Vishwas Nangre Patil - Win All Your Battles

Contents

I t rarely happens that when two people meet they instantly connect. It is human nature to judge most of the time, to evaluate a person based on your own IQ and form opinions about them. But none of this happened with Vishwas and me. Our wavelengths matched instantly, we formed a deep connection, and our friendship was inevitable. Taking that connection forward, over the years we have interacted on diverse subjects and have taken numerous initiatives for the welfare of our farmers, drought-affected people of western Maharashtra, and families of martyrs and policemen working as frontline warriors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have shared our life experiences with each other, and we both have the same dream of serving and giving back to society.

Of course, for who he is, in such a high place, there are always people who want to know him, befriend him, flaunt that they know Vishwas Nangre Patil, and sure Vishwas too has friends in high places and contacts to reach, whichever office of the country he chooses, but he is one of those rare individuals who if needed, will use all of his networks only to help someone or guide someone and also to solve the cases he works on to see justice is done where it is deserved. I can give you many such examples but as you read the book, you will understand the underlying subtext, of what the man is. On a lighter note, Id like to add that I modelled my character of Veer Sooryavanshi, in the movie Sooryavanshi, on Vishwas. He looks good in the uniform, and I thought if I could carry the police uniform, which I hugely respect, Id have done at least the physical appearance of my character right.

Ive had the privilege of knowing Vishwas Nangre Patil for over a decade now, and it is with absolute pride that I write the foreword for the English edition of his book Kar Har Maidan Fateh [Win All Your Battles]. This book is about the moulding and building of an IPS officer, just like the transformation of raw material into the final, refined product. Its about the journey of a young lad who, with his serious determination, relentless consistency and ironclad dedication, is groomed into a seasoned policeman. It is a book about how a young boy with limited means from a humble village got selected for the elite police service, and how the training process at the academy strengthened his abilities and instilled a spirit of service in him.

Vishwas, in Win All your Battles, talks about his encounters with unforeseen challenges that life presents. He describes elaborately the training he received at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. He talks about the crucial lessons he learnt during his training period and how these lessons helped him in tackling mobs, handling law-and-order situations and solving some serious crimes later in his career. He speaks in detail about how the rigorous indoor and outdoor training moulded him and helped him imbibe the qualities that were necessary to overcome challenges in his personal and professional life. The part that really caught my attention is when he speaks about the field tactics and the presence of mind, that he learnt during his training period, which helped him immensely in combating the terrorists at the Taj Hotel during the deadly Mumbai terror attacks on 26 November 2008. A day no Indian can forget

This book is also an essential read for every youth in this country wishing to serve the nation, as Vishwas explains through his own example the importance of self-discipline, perseverance and hard work. He tells the youth how they can equip themselves to face any challenge in life, develop courage, and walk that extra mile for the benefit of societyvirtues that are dear to my heart as well.

I especially want to call out two portions from the book. One, where Vishwas speaks about how he started worshipping his profession after his encounter with an old lady in an Uttar Pradesh village. In his words, From then on, I pledged that every person who walks into my office is my God. Working became really easy after that. There remained no difference between my professional duties and service to God.

And the other is Shri Ajit Dovals speech during the IPS passing out parade that Vishwas quotes in the book. Mr Doval said that it is essential for each one of us to develop our own personal brand that epitomizes our values, beliefs, upbringing and ethics. The youth must follow this life mantra. Vishwas has, over the years, exemplified this mantra and has succeeded in making his brand an inspiring one. Today, every young person in Maharashtra knows about Vishwas and many try to emulate him. They consider him a role model.

But not everything is just about only the good. In Win All Your Battles, Vishwas candidly talks about his failings and weaknesses, his inferiority complexes and how he managed to overcome them. I would personally like to add that no two situations will be the same for you in life, and life will keep throwing both good and bad, triumph and failure, love and hate to you. Being prepared for all situations, one should consciously work on and try to imbibe the mental strength, physical fitness, discipline, commitment and enthusiasm that the author himself embodies. He also emphasizes taking charge of ones own lifenot letting astrology or palmistry decide your future! One should take life head-on! Look into the other persons eye and not be cowed down! Who were the constellationsAmavasya, Rahu, Ketu, and Shanito come in my way? says the author. The life of a police officer is not an easy one. One needs to cultivate physical, mental and spiritual capabilities to become a successful public servant, as Vishwas rightly mentions.

Over his decades of service, Vishwas put all his learnings into practice: initiatives like the Nirbhaya Squad, banning of Dolby systems during Ganesh Chaturthi to curb nuisance to people, youth parliament to give the young a taste of policymaking and a host of other welfare schemes for the employees of the police department and their families. And more recently, his work during the COVID-19 outbreak, curbing its spread in Maharashtra. He speaks of that in the book.

The love and care Vishwas has towards his police family is remarkable. I have seen him going to great lengths to bring about changes in the police subculture, so his fellow officers feel less pressurized at work, and spend more quality time with their families.

I would like to sum up this foreword by saying this book is straight from the heart. It is written with utmost sincerity. It is not a sermon on morality, but something for everyone to read and ponder. It educates you about various social evils such as the negative effects of social media, cybercrime, online abuse and drug addiction. It offers valuable counsel on how youth can safeguard themselves from these challenges. It tells parents to ensure that their children dont fall victim to such crimes. It provides guidance to girls and women on protecting themselves from harassment at home and elsewhere.

I congratulate all those who have put their efforts into making this book possible. I hope it reaches as far as it can go in inspiring and guiding anyone who wants to serve their country.

In the end, I will just say, Vishwas, I am so happy for you, my friend.

To serving more,