माजी सुभेदार वसंत परबत महाडिक यांच्या दुःखद निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत वेदनादायक आहे.भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली

 

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली

माजी सुभेदार वसंत परबत महाडिक यांच्या दुःखद निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत वेदनादायक आहे.

 

फैजाबाद येथे मी अल्फा कंपनीचा कमांडर असताना सुभेदार वसंत महाडिक हे प्रथम माझे कंपनी जेसीओ आणि नंतर अल्फा कंपनीचे सिनिअर जेसीओ म्हणून कार्यरत होते. त्यांनी अत्यंत कर्तव्यदक्षता, निष्ठा आणि कार्यक्षमतेने अल्फा कंपनीची जबाबदारी सांभाळली. कंपनीचे प्रशासन उत्कृष्ट दर्जाचे ठेवण्यामध्ये त्यांचा मोठा वाटा होता.

 

विविध व्हीआयपी भेटी, प्रशिक्षण उपक्रम, स्पर्धा आणि इतर महत्त्वाच्या जबाबदाऱ्यांमध्ये त्यांनी नेहमीच उत्कृष्ट कामगिरी बजावली.

 

फैजाबादमधील अल्फा कंपनी ही बटालियनमधील चॅम्पियन कंपनी म्हणून ओळखली जात होती. त्या यशामागे सुभेदार महाडिक यांचे परिश्रम, नेतृत्व आणि समर्पण यांचा मोठा वाटा होता.

 

दार्जिलिंग येथे सेवेत असताना प्रकृतीच्या कारणामुळे त्यांनी अकाली सेवानिवृत्ती स्वीकारली. सैन्यदलातील एक सक्षम, शिस्तप्रिय आणि विश्वासार्ह सिनिअर जेसीओ म्हणून त्यांची ओळख कायम राहील.

 

त्यांच्या अकाली निधनाने मी माझा एक विश्वासू सहकारी आणि उत्कृष्ट सैनिक गमावला आहे. त्यांची कर्तव्यनिष्ठा, विनम्र स्वभाव आणि कार्याबद्दलची बांधिलकी सदैव स्मरणात राहील.

 

मी त्यांचे माजी कंपनी कमांडर म्हणून त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो. महाडिक कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात मी मनःपूर्वक सहभागी आहे. परमेश्वर त्यांच्या दिवंगत आत्म्यास चिरशांती देवो व त्यांच्या कुटुंबियांना हे दुःख सहन करण्याची शक्ती प्रदान करो.

ॐ शांती.

ब्रिगेडियर हेमंत महाजन
माजी कंपनी कमांडर, अल्फा कंपनी
फैजाबाद

REAL GE Z HEROS-Tanaji Malusare’s Tactics & Their Relevance for NDA & SPI Cadets -My Talk

 

1. Opening 

Good morning, Commandant, members of the faculty, distinguished officers, and my young comrades—the cadets of the National Defence Academy.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Long before these words were written into modern doctrine, they were etched into the rugged cliffs of the Sahyadris in blood, grit, and unyielding resolve.

Today, we look back to February 1670—to Subedar Tanaji Malusare, a primary commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his legendary assault on the fortress of Kondhana. To look at Tanaji merely through the lens of romantic history is to miss the point entirely. For a military officer, Kondhana was not just a brave clash; it was a masterclass in asymmetrical warfare, night operations, terrain exploitation, and command leadership under extreme friction.

2. Battle Context 

To grasp the tactical brilliance of the assault, one must first understand the strategic setting. Under the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, Shivaji Maharaj was forced to cede 23 vital forts to the Mughals. Among them, Kondhana was the crown jewel—a natural citadel dominating the Deccan plateau, controlling access to Pune and the heartland of the Maratha state. As long as the Mughal garrison under Udaybhan Rathore held Kondhana, the Maratha domain remained structurally compromised. Recapturing it was a strategic imperative.

When Shivaji Maharaj decided to reclaim Kondhana, he turned to his most trusted commander: Tanaji Malusare.

