Maj. Gen. G D Bakshi

In the year 2000, Major General (Dr.) G.D. Bakshi, a retired military officer, was assigned as the Commander of 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, overseeing Counter-Terrorist Operations in the challenging Himalayan region of Kishtwar. During his time in this remote area, he became intrigued by the connection between the ancient Marud Vridha river, mentioned in the Rig Veda, and the Pippalad Shakha of the Atharva Veda, which was composed by sages in the same region. This curiosity led him to delve deeper into the Atharva Veda, also known as the Brahma Veda or Soma Veda.