director of Training at Hq DG, NCC, New Delhi as In charge of the Republic Day Parade and Student Foreign Exchange Program. He received two medals for valour. Besides, he authored a “Reference Book on Disaster Management” in 2001 under Ministry of Defence. The book was released by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Defence Minister George Fernandez.
Col Patwardhan has authored six books in Marathi on Military aspects. He regularly writes in newspapers and magazines, gives lectures and presentations, participate in television debates on matters related to military, security and terrorism. He has been a visiting faculty in National Defence College and National Fire Service College on security and disaster management. He offers free guidance for entry to Defence Forces, Para Military forces, Police, and Service Selection Board interviews. So far 47 candidates have qualified as Officers and 14 as Personnel below the officer rank in defence forces and 39 in para-military forces and police. He is also member on various government bodies/organizations on various aspects of security and disaster management.