An anecdote illustrates the ethos of the man: When the summons from Shivaji Maharaj arrived, Tanaji was in the middle of preparations for his son Rayaba’s wedding. The mandates of duty, however, knew no personal delay. Tanaji immediately set aside the celebrations, remarking:

"Pahile kondhanache lagna, mag Rayabache!"

("First the wedding of Kondhana, then the wedding of Rayaba!")

                                [KONDHANA FORTRESS]

                                        ^

                                 300ft Cliff Face

                              (Donagiri Precipice)

                                        ^

                              [Rope Ladders / Crawl]

                                        ^

                        [300 Maratha Vanguard (Tanaji)]

                                        ^

                      [Night Approach through Dense Cover]

On a pitch-black, moonless night (Saptami of Magha), Tanaji led a force of roughly 1,000 Marathas. Standard military logic dictates that a heavily fortified hill fort, manned by 1,500 well-equipped Rajput and Mughal troops, requires a besieging force of at least 3:1. Tanaji turned this ratio on its head using vertical surprise.

He selected the Donagiri cliff—a sheer, near-vertical 300-foot rock face on the fort's western side that the defenders deemed entirely unscalable and left lightly guarded. Utilizing local reptiles (ghorpads or monitor lizards) to anchor guide ropes—or employing expert rock-climbers trained in local terrain—the vanguard scaled the precipice in silence.

Once 300 Marathas had topped the cliff, the alarm was raised. What followed was a violent, close-quarters melee. Tanaji fought at the very spearhead of the attack. In the fierce duel with the garrison commander, Udaybhan, Tanaji’s shield broke. Unyielding, he wrapped his turban around his left arm to parry blows while striking with his right, continuing to command until he fell mortally wounded.

Spurred by his sacrifice, his brother Suryaji and commander Shelar Mama rallied the troops, secured the gates, and routed the garrison. When Shivaji Maharaj arrived to inspect the secured fortress and heard of his commander's demise, his victory turned to profound grief, prompting his immortal declaration:

"Gad ala, pan sinh gela!"

("The fort is won, but the lion is lost!")

3. Tactics & Lessons for Modern Warfare (06:00 – 11:00)

Let us break down Tanaji’s operational execution into core tactical principles and examine their direct translation to modern military operations:

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

| Historical Tactic (Kondhana 1670) | Modern Military Application       |

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

| Vertical Scaling of Donagiri Cliff| Special Operations / Infiltration |

| Silent Night Infiltration         | Night Vision / Low-Observable Ops |

| Personal Lead at the Vanguard     | "Service Before Self" Leadership  |

| Mission Prioritization over Self  | Command Ethos & Duty              |

| Leveraged 1:5 Force Ratio         | Asymmetric Warfare                |

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

• Surprise & Innovation:
• Historical Execution: Bypassing the heavily defended gates to scale an "unclimbable" vertical cliff under cover of darkness.
• Modern Relevance: This is the foundational logic of modern Special Forces insertions. Whether it is an airborne drop behind enemy lines, amphibious combat swimmer operations, or heliborne assault, achieving tactical surprise by entering via the vector the enemy considers impassable remains a force multiplier.
• Terrain Exploitation & Night Operations:
• Historical Execution: Mastering the micro-geography of the Sahyadris and using night cover to neutralize the enemy’s superior firepower and numbers.
• Modern Relevance: Essential in mountain warfare and counter-insurgency. In high-altitude environments like Siachen, Kargil, or Eastern Ladakh, the terrain is as much an adversary as the enemy. Master the terrain, and you master the battle.
• Leadership by Example:
• Historical Execution: Tanaji did not send his men up the rope from a rear command post; he climbed among the first and led the assault directly.
• Modern Relevance: Embodies the NDA motto, "Service Before Self." In high-intensity combat, troops do not follow staff orders; they follow leaders who share their physical risks and demonstrate tactical competence under fire.
• Asymmetric Capability & Morale:
• Historical Execution: Overcoming a entrenched garrison through speed, violence of action, and psychological momentum.
• Modern Relevance: Demonstrates how force multiplication works in modern hybrid warfare—where agility, intelligence, and morale offset numerical or technological superiority.

