Renuka, Lt Colonel Sonia Cherian | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned writer Paul Zacharia here on Saturday released 'Indian Rainbow', written by Lieutenant Colonel Dr Sonia Cherian, at the fourth edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) at Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram.
Handing over the first copy of the book to author George Joseph at the event, Zacharia said, "Indian Rainbow is the most beautiful army story I have ever read in Malayalam and is a fascinating recollection of army memories."
Following which, Sonia Cherian in conversation with Dr N Renuka on the topic 'Life in between Guns', opened up about her army life experiences.
"I joined the military strike corps in 2002. From my personal experience I can tell you, although ours is a patriarchal society, the Indian Army is one place where you can see the highest level of gender equality. We are soldiers there, it doesn't matter whether you are a man or woman," she said.
Recalling an unfortunate experience of meeting a 14-year-old pregnant Rajasthani girl, who could not even hold a pencil let alone write, Sonia opined, "Most of us are merely enjoying the privilege of being born at the right place at the right time."
An artist and writer by passion, Sonia always found time to read books from an early age onwards and never missed out any opportunity to scribble down her experiences.
When asked about the Indian Army's current position in the global geopolitical arena, Sonia said that the Indian army is the best mountain army and one of the best peace keeping forces in the world.
The session came to a close with a question and answer session and the speaker revealing about the intent behind writing her book. "Military stories inspired be to become a soldier. After joining the army, I have always wanted to present the peace keeping role of the army better."
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