Wedded to Sabre, Flirting with Quill-A Soldier’s Soulful Foray into Storytelling

Colonel HP Singh, VSM, a decorated Army officer and prolific writer, launched his much-anticipated book A Life Unfiltered: Wedded to Sabre, Flirting with Quill, offering readers a compelling collection of sixty articles rooted in personal experience, wit, philosophy and raw emotion.

Blending the sharp precision of a soldier with the sensitivity of a seasoned storyteller, Col Singh takes readers on a captivating journey—from childhood memories at a boarding school to life-defining moments in combat zones and helicopter cockpits. His stories, written over a decade and many previously published in leading newspapers, are rich in humour, introspection and philosophical insight.

“In the army, discipline and routine define you. Writing, for me, became a release—a distillation of thought,” said Col HP Singh. “This book isn’t just about my life. It’s about our shared experiences, our small joys, stumbles and triumphs. If even one reader feels inspired to pick up a pen after reading it, I will consider the mission accomplished.”

The title encapsulates Col Singh’s dual identities: one rooted in soldiering, the other in storytelling. The book reflects on themes as diverse as loss, camaraderie, humour, marriage, the pandemic, and even philosophical dilemmas, making it deeply relatable for readers from all walks of life.

“I wanted to move beyond being boxed into ‘military writing’. Life offers a broader canvas—and I’ve tried to explore it with empathy and honesty,” he explained. “Some stories may make you laugh; others may leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the page.”

Pooja Bedi, his schoolmate and noted public figure, summed up the book aptly in her blurb: “With warmth, wit and wisdom, the author invites readers to explore stories with nostalgia that inspires connection.”

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, says, “Colonel Harvinder Pal Singh, a decorated army officer and accomplished writer, blends rich life experiences into his book. Spanning childhood, military service, and personal reflections, the articles captivate with humour, insight, and depth, leaving readers eagerly awaiting a sequel.”

A gripping, heartwarming, and thought-provoking read, the book is a tribute to the untold stories that live within us all.

About the Author: Col HP Singh, VSM, is a fourth-generation soldier, an alumnus of The Lawrence School Sanawar and NDA, Khadakvasla. A Kargil War veteran, helicopter pilot, and decorated officer, he has served extensively in high-conflict zones including Siachen and Kashmir. A passionate writer, his articles have appeared in The Tribune, Hindustan Times, and The Speaking Tree. Known affectionately as “EchPee”, he continues to pen stories that resonate with depth and candour.