4. Relevance to NDA Cadets 

Why must a cadet at the National Defence Academy study Kondhana?

[Historical Study] ---> [Strategic Imagination] ---> [Decisive Tactical Command]

As future platoon, company, and battalion commanders, you will face operational friction, degraded communications, and asymmetric threats. Technology changes, weapons evolve, but the core mechanics of human conflict remain constant.

1. Developing Strategic Imagination: Studying military history is not about memorizing dates; it is about building a mental library of tactical options. Tanaji’s assault teaches you to look at a terrain map and ask: "Where does the enemy feel most secure?" That is where your opportunity lies.
2. Moral Courage and Decisive Action: When Tanaji’s shield broke, he did not retreat. He wrapped his arm in cloth and continued to fight. In modern command, when plans fail—and they often do—a commander must improvise, adapt, and press the initiative.
3. Internalizing Indian Military Heritage: The Indian Armed Forces possess a rich, millennia-old martial tradition. Grounding your tactical education in historical Indian campaigns bridges timeless warrior values with contemporary joint warfare doctrines.

5. Closing 

Gentlemen, Tanaji Malusare’s legacy at Kondhana teaches us that bravery without innovation is wasteful, but innovation without bravery is inert. Combined, they alter the course of history.

As you train here in the shadow of these very same Sahyadri hills, remember that the uniform you will soon wear carries the weight of this heritage. Tanaji left his family obligations behind to answer the call of duty; he scaled the impossible and paid the ultimate price to secure the realm.

Take these tactical lessons with you into the lecture halls, onto the drill squares, and into the tactical exercises in the field. Imbibe his grit, his tactical ingenuity, and his unyielding commitment to the mission.

"This is not just history—it is a manual of leadership and courage."

If you carry this ethos forward, you will not only defend the borders of this republic, but you will also prove worthy of the glorious military tradition built by the lions who came before you.

Thank you. Jai Hind.

GALLANTRY AWARDS WON BY MARATHA LIGHT INGANTRY ON 15 AUG 2026

 GOC-in-C Northern Command Commendation Card : Independence Day 2026

Gallentry Act

1.  Maj K Bharath Vamshi/23 

(27 RR (MARATHA LI))

2.  Maj Sarangthem Shyam, SM/ 2 PARA SF

3.  Nb Sub Bhim Bahadur Pangi/2 PARA SF 

4.  Nk Suban Gurung/2 PARA SF 

5.  Nk Patil Dhanaji Bajirao/17 RR (MARATHA LI)

6.  LNk Jasvir Singh/ 2 PARA SF 

7.  Ptr Pankaj Kumar / 2 PARA SF 

8.  Ptr Mohit Sharma/ 2 PARA SF 

9.  Gnr Raj Kumar / 17 RR(MARATHA LI)

Distinguished Service

1.  Lt Col Lamtinlal Thomsong/4

2.  Maj Kuljeet Kumar/9 

3.  Maj Animesh Chakraborty/6

4.  Nb Sub Jadhav Hemant Maruti/5 

5.  Nb Sub Rihaz/18 

6.  Nb Sub Vawdhane Kailas Sopan/5 

7.  Nk Rawool Anand Jagannath/7 

8.  Sep Bende Ranjeet Govinda/4 

9.  Ptr Arun Mondal/2 PARA SF 

10.  Ptr Amit Kumar…

[2:55 pm, 15/08/2026] Col Vinay So Cor: GOC-in-C Southern Command Commendation Card  : Independence Day 2026

1.  Lt Col Saurabh Tomar/11

2.  Sub Mandekar Balasaheb Kisan/15

3.  Sub Dixit Sushant Dilip/The MARATHA LIRC 

4.  Nb Sub Khade Sagar  Ramchandra /15

5.  Nb Sub Sawant Vishal Arjun /8 

6.  Hav Patil Janaba Ramesh/11

7.  Hav Nagtilak Dadasaheb Pandurang/26

8.  Hav Gaikwad Laxman Prakash/8

9.  Hav Jagadale Vishal Atmaram / 15

10.  Hav Raut Akshay Dattatraya/ 5 (HQ 11 Div RAPID)

11.  Nk Kadam Umesh Shashikant/11

12.  Nb Sub Takale Shripati Ishwara/36 Med Regt

[2:56 pm, 15/08/2026] Col Vinay So Cor: GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation Card : Independence Day 2026

