Who Dares Wins: A Soldier’s Memoir by Lt. General Y. K. Joshi, published in 2025, is a deeply inspiring and emotional memoir of a soldier who rose from a modest background to become one of India’s most respected Army leaders. Best known as a key figure in the Kargil War, Lt. Gen. Joshi shares his life’s journey with raw honesty from his early days as a young cadet with no military background to commanding the 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles during one of India’s toughest battles, Operation Vijay. The book is filled with gripping battlefield stories, moving personal experiences, and powerful lessons in leadership, discipline, and courage.
This autobiography is more than just a war memoir and it is a heartfelt tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers like Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, and a reflection on what it means to serve the nation. The narrative is both emotional and thought-provoking, offering readers a rare look into the mind of a soldier who led from the front. Lt. Gen. Joshi’s story is not just about war, but about resilience, hope, and the spirit to rise against all odds. Who Dares Wins is a must-read for every Indian who wants to understand the real meaning of courage, sacrifice, and patriotic service.
Read Also: Devi: Gripping Kolkata Crime Thriller by Prasun Roy
Availability, Formats, and Where to Buy
Who Dares Wins: A Soldier’s Memoir by Lt. General Y. K. Joshi, published by Penguin Veer on 4 January 2025, is currently available in English only. The book is offered in both hardcover and Kindle formats. The hardcover edition, priced at ₹448, is perfect for collectors and traditional readers, while the Kindle edition, available at just ₹315, is a more affordable and convenient option for those who prefer digital reading on the go. This powerful memoir can be purchased from multiple platforms, including Amazon India, Flipkart, Shubadinam, and eBay. Whether you choose the tactile feel of a hardcover or the ease of digital access, Who Dares Wins is readily available to suit every reader’s preference.
Read Also: Rambo Biography: Major Sudhir Walia’s True Story
About the Author: Lt. General Yogesh Kumar Joshi
Lt. General Yogesh Kumar Joshi was born on 5 January 1962 in Faridabad, Haryana. After completing his early education in Delhi, he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and later the Indian Military Academy (IMA), where he was commissioned into the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on 12 June 1982. Over the next four decades, he rose through the ranks of the Indian Army, becoming one of its most respected and decorated officers. Known for his pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War, Lt. Gen. Joshi commanded the 13 JAK Rif battalion during the conflict, leading his men through some of the most difficult operations in the Dras and Mushkoh sectors. His leadership during the Kargil War, particularly helped India in the capture of strategic points like Point 5140, earned him the Vir Chakra for gallantry. Under his command, 13 JAK RIF was awarded 37 gallantry awards, including two Param Vir Chakras, eight Vir Chakras, and 14 Sena Medals.
His leadership was instrumental in the success of Operation Vijay, and he served alongside legends like Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar both of whom were awarded the Param Vir Chakra. For his own bravery, Lt. Gen. Joshi was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Throughout his career, he held several prestigious positions, including Defence Attaché in Beijing, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division in Leh, head of the XIV Corps (Fire & Fury Corps), and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. He also played a crucial role during the 2020 India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh. An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, National Defence College, and Higher Command Course, Lt. Gen. Joshi was recognized with numerous awards for his service, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vir Chakra (VrC), and Sena Medal (SM).
He retired in 2022 after nearly 40 years of exemplary service to the nation. His autobiography, Who Dares Wins, published in January 2025, offers a candid and inspiring look into his life, leadership, and experiences on and off the battlefield and the ethos of the Indian Army, serving as an inspiration for future generations. Through personal stories, operational insights, and reflections on sacrifice and duty, the book stands as a powerful tribute to the Indian Army and its enduring values.
Read Also: Heart Lamp Book Review | Booker Prize 2025 Winner
Themes Explored in Who Dares Wins by Lt. Gen. Y. K. Joshi
- The Journey of Courage and Determination: At its core, Who Dares Wins is a powerful story of courage, self-belief, and the will to succeed against all odds. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected generals in the Indian Army, Joshi’s life shows that dreams can come true with discipline and relentless effort. His account of leading the 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles during the Kargil War is filled with bravery and leadership under pressure. He never giving up, even when faced with the harshest of challenges, runs through every chapter of Who Dares Wins.
- Leadership During Crisis: One of the strongest things is shown in Who Dares Wins is leadership in times of war and uncertainty. Whether commanding troops in freezing conditions at Kargil or taking over a battalion in the middle of combat, Lt. Gen. Joshi reveals how true leadership is not about titles, but about responsibility, courage, and decision-making. His ability to inspire trust, act with clarity under fire, and lead from the front makes this book a practical guide on military leadership, applicable even in civilian life.
- The Human Side of a Soldier’s Life: Who Dares Wins also explores the deeply emotional and personal side of a soldier’s journey. Lt. Gen. Joshi opens up about his own doubts, the pain of losing comrades, and the sacrifices made by soldiers’ families. These moments in the book remind readers that behind every uniform is a human being with emotions, fears, and dreams. The book beautifully balances battlefield tactics with personal memories, making it both powerful and touching.
