HEROES IN UNIFORM. 2/3

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In continuation of the “Heroes in Uniform” series, here is the second piece. A sneak peeks into the lives of two more brave hearts India’s had.

1. The CDS who will live forever in our hearts.

 CDS BIPIN RAWAT-

General Bipin Rawat was a four-star general of the Indian Army who was appointed as the first Chief of Defense Staff of India. Born in Pauri, Uttarakhand to Laxman Singh Rawat who served in the Indian Army and rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, Bipin Rawat has an exceptionally good military as well as academic career. From National Defence Academy to DSSC to SCC of the United States Army Staff and Command College CDS Bipin Rawat has tried his hands in various courses. In 1978, CDS Bipin Rawat was assigned to the 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles.

Apart from managing the usual military stuff he also contributed to major operations which reshaped the image of the Indian Army in front of the whole wide world.

Highlights from his military career-

1. officer from Gorkha Regiment-

He was in the 5th battalion of the Gorkha regiment which in itself is a big deal since Gorkhas are said to be the core of the Indian Army

2. Militancy in Northeast-

He was an active voice in tackling the militancy in the northeast in 2015. Under his supervision, the mission was carried out successfully in which the Indian military responded to an ambush by NSCNK militants.

3. Surgical Strike -2016

Again he played a major role in planning and preparation of the 2016 Surgical attack in which the Indian military crossed the line of control into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

During his 40years long career, he was honored with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, and many more. India and we Indians were beyond blessed to have such a mighty soul to witness.

2. “I WANT TO WIN THE PARAM VIR CHAKRA”

                               -CAPT. MANOJ KR. PANDEY (PVC)

         Yes, that’s exactly what a young man named Manoj Kr. Pandey from Rudha,  Uttar Pradesh, said during his SSB interview when he was asked “ why you want to join the Indian Army?”. Within 2 years of his military career, he made his words true and was honored with Param Vir Chakra for his highest sacrifice but sadly posthumously.

A 24 year young, lively individual who loved bodybuilding and boxing, had promised his mother that he’d be back to celebrate his 25th birthday with them but came back in tricolor.

Born on 25th June 1975 to Gopi Chand Pandey and Mohini Pandey from Rudha village, Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh, Captain Manoj Pandey was a bright and fearless person which he proved when asked upon. This braveheart joined NDA and got commissioned into 1/11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1997.

He was posted at Siachen at icy heights & the moment he completed his tenure there, Kargil War happened! The 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was asked to move to Batalik Sector in Kargil. The Pakistani Army had occupied such strong positions that no artillery or air power could eliminate the enemy and the only option left was direct assault. Further, Under OPERATION VIJAY, The Batalik sector mission was assigned to Capt. Manoj Pandey’s Platoon B.

“JAI MAHAKALI, AAYO GORKHALI”

With the same war cry, Capt. Manoj Pandey and his men on the night of 2/3 July at 19,700 feet split into teams to clear 4 bunkers . Despite intense enemy fire (as the enemy was positioned at the top) Captain Manoj Pandey and his men kept on going and destroyed two of the enemy Bunkers. 

This Lion did not stop and marched forward to destroy the third bunker and while clearing it he got shot at his shoulder and legs. Now at this point, Colonel Lalit Rai, Captain Pandey’s unit commander says that he could have asked for medical care as he already excelled in his task of clearing the bunkers but he was a true GORKHA, he did not stop.

Even after being heavily injured coupled with intense blood loss, and encircled by Pakistani troops, Captain Manoj Pandey stood straight at snowy heights, went ahead, and destroyed the fourth and the last bunker with a grenade just then…….! He was hit right in his forehead with a bullet. ‘WAQT AANE PAR MRITYU BHI JEET LOONGA’ he once said during his school days and he lived up to it.

It was Captain Manoj Pandey’s Lionheart that helped his team to gain control over six bunkers and hence this ‘HERO OF BATALIK’ was posthumously rewarded with the nation’s highest gallantry award, ‘PARAM VIR CHAKRA’ for his outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Read that again.

JAI HIND!

-Anjali Singh

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