The Silence After Victory
"Peace is a beautiful thing to hold,
yet its creation is harsh and cold.
It demands a sacrifice few can give
to ensure others are free to live."
A collection of twenty-one poems
The Unsung Breath of Heroes
Where silence speaks, and sacrifice breathes.
Officially inaugurated by Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
War is not just the clash of arms, nor is patriotism a flag fluttering in the wind. They are deeply human contradictions, where love meets loss, courage walks with fear, and duty speaks through silence.
Guardians in the Gale is a collection of 21 poems that reflect not on the glory of war, but on its quiet, often unseen truths — a soldier's final letter, a mother's folded grief, a spy's lonely mission. These verses reach beyond action to explore the soul of service.
From snow-laced borders to silent waiting rooms, each poem captures not just how soldiers die, but how they live, love, and carry the weight of a nation's promise. Writing from the perspective of a fading hero, a grieving wife, or even the flag itself, this collection dares to feel war without armour, and patriotism without noise.
"These verses reach beyond action to explore the soul of service."
To the guardians of our freedom —
who brave the fiercest storms and harshest terrains,
whose sacrifices light the path toward our nation's future.
To the soldiers who stand unwavering at the borders,
their resolve unbroken, their courage unmatched,
ready to lay down their lives for the soil they hold sacred.
To the mothers, fathers, children, and loved ones
who silently bear the weight of separation —
their sacrifices no less noble than those on the frontlines.
And to the unsung heroes whose names remain unknown,
whose stories are etched not in books,
but in the very heartbeat of a free nation —
this book is for you.
"Until those who are silenced find their voice, the world will only hear the victor's version of the story."
History is often told by those who prevailed. Yet, in the shadows of every triumph lie the stories of countless unsung heroes — soldiers, freedom fighters, and their families — whose sacrifices made those victories possible.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the armed forces, I have always been moved by the strength, discipline, and sacrifices of soldiers who dedicate their lives to the nation. These are individuals who do not fight for glory or recognition, but for the enduring love of their country. Their stories — often overshadowed by the larger narratives of war — deserve to be remembered, cherished, and passed on.
May these words carry the voices of those who stood in the gale — guarding not just our borders, but the very dreams of a nation.
Six glimpses into the collection — the rest live between the covers.
"Peace is a beautiful thing to hold,
yet its creation is harsh and cold.
It demands a sacrifice few can give
to ensure others are free to live."
"No god nor devil can halt my hand,
I fight for justice, for my sacred land.
With every bullet, a promise is made
for the innocent lives they dared to trade."
"Peace is not distant, though hard to define,
its roots lie buried where losses align.
The height of peace has yet to kiss the sky
but its roots run deep where hearts still cry."
"When you read this, time may decide,
I'll either return to stand by your side,
or wrapped in the tricolour, I may lie still,
my love eternal, my duty fulfilled."
"No clock may tick, no bell may chime,
yet their vigilance defies all time.
In the constellations, their spirits gleam,
guarding the heart of every dream."
"Fear is a shadow we will not meet,
for he who fears conquered is sure of defeat.
Our hearts beat strong, our minds stay clear,
for the soil we defend, there's no room for fear."
Fifteen more poems wait inside — Read Them All
An official national record, held for this collection.
Formally launched by Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon'ble CM of Uttarakhand.
From Chief Ministers, Governors, service chiefs, Harvard and Buckingham Palace.
"आपकी यह कृति उन मूक नायकों और उनके परिवारों के त्यागमय जीवन को कविताओं के माध्यम से जिस संवेदनशीलता से अभिव्यक्त करती है, वह सचमुच हृदय को स्पर्श करती है। मुझे विश्वास है कि यह पुस्तक विशेष रूप से युवाओं में देशभक्ति, कर्तव्यपरायणता और समर्पण की भावना को और सशक्त करेगी।"
"Your words resonate with passion and emotions; each line offering a quiet salute to those in uniform and to the families who wait in hope. Your poems have a sense of purpose, building bridges of understanding and illuminating the sacrifices of the brave."
"आपकी काव्य रचनाएं न केवल सृजनात्मक प्रतिभा का प्रमाण है, बल्कि उन वीरों को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि भी है, जिनकी निःशब्द तपस्या हमारे राष्ट्र की नींव है। यह देखकर गर्व होता है कि आपके शब्दों में स्मृति भी है और संदेश भी।"
"भारतीय सैनिकों के साहस, त्याग, कर्तव्यनिष्ठा एवं उनके परिवारों के धैर्य को समर्पित आपकी कविताएँ अत्यंत संवेदनशील और प्रेरणादायी हैं। आपकी लेखनी में भारतीय सशस्त्र बलों के प्रति गहरी श्रद्धा और राष्ट्र के प्रति समर्पण स्पष्ट रूप से परिलक्षित होता है।"
"Your writings reflect maturity and a genuine commitment to preserving the values of courage, duty and sacrifice through literature. Whether in uniform or through your pen, service to the nation is ultimately measured by character, integrity and the positive impact one leaves on society."
"Wings of Vigilance and The Eternal Watch are very impressive and catch the spirit of our esteemed organisation."
"Your poem 'The Hands That Do Not Tremble' touched me profoundly. You have intuitively understood what many overlook: that medicine in the theatre of service is not just about science, it is about courage, compassion and calm in the face of chaos."
"To author a book at the age of fifteen is an achievement worthy of great appreciation. Your words reveal not only literary talent but also a deep understanding of the values that underpin military service."
The original letters of appreciation. Tap any letter to read it closely.
Guardians in the Gale is a collection of 21 poems by Siddhant Kumar that reflect on the quiet, unseen truths of war — honouring the Indian Armed Forces, covert operatives, and the families who wait at home.
The book was written by the young Indian poet and author Siddhant Kumar, an India Book of Records 2027 official record holder, whose writing focuses on national duty, human longing, and the silent sacrifices of the military.
It is an India Book of Records 2027 record-holding work, was officially inaugurated by Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and has received letters of appreciation from Chief Ministers, Governors, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, senior commanders of the Armed Forces, Harvard professors and Buckingham Palace.
The collection contains 21 poems, each tied to a real chapter of Indian military history — from the 1967 Nathu La clashes and the 1971 war to Kargil, 26/11, and the silent world of special forces and intelligence.
The book is available online through Amazon India.
Twenty-one poems for the ones who never asked to be remembered — and deserve to be.