1.  Maj Sangram Chauhan/5 (HQ DGAR)

2.  Capt Mandeep Bisht/2

3.  Sub Clk (SD) VPS Parihar/104 MC MF Det

4.  Nb Sub Gholase Sachin Krishna/25

5.  LHav Shedage Vishal Vilas/19

[3:02 pm, 15/08/2026] Col Vinay So Cor: GOC-in-C SFC Commendation Card : Independence Day 2026

1.  Sub Malaj/8

GOC-in-C Western Command Commendation Card : Independence Day 2026

1.  Hav Manehrii /21 PARA SF 

2.  Lnk Mahajan Yogeshwar Ashok/11

3.  Lnk Milan Dixit /21 PARA SF

हल्दीघाटी विजयाच्या ४५० वर्षपूर्ती आणि वीरशिरोमणी महाराणा प्रताप यांच्या ४८६ व्या जयंतीनिमित्त -महाराणा प्रताप यांनी अकबराविरुद्ध वापरलेली गुरिल्ला युद्धनीती (भाग २)

 १६. घोडदळाचा वापर

• महाराणा प्रताप यांचे घोडदळ अत्यंत बलवान व चपळ होते.

• शत्रूला वेढणे, मागील बाजूस अचानक हल्ला करणे, पळवाट बंद करणे यासाठी घोडदळाचा उपयोग केला जात असे.

• या हल्ल्यांमुळे शत्रूच्या रांगा विस्कळीत होत व गोंधळ निर्माण होत असे.

१७. आगीचा वापर

• मुघल सैन्याच्या हत्तींच्या विरोधात आग वापरली जात असे.

• हत्ती घाबरून पळू लागत व शत्रूच्या छावणीत गोंधळ माजत असे.

• शत्रूचे तळ व किल्ले जाळून गोंधळ निर्माण केला जात असे.

१८. काटे व सापळे

• रणांगणावर खड्डे खोदून त्यात काटे व काटेरी झुडपे ठेवले जात.

• शत्रू सैनिक त्यात अडकून जखमी होत.

• अडथळे व सापळ्यांमुळे शत्रूची हालचाल मंदावली जात असे.

१९. धर्माचा उपयोग

• महाराणा प्रताप हे कट्टर हिंदू होते.

• युद्धापूर्वी धार्मिक विधी करून सैनिकांचा आत्मविश्वास वाढवत.

• धार्मिक प्रतीकांचा वापर करून सैनिकांमध्ये एकात्मता निर्माण केली जात असे.

२०. मुत्सद्देगिरी (Diplomacy)

• काही वेळा संघर्ष टाळण्यासाठी किंवा सोडवण्यासाठी मुत्सद्देगिरीचा वापर.

• इतर राजपूत राजांशी मैत्री करून आपली ताकद वाढवली.

२१. सैनिकांशी स्नेह व निष्ठा

• महाराणा प्रताप स्वतः सैनिकांसोबत कष्ट घेत व लढत.

• शौर्य व निष्ठेला बक्षिसे देऊन सैनिकांमध्ये निष्ठा निर्माण केली.

• त्यामुळे सैनिक त्यांच्यासाठी प्राण देण्यास तयार होते.

२२. कविता व गीते

• महाराणा प्रताप कला व साहित्याचे आश्रयदाते होते.

• कवी व भाटांना प्रेरणादायी गीते व कविता रचायला सांगत.

• या गीतांनी सैनिक व जनतेमध्ये एकात्मता व प्रेरणा निर्माण केली.

२३. नाकेबंदी व वेढा युद्धनीती

• शत्रूच्या पुरवठा मार्गांवर नाकेबंदी करून त्यांना उपाशी ठेवले.

