In Conversation With Author Anshul Rathi, Author of The H-Hour

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

Honestly, it all started with Captain Vijyant Thapar (VrC). His story struck a deep chord with me. It was his journey, his courage, that moved me enough to pick up the pen and start writing this book. Q. How did you come up with the title of your book? The title “The H Hour” comes from a military term that signifies the exact moment when a military operation begins — the precise hour war starts. I chose this title because it perfectly captures the intensity, anticipation, and decisive nature of the Indian military actions I explore in the book. It’s about that razor-sharp moment when planning turns into action — when everything changes. For me, “The H Hour” represents the courage, strategy, and high stakes faced by our armed forces right at the brink of history being made. Q. Among all themes and topics, why did you choose this one in particular? Because this theme chose me, in a way. Stories of courage, sacrifice, and raw human spirit—especially from our soldiers—have always moved me deeply. I felt a responsibility to bring those untold moments to light, not just as a writer, but as someone who believes these stories deserve to be heard, remembered, and felt. Q. What personal experiences have shaped your writing the most? I think it’s the quiet moments more than the dramatic ones that have shaped my writing—the silences after a story is told, the emotions that linger, and the people I’ve met who carry invisible weight with grace. Conversations with soldiers, listening to their experiences beyond the battlefield—their families, fears, humor, and hope—those moments stayed with me. They didn’t just inform the writing; they grounded it in something real and human. Q. What can we, as readers expect from this book? As readers, you can expect more than just stories—you’ll step into real moments of courage, conflict, emotion, and humanity. The H Hour isn’t just about war; it’s about the people behind the uniform, their silences, their struggles, and the choices that define them. Expect to be moved, surprised, and reminded of what true resilience looks like. It’s not a book of facts—it’s a book of feeling. Q. How do you expect your readers to use this book optimally? I hope readers don’t just read this book—but reflect with it. Take your time with each chapter, pause when something hits you, and think about the people behind these stories. These aren’t just pages to flip—they’re lived realities. Use this book to gain perspective, to feel more deeply, and maybe even to start conversations that matter. If it makes you appreciate silence, sacrifice, or even your own strength a little more—then it’s served its purpose. Q. What does being a published author mean to you, beyond seeing your words in print? Being a published author, to me, isn’t just about seeing my name on a book—it’s about responsibility. It means I’ve been given a platform to tell stories that matter, to preserve voices that might otherwise go unheard. It’s about connection—when a reader sees themselves in a sentence, or feels something they’ve never had words for. That’s the real reward. The book is just the beginning; what it sparks in others is what truly counts.