Reading this work of fiction by General Tharakan sent chills up my spine so many times and it completely blew my mind. This book deals with a General Court Martial (GCM) and I have experienced the role played by each character – accused, witness, defending officer, prosecutor and the Commanding Officer of a soldier who went through a similar situation.  I enjoyed this book so much because I could relate with all the scenes in the book.

Portrayal of the incident that led to the GCM and the conduct of the GCM are as accurate as possible. The story is very gripping, and it takes the reader through the minds of the characters. The story is so vivid and fascinating that you would never believe it if it hadn’t happened.

The facts surrounding the crime, mostly perceived by the witnesses while lurid, were also fascinating.  The skill of the defending officer and his quality of the advocacy was brilliant. Reading through the spectacle was an enthralling experience.

The description of the GCM proceedings in a chronological order makes the assimilation of the story easy. The role of the Presiding Officer and members of the GCM, the Judge Advocate, the limits of advocacy, and the rights accorded to the accused in the Indian Army – all changed dramatically during the GCM. The role of social media and visual media coverage, which had a significant impact on the members of the GCM and the witnesses is well etched.

The author has written this book with a great respect for the legal proceedings in the Indian Army and the rule of law. If you were looking for some gossip or cinematic court scenes, you will be disappointed. 

The book illustrates how perceived injustices (justice) is overturned as the Defending Officer presents his logical arguments, leading to the acquittal of the accused, against all perceived odds. 

A reader will find this book to be a terrific read, but this book will be particularly rewarding for anyone who is interested in the role of advocacy in an Indian Army’s system of justice.

I enjoyed this book. I liked it so much that I finished it in three hours in one sitting. I recommend this book to all lawyers, law students or anyone with an interest in Military Law – and above all to all officers of the Defence Forces.

The book is available on Amazon Buy The Second Bullet Book Online at Low Prices in India – Amazon.in

The third Monday in January is deemed the Blue Monday.  It began in 2005 as a marketing gimmick by Sky Travel, a UK travel company, to be the most depressing day of the year. The term was coined in 2004 for Sky Travel by Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and motivational speaker, who claimed that they calculated the date considering the weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere.

Like all Mondays, it is dispirited because one must return to work after the weekend. It is characterised by a lack of energy, fatigue, lack of concentration, weight gain, etc.

The third Monday of January is also the Cheese Lover’s Day and this year it was the day of the Presidential Inauguration of Trump.  Did it make it more depressing for some?

It caught the attention of Canadians as it appeared true.  Year after year, the third week of January recorded very low temperatures. In 2025, the week recorded minus 20°C. During this time of the year, daylight is at a premium, nights are long and cold. It is the time when holiday bills arrive giving many a nightmare. It is also the time when most New Year’s resolutions are broken.

Arnall’s calculations were rejected by the scientific and academic community world over as there is no credible research evidence to show that Blue Monday is more depressing than any other day of the year. It cannot be that this day must be a bad day for everyone.  Some may have it good too. Remember that no single day of the year is universally great for everyone or terrible for everyone

Suggested ways to wade through the Blue Monday is to involve in daily meaningful activities like getting proper sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active, setting up a budget to manage your spending habits, pursuing your hobbies and interests, stay connected with friends and family, avoid drugs and alcohol, etc.  It applies to every day of the year and is not limited to Blue Monday.

During the run up to Blue Monday, some companies advertise their mood-boosting supplements, discounted gym memberships, financial management classes and travel deals to sunny destinations.

The happiest day in Canada on a similar scale is believed to be between June 21 and 24 – the period of Summer Solstice – close to mid-summer.

Now the third Monday of January has been labelled the most depressing day of the year – a notion planted in the consumer for marketing travel deals – and also creating a market desire to fix it.