Every writer brings something unique to the page. Some are inspired by travel, others by professions or personal experiences. For Colonel Digvijay Singh Parihar, an officer in the Indian Army, years of military service, deeply rooted family values, and a lifelong pursuit of self-discovery have shaped the stories he chooses to tell.
His debut novel, Business Runs in the Family, is a compelling murder mystery. Yet beneath the suspense lies a powerful story about relationships, difficult choices, ambition, and the invisible battles that define every human life. The novel draws inspiration from experiences gathered over decades of service, reminding readers that the greatest conflicts are often fought not on battlefields, but within the human mind.
His First Teacher Was His Mother
Long before he wore the olive green uniform, Digvijay learned life’s most enduring lessons at home. He often credits his mother for shaping the values that became the foundation of his character.
Through her quiet example, he learned honesty, compassion, humility, responsibility, and the courage to stand by what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. Those simple yet profound lessons remained with him through every stage of life and continue to influence both the soldier he is and the author he has become.
The Road Through RIMC, NDA, and IMA
Colonel Digvijay’s journey took him through the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun ; institutions that have shaped generations of India’s military leaders.
The years spent there were about far more than military training. They nurtured discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. More importantly, they taught him that true leadership begins with character and that every decision carries responsibility far beyond oneself.
These lessons continue to guide him both in uniform and in his writing.
Watching People at Their Strongest and Weakest
During more than two decades of service in the Indian Army, Digvijay has served in diverse operational environments alongside people from every corner of the country. Every posting brought fresh challenges and new opportunities to understand the extraordinary strength of ordinary people.
He witnessed acts of courage that rarely make headlines, sacrifices made without expectation of recognition, and moments when difficult decisions revealed the true character of individuals. He also saw how ambition, fear, loyalty, love, and hope influence the choices people make when faced with life’s toughest circumstances.
These experiences gave him a deep appreciation of human nature and became the emotional foundation of his fiction.
The Questions at the Heart of the Novel
Rather than writing about his military career, Digvijay chose fiction because it allowed him to explore universal questions that resonate with every reader.
Through Business Runs in the Family, he examines how ambition, family bonds, guilt, trust, and personal values shape the decisions that ultimately define our lives. Although the story revolves around a mysterious death inside a successful family business, its real mystery lies within the human mind and the consequences of every choice.
His interest in spirituality and meditation also finds a quiet place in the narrative. He believes that lasting wisdom comes from balancing knowledge, experience, and inner awareness; an idea that gently flows through the novel without overshadowing its suspense.
Serving the Nation, Inspiring Through Stories
For Colonel Digvijay , writing is not a departure from military service but an extension of it. While continuing to serve the nation in uniform, he has embraced literature as another way to inspire, educate, and encourage thoughtful reflection.
His work has already earned him the HP Hill Writers Guild Prize for his contribution to poetry and prose, strengthening his resolve to continue writing stories that connect with readers beyond entertainment.
He is currently working on his next book, Green Zone Theory: Green Habits for Self-Discovery & Everlasting Happiness, which explores how purposeful habits and mindful living can help people discover lasting fulfillment.
For Colonel D. S. Parihar, every story is an opportunity to serve a larger purpose. Through his writing, he hopes readers will not only enjoy an engaging mystery but also pause to reflect on their own values, relationships, and choices. In the end, Business Runs in the Family reminds us that while success may shape our lives, it is character that ultimately defines our legacy.
