The H-Hour is more than a debut book—it is a living tribute to the young Indian Army officers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. Through heartfelt letters, biographical sketches, and moments from the frontlines, author Anshul Rathi humanises the courage and sacrifice of seven young men who stood unflinching in the face of certain death. Each story reveals not just a soldier in uniform, but a son, a friend, a dreamer, reminding us that the price of freedom is always personal.
On August 26, 2025, Rathi presented The H-Hour to His Excellency Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun. What unfolded was far more than a ceremonial exchange. The Governor, himself a decorated Army officer, absorbed the book’s essence with keen interest and told the author, “You are doing service for the nation. We are very proud of you.”
For Rathi, those words became a defining milestone. “To hear this from someone who has lived that life of service was overwhelming. It made me feel that the book had fulfilled its purpose—to honour our soldiers in the truest sense,” he shared.
Unlike routine presentations, the Governor’s engagement carried weight. He did not merely receive the book—he recognised its mission: to preserve the memory of sacrifice and ensure that future generations understand the cost behind the peace they enjoy. That recognition turned the author’s effort into something much larger than himself.
The H-Hour has already drawn praise from Acharya Balakrishna (Patanjali Group), Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat (Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, MP Haridwar), and the Graphic Era Group of Institutions, Dehradun. Yet, the acknowledgment from the Hon’ble Governor stands as its most powerful endorsement, bridging history, memory, and service.
“I began writing this book when I first read the letters and accounts of young officers who gave their all for the nation. Their voices deserved to be heard again—not as distant history, but as deeply human stories of courage and love for the motherland,” Rathi reflects.
The H-Hour is not only a war narrative. It is a reminder, a legacy, and a salute. For readers seeking to connect with the human face of sacrifice, this book offers a rare chance to pause, reflect, and feel gratitude.
📖 Book Title: The H-Hour
🎖️ Theme: Tribute to the Kargil War heroes
📍 From: Saharanpur, India
📸 Instagram: @bettercallanshul
