India, May 19 -- Undaunted: Lt. Ummer Fayaz of Kashmir

Author : Bhaavna Arora

Publisher : Westland Books, Rs 200

Bhaavna Arora's book on Lt Ummer Fayaz, who was killed by militants in Kashmir while he was back home, immortalises the memory of a young man with conviction beyond his years. An edited excerpt:

The new term had begun and cross-country practice was on in full swing at the NDA. The stress fracture had really begun to bother Ummer, but he remembered Majid's advice and refrained from resting or reporting in sick. He continued to run. That year, the holy month of Ramzan was due to start in the searing heat of July. During a cross-country run with his squadron, Ummer spotted Majid running ahead of him and ran faster to catch up....