On the Double cover art

On the Double

Drills, Drama, and Dare-Devilry at the Indian Military Academy

 Preview

On the Double

Written by: Tanushree Podder
Narrated by: Tavish Bhattacharya
Listen for free

About this listen

The Indian Military Academy – a crucible of sorts where young boys are transformed into officers of merit through discipline, hard work, and a rigorous regime.

A place where life is all about battalions and companies, and where the tactics of warfare are taught. However, in Tanushree Podder’s no-holds-barred look into Academy life – pranks and girls are as important to life as are morning drills and sand model exercises.

A fitting but entirely independent sequel to Boots Belts Berets, her celebrated book about life at the National Defence Academy, On the Double follows the continuing adventures of Pessi, Maachh, Porky, Sandy and Zora as they navigate the obstacle course that is the IMA.

Their love of fun breathes life into their time together, and their friendship and dare-devilry guarantees sleepless nights for their Company Commander.

A charming tale of friendship and coming-of-age, where young boys with lofty dreams stand at the cusp of change, ready to take on their future as sentinels of the nation.

©2015 Tanushree Podder (P)2020 Audible, Inc. Genre Fiction Military Thriller & Suspense War & Military Indian Thriller
All stars
Most relevant
Nice story. Really gripping and captivating. Excellent narration of different characters. Describes that men in Uniform are also human.

Life and training of nation’s defenders in Academy

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
An enjoyable and gratifying sequel to Boots, Belts, and Beret by the acclaimed author. This edition is about the transformation of NDA graduates into "Gentleman cadets" at the IMA, from where they are posted to various divisions of the Indian Army to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the sovereignty of the country. The NDA pass-outs - Pessy, Porky, Mach, Sandy, and Zora team up for the last leg of training at the IMA, where these boys are trained to be men in one of the most indomitable and disciplined organizations in the world. The book is full of fun and frolic, the life of the cadets, and a brief of the various training they undergo at the academy. These famous five are amongst the notorious at the academy indulging in  every possible mischievous act like bunking classes, gate crashing into uninvited parties, innovative ways and means of shortcuts to drills or avoiding them on the pretext of illness, getting punished and sometimes narrowly escaping from the prowling eyes of their ustaads, not to mention about the anxious lookout and chasing after girls in skirts with no age bar. While there is no clear protagonist in this book, Manoj Mitra alais Mach or Bong as he is called by friends stands out in the book with his humorous, witty dialogues and his fascination towards chicks, chicken and alcohol. The story is narrated in first person through Pessy.  One element that stands out with these friends both at NDA and IMA is the camaraderie that knows no barriers. While this book can be read in isolation from its prequel, it would be wonderful to read both of them. An inspirational book for youngsters aspiring to make it into the elite Indian military services. Hope to read more chronicles about similar training at the airforce and naval academy in near future.

Absolutely Wonderful Reading

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Book: Excellent experience. Story is simply beautiful. I went back to back on Boots, Belts & Barretts and On the double. I, with a short stint as NCC cadet have so much to cherish and relive even after 18 years. What would a group of GENTLEMAN CADETS, passing out of such elite academies like NDA & IMA have? Oh I loved it all.
Narration: After listening to Ranvijay (Boots....) I immediately started this one and I was not enjoying. But that comparison, was irrational. I started liking this one too.
Overall: Thanks.

Book, Narration & Overall

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The most Hilarious yet great story I came across. Made me wanting that life&Friends

Hilarious and Daring

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I am more obsessed with the military life. Good narration, and story. Maach’s voice is irritating but I guess that’s how it is supposed to be.

Loved it

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews