Winning the TRI Literary Awards Season 3 is no small feat, and Marching in the Pursuit of Olive Green by BM Chanakya Shastri is a resounding and well-deserved winner. It is not merely a book—it’s a rallying call to every dreamer, an anthem of perseverance, and a heartfelt journal of a young individual’s pursuit of something greater than himself. This book does not just speak to future officers of the Indian Armed Forces, but to every youth standing at the crossroads of dreams and doubts, fear and fire, rejection and resilience. As a reviewer and reader, this book left a lasting impression on me—not because of grandiosity, but because of its rare blend of authenticity, emotional truth, and inspirational grit.
A Voice Rooted in Truth
Right from the first chapter, what stands out is the voice. BM Chanakya Shastri doesn’t write with literary pretension or polished, inaccessible prose. Instead, he writes with sincerity, vulnerability, and clarity. His language is simple yet deeply effective, as if he’s speaking directly to the reader—a friend, a brother, or a fellow aspirant. That sincerity becomes the most powerful tool in the book, because you don’t just read Marching in the Pursuit of Olive Green, you feel it. You feel the highs of clearing a test, the sting of rejection, the long nights of preparation, the tearful moments of doubt, and above all, the burning desire to wear the olive green.
Beyond the SSB: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Although this book is positioned around the Services Selection Board (SSB) journey, its themes go far beyond. Yes, the author shares valuable insights into the stages of SSB—the screening tests, the psychological rounds, group tasks, interviews, and the conference—but these are not presented as mere procedural checklists. Instead, each part of the process becomes a mirror for the individual. The way the author reflects on personal experiences, his responses to failure, his changing mindset, and the lessons drawn from every success and setback offer far more value than any coaching manual. He writes:
“Every rejection was a checkpoint, not the end. It was life asking, ‘Do you still want it?’ And every time, my answer was yes.”
That’s the kind of statement that stops you in your tracks. His journey is universal—about not giving up, about growing through struggle, and about believing even when the world doesn’t.
Emotional Intelligence and Mental Fitness
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it emphasizes the mental and emotional preparation required to face the SSB. The author doesn’t glamorize toughness or overemphasize IQ. Instead, he speaks with surprising maturity about emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication—elements that are often overlooked in self-help books for competitive exams.
Chanakya Shastri shows us how mental resilience is not about bottling up fear or pretending to be perfect. It is about acknowledging fear, embracing vulnerability, and moving forward with clarity. His chapters on self-doubt, rejection, and internalized pressure are some of the most powerful, especially because he doesn’t present them as temporary roadblocks but necessary elements of growth.
Rural Roots and National Dreams
The personal background of the author adds a unique flavor to the narrative. Hailing from Doddabanagere in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district and born in Abohar, Punjab—Chanakya’s story is one of geographical and emotional bridges. There’s something deeply moving about a small-town boy writing with such immense confidence, poise, and vision.
His All India Rank 64 in NDA 2 2024 is not just a number—it becomes a symbol of how dreams can grow even in the smallest corners of the country, and how relentless effort, guided by clarity and purpose, can take you to national heights. The reverence with which he speaks of his father, a retired Havildar, is especially touching. It reflects not just pride in legacy but a deep sense of responsibility.
“My father’s boots walked before me. I only had to find the courage to walk after them.”
This sentence, among many, is a highlight. It blends love, respect, humility, and ambition—beautifully summing up the emotional landscape of the book.
A Book for Every Youth
What makes Marching in the Pursuit of Olive Green such an important and relevant book today is that it speaks to every Indian youth—those from villages, towns, metros—because the emotion behind it is common to all: the need to belong, the desire to rise, and the hunger to prove oneself.
This book is not confined to defence aspirants. Students preparing for UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, or simply navigating college and identity crises will find themselves in these pages. Whether you’re a young adult lost in societal noise or someone trying to figure out your path, Chanakya’s voice comes as a calm companion—not loud, not commanding, but confident and guiding.