• किल्ले व शहरांना वेढा घालून शत्रूला शरणागती पत्करायला भाग पाडले.

२४. रणनीतिक माघार

• परिस्थिती प्रतिकूल असताना सैन्य सुरक्षित ठेवण्यासाठी माघार घेतली.

• शत्रूला अरुंद जागेत ओढून सापळ्यात अडकवले.

२५. प्रशिक्षण व शिस्त

• महाराणा प्रताप यांचे सैन्य कठोर प्रशिक्षण घेतलेले व शिस्तबद्ध होते.

• विविध शस्त्रांमध्ये प्रवीणता व कठोर शिस्त यामुळे सैन्य लवचिक व सक्षम झाले.

सारांश

महाराणा प्रताप यांच्या युद्धनीतीत नवीनता, लवचिकता आणि भूगोलाचे सखोल ज्ञान दिसून येते. त्यांनी आपल्या संसाधनांचा व सैन्याच्या ताकदीचा पूर्ण उपयोग केला.

👉 त्यामुळे ते भारतीय इतिहासात स्वातंत्र्य व प्रतिकाराचे प्रतीक ठरले.

हल्दीघाटी विजयाच्या ४५० वर्षपूर्ती आणि वीरशिरोमणी महाराणा प्रताप यांच्या ४८६ व्या जयंतीनिमित्त --महाराणा प्रताप यांनी अकबराविरुद्ध वापरलेली गुरिल्ला युद्धनीती (भाग १)

 

महाराणा प्रताप हे कुशल लष्करी रणनीतीकार होते. त्यांनी मुघल सैन्याविरुद्ध थेट युद्ध टाळून विविध डावपेचांचा वापर केला. खालील महत्त्वाच्या युद्धनीती त्यांनी अवलंबल्या:

1. गुरिल्ला युद्धनीती

   • थेट युद्ध टाळून हिट-अँड-रन हल्ले, घातपात आणि अचानक छापे घालणे.

   • मुघल सैन्य मोठे व जड शस्त्रांनी सज्ज असल्यामुळे मेवाडच्या डोंगराळ प्रदेशात त्यांना अडचणी येत.

   • या पद्धतीने महाराणा प्रताप यांनी आपले सैन्य सुरक्षित ठेवले आणि शत्रूला सतत त्रास दिला.

2. संरक्षणात्मक युद्धनीती

   • शत्रूची ताकद जास्त असताना नैसर्गिक अडथळे (डोंगर, जंगल, नद्या) वापरून संरक्षण.

   • किल्ले, बुरुज, खंदक बांधून दीर्घकाळ मुघलांना रोखून धरले.

   • हे किल्ले मेवाडच्या स्वातंत्र्याचे प्रतीक ठरले.

3. गती आणि वेग

   • सैन्य हलके व चपळ होते.

   • घोडदळाच्या वेगवान हल्ल्यांनी शत्रूला वेढणे व गोंधळात टाकणे.

   • अचानक हल्ला करून लगेच मागे हटणे.

4. धनुर्धारींचा वापर

   • कुशल धनुर्धारी शत्रूवर दूरवरून बाणांचा वर्षाव करत.

   • शत्रूच्या नेत्यांना लक्ष्य करून नेतृत्व कमकुवत करणे.

5. गुप्तहेर व माहिती संकलन

   • गुप्तहेर व माहितीदारांच्या जाळ्यामुळे शत्रूच्या हालचालींची माहिती मिळे.

   • यामुळे अचानक हल्ले टाळता येत व योग्य वेळी प्रत्युत्तर देता येई.

6. भूगोलाचा उपयोग

   • डोंगर, दऱ्या, अरुंद वाटा वापरून घातपात.

   • शत्रूला अरुंद जागेत अडकवून अनेक दिशांनी हल्ला.

   • स्थानिक भूगोलाचे सखोल ज्ञान हे महाराणा प्रताप यांचे मोठे बलस्थान होते.

7. लवचिक व विखुरलेले सैन्य

   • सैन्य छोटे-छोटे गट करून वेगवेगळ्या ठिकाणी हल्ले.

