Vijay Diwas 2023: 5 unsung heroes of India’s victory in 1971 war

Team Udayavani, Dec 16, 2023, 7:25 AM IST

Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16, marks India’s 1971 victory over Pakistan, leading to Bangladesh’s liberation. The conflict arose from East Pakistan’s rebellion and military action by Pakistan. India intervened after Pakistani airstrikes on December 3, 1971.

The conflict lasted 13 days, culminating in the surrender of nearly 90,000 Pakistani soldiers and the creation of Bangladesh. On December 16, 1971, General Niazi surrendered to the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka. Vijay Diwas signifies this triumph, observed as Bijoy Dibos in Bangladesh.

The war also came at a significant cost for India. Nearly 3,900 Indian soldiers lost their lives, while almost 10,000 others were injured, leaving many to grapple with life-long disabilities.

Among those involved in this war were five individuals whose unwavering dedication and exceptional bravery significantly contributed to India’s decisive victory.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Astute leader of Indian Army

At the helm of in India’s triumph in 1971 war against Pakistan was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the then Chief of the Indian Army.

Affectionately known as Sam Bahadur, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar. His journey in the Indian Military Academy began in 1932, marked by his rebellious spirit against his father’s wishes. Commissioned in the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment, he garnered accolades during World War II. Amidst a turbulent period in the 1960s, Manekshaw assumed the role of Army chief in 1969.

His leadership during the 1971 war was a watershed moment. One anecdote recalls how when urged to go to war in April 1971 due to escalating violence in East Pakistan, Manekshaw astutely declined due to unfavorable climatic conditions and potential Chinese threats. His insistence on preparedness over haste proved crucial.

During those intense months leading to the war, Field Marshal Manekshaw instilled a sense of victory in every soldier’s mind. His mantra of mental preparedness before battle was a cornerstone of his strategy, reflected in the monumental triumph of 1971.

Notably, despite India’s resounding victory, Manekshaw prioritized ethical conduct in warfare. He emphasized the humane treatment of captives and cautioned against any form of cruelty, ensuring the dignity of both Indian soldiers and surrendered Pakistani counterparts.

Manekshaw’s leadership, marked by strategic operations and support for Mukti Bahini, earned him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.

In January 1973, he achieved the distinction of being the first Indian Army officer honored with the title of Field Marshal.

R.N. Kao: The spymaster who worked behind the scenes

Behind the scenes, Rameshwar Nath Kao, Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), orchestrated the intelligence efforts that played a pivotal role in the formation of Bangladesh.

IPS officer Rameshwar Nath Kao, born in 1918 in Benares, was appointed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to lead the newly formed Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) in 1968.

Kao’s journey began with an MA in English literature from Allahabad University, followed by joining the Indian Police in 1939. His career in intelligence burgeoned as he joined the Directorate of Intelligence Bureau before India’s independence. Amidst India’s freedom movement, Kao worked closely with British officers, expanding the Bureau’s intelligence collection along India’s borders.

Kao’s prowess led to notable moments, like overseeing Queen Elizabeth’s security during her visit to India in the early 1950s, where he famously intercepted a bouquet, fearing it might be a threat.

After picking up the mantle of RAW in 1968, Kao went on to reshape it and built a team of 250 intelligence operatives and analysts. They came to be known as the “Kaoboys.”

One of Kao’s pivotal feats was orchestrating RAW’s support to the Mukti Bahini in East Pakistan, aiding Bangladesh’s liberation from West Pakistan’s military junta in the 1971 war. Kao’s foresight, evident two years before the war, guided Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to exploit the freedom movement in East Pakistan. His adept leadership saw RAW training over 1 lakh East Pakistanis, contributing significantly to the Liberation War.

This strategic move helped dissolve East Pakistan, birthing Bangladesh and relieving India of a significant security concern along its eastern border, especially given China’s looming presence at the time.

Kao’s instrumental role in this success elevated him to hero status within Delhi’s power circles, marking a zenith in his career.

Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri: Hero of Battle of Longewala

Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a Major during the 1971 war, led a small group valiantly defending the Longewala border post against a formidable Pakistani force.

In the desolate expanse of the Thar Desert during the 1971 conflict, Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri stood as a beacon of courage at the Longewala post in Rajasthan.

Leading a modest troop of approximately 120 soldiers, he found himself facing an overwhelming challenge—a formidable Pakistani force comprising over 2000 soldiers and a menacing fleet of 40 tanks converging upon their position.

Undeterred by the sheer scale of the impending assault, Chandpuri rallied his troops, fortifying the Longewala post against the imminent threat.

Through the long and harrowing hours of that night on December 4, Chandpuri’s strategic acumen and unwavering resolve held the line against the incessant Pakistani advance. Despite the odds stacked heavily against them, the Indian soldiers bravely thwarted every attempt by the enemy to breach their defenses.

The intensity of the conflict heightened with each passing hour. The troops, driven by Chandpuri’s indomitable spirit and resolute command, fought valiantly, defending the post with unwavering courage as the battle raged on.

As the first light of dawn broke across the horizon on December 5, the Indian Air Force finally arrived, though without the crucial aid of night vision capabilities.

His exceptional leadership in the Battle of Longewala earned him the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. Chandpuri’s heroic efforts were immortalized in the 1997 film “Border,” with actor Sunny Deol portraying him.

Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri passed away at the age of 78 in Mohali, Punjab in the year 2018.

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon: Air Force’s Param Vir Chakra Recipient

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the first and sole Air Force officer honored with the Param Vir Chakra, displayed unparalleled bravery in defending the Srinagar airfield.

Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, born on July 17, 1943, in Isewal Dakha, Punjab, was deeply influenced by his father, a former flight lieutenant in the Indian Air Force. Inspired since childhood, Sekhon fulfilled his dream by joining the IAF in 1967 as a Pilot Officer.

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, part of the renowned 18 Squadron during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, was stationed at Srinagar’s airbase. On December 14, 1971, amidst a foggy morning, he was on standby duty with Flight Lieutenant Baldhir Singh Ghuman, his mentor.

The Pakistan Air Force aimed to bomb the Srinagar airbase using F-86 Sabre jets.

Despite communication issues with the Air Traffic Control, Sekhon and Ghuman swiftly took to the skies in their Gnats. Sekhon, witnessing the Sabres passing him during takeoff, engaged in an intense pursuit.

In a daring dogfight, Sekhon valiantly targeted the Sabres, downing two enemy jets. However, he faced overwhelming odds against four Sabres. With unmatched courage, he maneuvered his Gnat, engaging fiercely in the aerial battle.

Despite inflicting damage, Sekhon’s aircraft sustained fatal blows, becoming uncontrollable. Attempting to eject proved futile due to the damaged system, leading to his tragic martyrdom at the age of 26 as his Gnat crashed near Badgam.

Major General Ian Cardozo: who amputated his leg with a kukri

Major General Ian Cardozo’s name is synonymous with sacrifice and resilience. Hailing from Mumbai and an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Cardozo joined the 5th Gorkha Rifles.

In the 1971 war, as a Major, he had a terrible accident stepping on a landmine that took his leg. With no medicine or tools, he used his own ‘kukri’ to amputate his leg, becoming the first war-disabled officer to command a battalion and a brigade in the Indian Army.

Despite this setback, Major General Cardozo’s military career persisted. With unparalleled determination, he became the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to lead an infantry battalion and brigade. Despite the disability, he conquered seemingly insurmountable hurdles, including climbing a 600-foot ascent unaided, leaving the Vice Chief of Army Staff astounded by his superhuman strength.

His journey shattered stereotypes, paving the way for differently-abled soldiers to take on commanding roles.