Chandigarh | November 9, 2025 09:23 AM IST 2 min readUT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria during the launch of ‘Boots, Bonds and Belly Laughs’. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)Written by Asmita SainiRetired Colonel Avnish Sharma unveiled his debut book, “Boots, Bonds and Belly Laughs” at the Military Literature Festival 2025 on Friday, presenting a collection that turns everyday moments from military life into warm, humorous and reflective narratives.“Soldiers are often perceived as stoic, men with a stiff upper lip,” Col Sharma said at the launch. “But behind that tough exterior resides a simple soul with an uncanny funny bone. I wanted my non-fauji brothers and sisters to see this lighter, more human side of a soldier.”The book, which compiles his previously published columns, has been two years in the making. It revisits the camaraderie, routines, pressures and emotional undercurrents that shape a soldier’s journey, from the parade ground to field postings.Explaining the title, Sharma said, “Boots signify the soldier in service of the nation. Bonds represent the brotherhood and bonhomie that bind us within the forces and with our brethren in the civilian world. Belly Laughs are those moments of joy and emotional fulfilment that keep us human amidst the rigours of military life.”Drawing on 27 years of service, the anecdotes, he said, are all rooted in real experiences. “All stories are facts, though they’ve been crafted into a readable format without compromising authenticity.”From joining as a 19-year-old cadet to retiring at 47, Sharma said the phases of military life brought pride, humour and reflection in equal measure. The book revisits friendships forged through training, the quiet trust built in units and the shared humour that sustains soldiers far from home.Story continues below this ad“Every incident I’ve written about reflects the beauty and pleasure of serving in uniform. The bonds shared with troops, colleagues and superiors stay with you long after the uniform is folded,” he said.Through “Boots, Bonds and Belly Laughs”, Sharma hopes readers will see the soldier behind the rank — one who laughs, loves and lives like anyone else, only with a touch more discipline and a great deal more courage.The author is an intern with The Indian ExpressStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd