paraag's chronicles

About the Book

WHY THIS BOOK?

We experienced the profound loss of our beloved son, Paraag Shukla, on January 28, 2020.

Paraag’s absence leaves an enduring void that we find difficult to bear. While we grieve for him deeply, we also hold a sense of pride and gratitude for the time we had together. The universe bestowed many gifts upon Paraag, yet time was not one of them. Nevertheless, he lived a remarkable life and achieved a great deal in his brief time, guided by his personal philosophy: “Too much to do, too little done.”

Paraag was an ardent advocate for lifelong learning and the significance of knowledge, grounded in both empirical evidence and rational thought. He often remarked, “Without facts, it is hearsay.” The volume and caliber of work produced by Paraag are substantial, albeit dispersed. Much of his writing for the Department of Defense remains classified, yet it is poised to influence global affairs and foreign policy for years to come. Additionally, a wealth of his work is accessible to the public, including research papers, articles, analyses, and interviews published by the institutions with which he was affiliated.

In an effort to consolidate Paraag’s insights, expertise, and knowledge, we resolved to compile his work into a single volume. We believe this collection will serve as a valuable resource for students, scholars, researchers, colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in the fields that Paraag passionately explored.

This endeavor, undertaken amidst our grief, symbolizes our resolve to overcome the pain of mourning, and respect, preserve, and honor the intellectual legacy of our beloved son, Paraag Shukla.

About the Author

P A R A A G  S H U K L A

[June 17, 1982 – January 28, 2020]

Paraag Shukla was highly regarded for his intellect and expertise in international relations and security, having contributed significantly at the Rand Corporation, Institute for the Study of War, History.net, and the Department of Defense. As an Intelligence Officer, he specialized in Afghan governance and strategic policy, and in 2010, he was deployed to the ISAF Joint Command in Afghanistan, where he received several honors, including the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the NATO Medal for Operation Enduring Freedom, for his work on governance and the 2010 Parliamentary Elections. Shukla co-authored the influential publication, "Money in the Bank: Lessons Learned from Past Counterinsurgency (COIN) Operations," which was disseminated to key decision-makers in the Department of Defense. He provided expert advice to Congressional staff and U.S. policymakers, frequently appearing in interviews with national and international media. Additionally, he conducted in-depth research and wrote two unpublished books: one on the Kargil War, and another historical fiction novel about the Royal Flying Corps in World War I, as well as a romantic comedy screenplay titled “e-Preeti.”

Born in India and educated in the United States, Paraag is survived by his parents, sister, and two nephews.