The Indian Parliament witnessed high drama on Monday as a confrontation between the Opposition and the Treasury benches led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha. At the heart of the storm is an unpublished memoir titled Four Stars of Destiny, authored by the former Chief of Army Staff, General MM Naravane (Retd).
The deadlock began when the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, repeatedly attempted to read excerpts from a magazine article based on the memoir. Gandhi characterised the suppression of the book as a matter of “national security”.
Gandhi questioned why the government appears “scared” of the former Army chief’s perspective. He noted that the manuscript has been languishing without approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for approximately 1.5 years.
What is ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ About?
General Naravane’s memoir, intended for publication by Penguin, provides a candid look into India’s military operations and policy decisions during one of its most turbulent periods. Key highlights of the book include:
- The Galwan Clash: Naravane was at the helm of the Army during the June 2020 face-off in Eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.
- The Agnipath Scheme: The book reportedly discusses the introduction of the controversial military recruitment policy.
- High-Level Interactions: The narrative includes a detailed account of an interaction with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 31 August 2020, amidst escalating tensions with China.
Former Army chief VP Malik, who led during the Kargil War, provided a blurb for the book, describing it as an “intimate and veritable insight” that provides a “candid narration” of the India-China confrontation.
Why has the Publication Been Delayed?
The primary reason for the delay is a pending review by the Ministry of Defence. Because the content deals directly with sensitive military operations and government policy, it has been subjected to an extended clearance process. Consequently, the book remains in a state of limbo, sparking allegations from the Opposition that the government is suppressing a vital military perspective.
As of early 2026, the highly anticipated memoir of former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane, titled Four Stars of Destiny, remains in a state of administrative limbo. While the manuscript was completed and handed to the publishers over a year ago, it continues to undergo a rigorous security review by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The Current Status: “Maturing Like Aged Wine”
General Naravane has clarified that his role in the publication process is currently complete. Speaking at the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in October 2025, he noted that the book has been under review for more than a year. He stated that the responsibility for obtaining the necessary clearances lies with the publisher. Penguin Random House is responsible for this and remains in constant contact with the MoD.
Naravane famously remarked that the book is “maturing like aged wine” during the review process. He emphasized that the “ball is in the publisher’s and the MoD’s court”.
A Timeline of the Controversy
The delay in publication is not merely procedural but stems from sensitive content that has already sparked political debate.
- December 2023: Initial snippets of the book reach news agencies. These excerpts reveal that the Army’s original proposal for the Agnipath scheme differed significantly from the government’s final version.
- January 2024: The MoD and the Indian Army officially stall the publication. The publisher is instructed to halt the circulation of soft copies and excerpts to allow for a comprehensive security review.
- October 2025: General Naravane confirms the book is still “under review.” He expresses that he enjoyed the writing process, “for better or for worse.”
- January 31, 2026: The Caravan magazine publishes an essay titled “Naravane’s Moment of Truth”. The piece quotes from the unpublished typescript. It highlights a critical 2020 moment where the Prime Minister reportedly told Naravane to “do whatever you deem appropriate” regarding Chinese tanks. This statement effectively placed the decision of potential war on the General.
Questions & Answers: The Naravane Book Row
Who is General MM Naravane?
General MM Naravane served as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. He led the force during critical events, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops.
Why was the Lok Sabha adjourned?
The House was adjourned following a heated face-off. Rahul Gandhi tried to read excerpts from a report about General Naravane’s unpublished book. He cited concerns over national security.
What is the Agnipath scheme mentioned in the book?
The Agnipath scheme is a recruitment model for the Indian Armed Forces that sparked significant debate during General Naravane’s tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ available for purchase?
No, the book is currently unpublished as it awaits the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Defence.
- Which magazine published a report on the book? \
The Caravan recently published a cover story featuring details from General Naravane’s memoir.
- What happened during the Galwan incident described in the book?
In June 2020, a violent face-off occurred at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. This resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. General Naravane’s book provides his perspective on these events and the subsequent military standoff.
- How long has the book been awaiting approval?
The manuscript has reportedly been under review by the MoD for about 1.5 years.