   • शत्रूला सतत अस्थिर ठेवणे.

8. मानसिक डावपेच

   • रणशिंगे, नगारे व ढोल वाजवून शत्रूला भयभीत करणे.

   • स्वतःच्या शौर्यामुळे सैनिकांचा आत्मविश्वास वाढवणे.

9. छद्मावरण (Camouflage)

   • सैनिक स्थानिक वेषात, झाडांच्या फांद्या व पानांचा वापर करून लपून बसत.

   • अचानक हल्ल्याने शत्रूला गोंधळात टाकत.

10. विविध शस्त्रांचा वापर

• तलवारी, भाले, धनुष्य-बाण, अग्निशस्त्रे यांचा वापर.

• सैनिकांना अनेक शस्त्रांमध्ये प्रवीण बनवले.

11. विकेंद्रित नेतृत्व

• प्रत्येक गटाला स्वतंत्र स्थानिक सेनापती.

• परिस्थितीनुसार त्वरित निर्णय घेता येत.

12. घातपात (Ambushes)

• डोंगर-दऱ्यांत लपून शत्रूवर अचानक हल्ला.

• मुघल सैन्य जड असल्यामुळे या डावपेचात अडकत असे.

13. रणनीतिक माघार

• परिस्थिती प्रतिकूल असताना सैन्य सुरक्षित ठेवण्यासाठी माघार.

• शत्रूला सापळ्यात ओढून अरुंद जागेत हल्ला.

14. रात्र हल्ले

• अंधाराचा फायदा घेऊन शांतपणे हालचाल.

• काळ्या वस्त्रांमुळे शत्रूला ओळखता येत नसे.

• मुघल सैन्य रात्रीच्या युद्धात अनभिज्ञ असल्यामुळे मोठा फायदा.

15. हत्तींचा वापर

• हत्तींचा उपयोग वाहतूक व शत्रूच्या रांगा फोडण्यासाठी.

• हत्तींच्या धडाक्याने शत्रूच्या तळात गोंधळ निर्माण होत असे.

On the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the victory at Haldighati and the 486th birth anniversary of the heroic Maharana Pratap.--How Maharana Pratap Used Guerrilla Warfare Against Akbar PART 2

 

 

16. Use of Cavalry: Maharana Pratap's army had a strong cavalry, which was used to outflank and encircle the enemy. The cavalry would move quickly and aggressively, cutting off the enemy's escape routes and disrupting their formations. Maharana Pratap would also use his cavalry to launch surprise attacks on the enemy's rear, causing panic and confusion.

17. Use of Fire: Maharana Pratap's army would use fire as a weapon in battle, particularly against the Mughal army's war elephants. His troops would light fires and throw them at the elephants, causing them to panic and run amok. They would also use fire to set enemy camps and forts ablaze, causing chaos and confusion.

18. Use of Spikes and Traps: Maharana Pratap's army would use spikes and traps to impede the enemy's advance and cause casualties. They would dig pits and cover them with spikes or thorns, causing the enemy troops to fall and injure themselves. They would also place traps and obstacles on the battlefield, making it difficult for the enemy to maneuver.

19. Use of Religion: Maharana Pratap was a devout Hindu, and he would use religion to rally support for his cause. He would perform religious rituals and ceremonies before battle, invoking the blessings of the gods. He would also use religious symbols and imagery to inspire his troops and create a sense of unity and purpose.

20. Use of Diplomacy: Maharana Pratap would sometimes use diplomacy to avoid or resolve conflicts. He would negotiate with the enemy to secure peace or to gain favorable terms. He would also use diplomacy to form alliances with other Rajput kings and leaders, strengthening his position and gaining support.

21. Use of Camaraderie and Loyalty: Maharana Pratap fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty among his troops. He would lead by example, sharing their hardships and fighting alongside them. He would also reward bravery and loyalty, providing his troops with wealth, land, and other benefits. This created a strong bond between Maharana Pratap and his soldiers, making them willing to fight and die for him.