- Patriotism and National Duty: A deep love for the nation and commitment to duty are evident throughout Who Dares Wins. Lt. Gen. Joshi’s narrative highlights what it means to serve the country, not just during war, but every single day. His role in Operation Vijay, his postings along the China border, and his international assignment in Angola all reflect a life guided by the spirit of service. This book makes readers feel proud of the Indian Army and grateful for the brave hearts who protect the nation.
- Mentorship and Team Spirit: Another key theme in Who Dares Wins is the importance of mentors, camaraderie, and teamwork in the military. Joshi shares stories of the people who inspired and guided him, and of those he mentored in return. From cadet days at NDA to commanding men in Kargil, the book shows how strong bonds, mutual respect, and trust shape military success. The bookoffers life lessons on how mutual support and team spirit can lead to extraordinary achievements.
- Facing Adversity with Resilience: Resilience is a recurring theme in Who Dares Wins. From choosing infantry as his last preference to rising through the ranks, Joshi’s journey teaches readers how to turn setbacks into opportunities. Whether dealing with tough terrain, political tensions, or personal disappointments, the author’s ability to keep going reflects true mental strength. This bookis an inspiring reminder that resilience is often the key to long-term success.
- Transformation Through Training and Discipline: One of the less obvious but deeply powerful things explored in Who Dares Wins is how rigorous military training shapes not just soldiers, but leaders. Lt. Gen. Y. K. Joshi shares vivid accounts of his time at the National Defence Academy and early infantry experiences that reveal how discipline, physical hardship, and constant self-evaluation prepared him for bigger responsibilities. This book goes beyond drills and duties it is about internal transformation. Who Dares Wins highlights how training pushes individuals to break limitations, develop mental sharpness, and evolve into leaders who can be trusted with lives and national security.
- Bridging Cultures and Building Strategic Understanding: Another rich theme in Who Dares Wins is the importance of diplomacy and cultural awareness in military leadership. Lt. Gen. Joshi’s tenure as a UN Military Observer in Angola and his extensive interactions with Chinese counterparts show that being a soldier also involves building trust, reading intentions, and understanding geopolitical sensitivities. His stories reflect how crucial it is for Indian military leaders to be not only tough warriors but also thoughtful representatives of India on the global stage. Who Dares Wins shows how successful military leadership includes not just battlefield tactics but the ability to navigate diverse global situations with tact and insight.
- A Soldier’s Legacy and Reflections: In the later chapters, Who Dares Wins turns reflective, capturing the thoughts of a senior officer looking back at decades of service. Lt. Gen. Joshi speaks about the highs and lows of military life, the meaning of retirement, and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. These thoughtful reflections offer readers a glimpse into the mind of a soldier who has lived a full, purpose-driven life. The book ends on a deeply personal note that leaves readers both inspired and emotional.
Why You Should Read and Own Who Dares Wins
Who Dares Wins by Lt. General Y. K. Joshi is not only a powerful memoir of a soldier’s life but also a rare insight into the journey of a high-ranking officer in the Indian Army. The book is well-designed with a strong hardcover, easy-to-read font, and includes about 16 pages of colour photographs that capture key moments from the author’s life and his childhood, family, NDA days, scenes from the Kargil War, a flag meeting at Chushul, and more. Spread across 20 engaging chapters, the 240-page memoir ends with a thoughtful final chapter titled “Whose Retirement Is It Anyway?” Rich in personal stories, leadership lessons, and historical detail, Who Dares Wins is a compelling read that many readers have found impossible to put down.
The book includes clear translations of Hindi expressions and helpful footnotes, making it easy to understand for all kinds of readers. The writing style is sharp, engaging, and heartfelt, turning it into a gripping read for both those interested in the military and general readers alike.
Who Dares Wins is more than just a soldier’s story instead it is a call to dream big, stay disciplined, and push through life’s toughest challenges. Lt. Gen. Y. K. Joshi offers valuable leadership insights that resonate with both young readers and working professionals. His journey reflects the strength of character, clarity of purpose, and deep sense of service that define true leadership. This memoir offers a moving and honest perspective on duty, sacrifice, and what it means to live a life committed to the nation. This is the inspiring story of a soldier who dared to dream and went on to motivate generations.
Read Also: The Fearless Judge Book Review: Justice Ahmadi’s Life
Final Thought
Who Dares Wins is more than just a soldier’s story and it is a powerful reminder of the courage, discipline, and sacrifice that define the Indian Army. Lt. Gen. Y.K. Joshi opens his heart to the readers, sharing not only the highs of battlefield victories but also the emotional weight of leadership and loss. Through every page, we feel the pride, pain, and patriotism of a man who dared to lead from the front. This memoir is not just for those interested in military life, but for every Indian who wants to understand the true meaning of serving the nation. It leaves you inspired, humbled, and deeply grateful for the bravery of our soldiers.
Read Also: Bravest of the Brave by Satish Dua– Fearless Hero
