Head Held High

The book Head Held High is an account of IPS officer Vishwas Nangre Patil's life, including his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It showcases his grit and determination to join the Indian civil services, and his inspiring story is sure to strike a chord with those who aspire to join the Indian civil services.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Random House India

Whenever decorated officer Vishwas Nangre Patil recalls the memories of Diwali from his childhood days, the sounds of firecrackers often transform into the deafening grenade blasts from the night of 26/11. It was his grit, cultivated over the years from the neck-breaking labor of studying for the UPSC exams, that had enabled him to power on and gun down the terrorists inside the Taj Mahal Palace hotel during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Head Held High, translated from the Marathi book Mann Mein Hai Vishwas, is an account of IPS officer Vishwas Nangre Patil's life—from his humble background, through school, college, long hours of studying for the UPSC examinations to the final selection to the IPS cadre and, eventually, his role in the counterterrorism operations during the Mumbai attacks. This moving and authentic account of the most formative and challenging years of his life is sure to strike a chord with those who aspire to join the Indian civil services.

Introduction:
Decorated officer Vishwas Nangre Patil's memories of Diwali from his childhood days are intertwined with the haunting echoes of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. The sounds of firecrackers, once filled with joy and celebration, now evoke the terrifying memories of grenade blasts. It was his unwavering determination and resilience, cultivated through years of arduous UPSC exam preparation, that propelled him to confront and neutralize the terrorists within the Taj Mahal Palace hotel during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Early Life and Education:
Vishwas Nangre Patil's journey began in a small village in Maharashtra, where he grew up in a family of farmers. Despite the limited resources available, his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a thirst for knowledge. He dedicated himself to his studies, spending countless hours pouring over books and preparing for the prestigious UPSC exams. The rigors of the exam process tested his physical and mental strength, but Vishwas remained steadfast in his pursuit of a career in the Indian civil services.

The UPSC Exams:
The UPSC exams, known as the Civil Services Examination, are the gateway to a career in the Indian civil services. The exams are highly competitive, with only a few hundred candidates selected each year. The preparation requires rigorous academic study, extensive reading, and intense practice. Vishwas Nangre Patil spent years preparing for the exams, sacrificing his personal life and social interactions. He dedicated himself to his studies, waking up early in the morning and studying until late at night.

The Final Selection:
After years of hard work, Vishwas Nangre Patil was finally selected to join the IPS cadre, one of the most prestigious and challenging branches of the Indian civil services. His journey from a humble background to the halls of power was a testament to his determination and perseverance. Vishwas began his career as an IPS officer in a remote village in Maharashtra, where he faced numerous challenges and obstacles.

The Mumbai Attacks:
However, it was his role in the counterterrorism operations during the 2008 Mumbai attacks that truly showcased his courage and skill. The attacks, carried out by a group of terrorists, left a devastating impact on the city and its residents. Vishwas was deployed to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, where he faced a relentless onslaught of gunfire and explosions. Despite the overwhelming odds, he remained calm and composed, using his training and experience to neutralize the terrorists and save countless lives.

Head Held High:
Head Held High, a book translated from the Marathi original Mann Mein Hai Vishwas, is an account of Vishwas Nangre Patil's life, from his humble beginnings to his role in the Mumbai attacks. The book provides a deep insight into his character, his struggles, and his triumphs. It is a must-read for anyone who aspires to join the Indian civil services, as it offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Conclusion:
Vishwas Nangre Patil's story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and hard work. His journey from a small village to the halls of power is a reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset and a strong commitment to one's goals. His role in the Mumbai attacks showcased his bravery and skill, and his book provides a valuable insight into his life and career. Aspiring to join the Indian civil services, read Head Held High and be inspired by the incredible journey of Vishwas Nangre Patil.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780143454960