New novel toasts Kashmiri woman spy

MUMBAI: Perhaps she was our very own Mata Hari. A Kashmiri woman who saved the Indian Navy from disaster by spying for the country during its 1971 war with Pakistan is the heroine of a new novel released here.

Former commander of the navy Harinder S. Sikka's book "Calling Sehmat" was launched on board INS Vikrant by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta.

Mehta congratulated the author, who is now director, corporate affairs, Piramal Healthcare. He hoped the book would inspire patriotism in the younger generation as it is about the exemplary courage shown by the Kashmiri woman who risked her life for the country.

"Calling Sehmat" is based on the true life story of Sehmat Khan, now dead, who married a Pakistani military officer and spied for India. It is about her assignments when she single-handedly saved the Indian Navy from disaster by sending advance information about a submarine attack planned by the Pakistani Navy.

The novel has been brought out by Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi.

The first copy was presented to T.K.A. Nair, principal secretary to the prime minister. The book release function was held Saturday evening.

Nair, in his speech, recalled the contributions of the Indian Navy during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict.

Socialite and TV anchor Shivani Wazir Pasrich, who is a Kashmiri, while reading a chapter from the book, dramatised the narrative, eliciting loud applause from the guests.

Ajay Piramal, chairman of Piramal Healthcare, also addressed the gathering.