Structure, Style, and Content
The book is structured in a way that flows like a conversation. It doesn’t overwhelm the reader with jargon or technicalities but instead uses real-life experiences, self-questioning, anecdotes, and small moments to illustrate bigger truths. Whether it’s about facing the dreaded conference round, dealing with peer comparison, or learning to lead with humility—each section feels personal and powerful.
Moreover, the author balances the motivational tone with practical strategies. He doesn’t just say “believe in yourself”; he shows you how to believe, why it matters, and what to do when belief falters. This mix of emotional honesty and practical wisdom is what elevates the book from motivational writing to life-guiding literature.
Here is heartfelt feedback from each of the nine reviewers who read Marching in the Pursuit of Olive Green – An SSB Journey by BM Chanakya Shastri:
1. Prashant Sahu:
“This book doesn’t just narrate a journey—it transforms the reader through it. Chanakya’s honest storytelling, rooted in humility and discipline, left me deeply moved. As someone who’s seen many motivational books, this one stands apart because it speaks straight from the heart and ignites real belief in the reader. Truly a must-read for every youth looking to rise above self-doubt.”
2. Sameer Gudhate:
“BM Chanakya Shastri’s work is an extraordinary blend of aspiration and emotional intelligence. His narration of the SSB journey is not just informative but inspiring. The book acts as a life coach for those navigating competitive exams or personal struggles. It empowers you to own your failures and channel them into strength. A motivational treasure trove.”
3. Apeksha Gupta:
“Reading this book felt like listening to a friend who has lived through every challenge and come out stronger. The author’s vulnerability, clarity, and practical wisdom touched me deeply. I found myself underlining lines to revisit later whenever I need motivation. It’s more than a guide—it’s a companion.”
4. Akansha Sinha:
“What struck me most was the emotional depth Chanakya brings to every chapter. The way he writes about rejection, purpose, and rediscovery resonates deeply, especially for women navigating similar pressures. It’s rare to find a book that is both strong and soft, strategic and soulful. This one balances it beautifully.”
5. Glenville Ashby:
“This book transcends geographical and cultural boundaries—it is a universal tale of human courage, resilience, and purpose. The spiritual undertones of self-realization and the discipline inherited from military values elevate it beyond a personal memoir into a powerful narrative of transformation. A compelling read.”
6. Pooja Sahu:
“I was incredibly inspired by the simplicity and strength of Chanakya’s writing. He doesn’t hide behind success—he shows you the pain, the wait, the fear, and the learning. As a reader, I felt seen, guided, and motivated to believe in my own journey. His story speaks to the quiet fighters in all of us.”
7. Versha Singh:
“This book is a lighthouse for aspirants from rural backgrounds. As someone who also comes from a small town, I saw my own dreams reflected in Chanakya’s story. He proves that success is not limited by geography—it’s powered by determination. A deeply empowering read that needs to be in every student’s hands.”
8. Shivangi Yadav:
“The best thing about this book is how relatable and real it is. No exaggeration, no filters—just the truth of growing through pressure, learning from failure, and standing tall with self-belief. I found inspiration on every page. It’s a book I’ll recommend to all my students and peers.”
9. Kavita Kaushik:
“What makes Chanakya’s book so impactful is that it doesn’t chase perfection. It embraces the flaws, the fear, the human side of the SSB journey—and in doing so, it creates a bridge between aspiration and authenticity. His words will stay with you long after the last page is turned.”
Final Thoughts
Marching in the Pursuit of Olive Green is more than an SSB preparation story—it is a soul-searching, empowering chronicle of resilience, identity, and growth. It is about the making of a soldier—but more importantly, it is about the making of a human being with clarity, purpose, and compassion. In a world often obsessed with shortcuts and surface-level success, this book dares to talk about the long road, the inner road, and the honest road.
BM Chanakya Shastri’s writing reminds us that real strength lies in integrity, real leadership lies in self-awareness, and real success lies in staying true to your dream—even when it seems distant.
