Book Review: Lt Gen KJS Dhillon's 'Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari' — Where Duty Meets Dharma
In an era where corporate boardrooms are saturated with leadership mantras borrowed from Silicon Valley and the Ivy League, Lt. Gen. KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon’s second book, Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari, arrives like a breath of fresh Indian air. It is a management treatise on leadership, grounded in over four decades of hands-on experience in the Indian Army. More importantly, it is a soulful document rooted deeply in Bharatiya values, blending military precision with spiritual compassion and presenting a model of leadership that goes beyond profit, targets, and competition.
The book charts the general’s life journey, from a fresh-faced teenage cadet to the uppermost echelons of military leadership. Yet, this is not merely a memoir. Rather, it is a distillation of leadership insights refined through real-life battles, rigorous training, and, most of all, an unwavering adherence to dharma, or ethical duty. In doing so, Dhillon crafts a manual that is as much for aspiring CEOs and startup founders as it is for young military officers.
Unlike the Western approach to management, which often emphasises results at the cost of human relationships, Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari champions a uniquely Indian approach—one where loyalty (wafadari), integrity (imaandari), and responsibility (zimmedari) are not just abstract virtues but actionable imperatives. These qualities, as Dhillon presents them, form the pillars of leadership that can transform not just organisations, but societies.
Structure And Accessibility
The book is remarkably well-structured. Each chapter is neatly laid out with sharply defined subheads that allow for quick navigation and effortless absorption. The prose is simple, crisp, and non-intimidating—even for readers unfamiliar with military terminology or management jargon. This is a book one can finish in a few sittings, but its impact lingers far longer. One can also savour it chapter by chapter, allowing the stories and lessons to sink in slowly.
Dhillon is a natural storyteller. Rather than listing theories or citing case studies from Harvard Business Review, he draws on personal anecdotes from his life in uniform—many of which are deeply moving, some even humorous, but all instructive. Whether he’s describing the emotional terrain of a battlefield or the subtle interplay of hierarchy and camaraderie in an army unit, his stories make the lessons stick.
Key Themes: Eagle Leadership And Human Warfare
One of the standout chapters in the book is on the "Habits of Eagle Leadership," where Dhillon quotes an African proverb: “A cat that dreams of becoming a lion must lose its appetite for rats.” This is leadership wisdom at its finest: unambiguous, vivid, and memorable. It’s one of many such gems in the book, where metaphors are used not to decorate the prose but to embed truths that readers can carry with them.
Another significant contribution the book makes is in demystifying the culture of the Indian Army. Dhillon dedicates chapters to explaining why the Indian armed forces are unique, not merely in their professionalism but in their humanity. He contrasts this with other militaries, showing how the Indian Army wins hearts as well as battles. His reflections offer civilian readers a rare insight into a world governed by honour, brotherhood, and an almost sacred respect for the chain of command.
The Bharatiya Ethos
What truly distinguishes this book is its insistence on the Bharatiya model of leadership. Spirituality, empathy, and kinship are not soft traits to be brushed aside; they are central to effective leadership. Dhillon recounts how a commanding officer’s responsibility extends beyond the battlefield to the very families of his soldiers. The paltan is not just a team; it is a family. The commanding officer is not just a boss; he is a father figure, a brother, and a protector.
Equally touching is the role of the Memsahibs, the wives of officers who act as maternal figures and silent leaders in their own right within the military ecosystem. Their courage, resilience, and grace hold the emotional fabric of army life together. Dhillon pays tribute to their quiet heroism, reinforcing the idea that leadership is a collective ethos, not a solitary pursuit.
Dharma Over Protocol
Another powerful idea running through the book is the concept of ‘Dharmic Leadership.’ Unlike religious doctrine, dharma here stands for the moral compass that guides action in complex, high-stakes situations. Dhillon recounts stories where Indian soldiers upheld ethical standards even when it meant bending military rules—for example, helping a Pakistani civilian cross back home safely or honoring a slain enemy officer in the aftermath of battle.
Such stories challenge the modern corporate belief that ethics are luxuries to be indulged only when convenient. Dhillon makes a compelling case that true leadership is not about power but about responsibility—not about dominance but about service. These are not just military lessons; they are timeless life lessons.
Steel in Velvet
One of the most poignant observations in the book is the paradox of the Indian officer — fierce in battle yet genteel in demeanour. The author remembers a relative, a retired brigadier, whose soft-spoken manner seemed at odds with the image of a battlefield commander. But Dhillon helps decode this contradiction. It is not a contradiction at all, he argues. It is what makes Indian leadership unique: steel in velvet gloves.
Final Thoughts
Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari is more than a leadership guide; it is a manifesto for humane leadership in an increasingly transactional world. It is a reminder that leading others is not just about metrics or outcomes but about trust, compassion, and courage.
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon emerges from this book not just as a battle-hardened commander but as a philosopher-warrior — a true kshatriya who carries the soul of Bharat even in a UN peacekeeping uniform. For young professionals, aspiring leaders, or anyone grappling with the moral dilemmas of leadership, this book offers clarity, warmth, and a deeply rooted Indian wisdom that is sorely missing in today’s managerial discourse.
Read it not just to become a better leader but to become a better human being.
Book: Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari
Writer: Lt Gen KJS Dhillon
Publisher: Penguin Veer
Price: Rs 377
(The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author)
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