He was seen as a symbol of resistance and independence, and his reputation as a skilled warrior and leader inspired loyalty and dedication among his troops. 

22. Use Poetry and Songs for inspiring soldiers: Maharana Pratap was a patron of the arts, and he would use poetry and songs to spread his message and inspire his troops. He would commission poets and bards to compose songs and poems about his exploits, portraying him as a heroic warrior fighting for his people's freedom. These songs and poems would be sung and recited throughout Mewar, creating a sense of unity and purpose among the people.

23. Use of Blockades and Siege Warfare: Maharana Pratap would sometimes use blockades and siege warfare to defeat his enemies. He would cut off their supply lines and surround their forts and cities, starving them out and forcing them to surrender. This tactic was particularly effective against the Mughal army, which relied heavily on supplies from the outside.

24. Use of Tactical Retreats: Maharana Pratap would sometimes retreat strategically from battles when he realized that the odds were against him. This allowed him to preserve his forces and fight another day. He would also use retreats to lure the enemy into a trap, drawing them into a narrow pass or other confined area where his troops could attack from multiple directions.

25. Use of Training and Discipline: Maharana Pratap's army was known for its rigorous training and discipline. He would train his troops in a variety of weapons and tactics, making them versatile and adaptable. He would also enforce strict discipline, punishing those who disobeyed orders or showed cowardice in battle.

Maharana Pratap's military strategies and tactics were characterized by innovation, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the terrain and the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. He was able to use his resources and his army's strengths to maximum effect, and he was always willing to adapt to new situations and try new tactics to gain an advantage over his enemies.

Overall, Maharana Pratap's most successful tactics were those that allowed him to use his resources and his army's strengths to maximum effect. He became a symbol of resistance and independence in Indian history.

On the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the victory at Haldighati and the 486th birth anniversary of the heroic Maharana Pratap.=How Maharana Pratap Used Guerrilla Warfare Against Akbar PART 1

 

 How Maharana Pratap Used Guerrilla Warfare Against Akbar

Maharana Pratap was a skilled military strategist and tactician, and he used a variety of strategies and tactics to fight against the Mughals and other enemies. Here are some of the key strategies and tactics he used during his battles:

1. Guerrilla Warfare: Maharana Pratap's primary strategy was to use guerrilla warfare tactics against the Mughals. He would avoid direct confrontations with the Mughal army and instead harass them through hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, and surprise raids. This made it difficult for the Mughals to pursue him and his army and allowed him to preserve his forces. 

His use of guerrilla warfare tactics was particularly effective against the larger and more heavily armored Mughal army, which was not used to fighting in the rugged terrain of Mewar. By using hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, he was able to harass and weaken the enemy without risking a full-scale battle. This tactic allowed him to preserve his forces and fight another day. 

2. Defensive Warfare: When Maharana Pratap was faced with a superior enemy force, he would adopt a defensive strategy and fortify his positions. He would use natural barriers such as mountains, forests, and rivers to his advantage and build defensive structures like forts and trenches to protect his army. This allowed him to hold off the Mughals and other enemies for extended periods.

Maharana Pratap built and fortified many defensive structures throughout Mewar, such as forts, castles, and watchtowers. These structures would serve as strongholds for his troops, allowing them to defend against enemy attacks and launch counterattacks. They would also serve as symbols of Mewar's defiance against the Mughal empire, inspiring the people to resist foreign rule.

3.   Mobility and Speed: Maharana Pratap's army was highly mobile and could move quickly across rugged terrain. He would use this mobility to his advantage by launching surprise attacks and retreating quickly when necessary. He also used fast-moving cavalry units to outflank and encircle the enemy.

4. Use of Archers: Maharana Pratap's army was known for its skilled archers, who were used to great effect in battles. The archers would rain arrows down on the enemy from a safe distance, inflicting significant casualties and sowing chaos among the enemy ranks. Maharana Pratap would also use his archers to target specific enemy leaders and commanders, weakening the enemy's leadership and causing disarray.

5. Intelligence Gathering: Maharana Pratap relied heavily on intelligence gathering to stay ahead of his enemies. He had a network of spies and informants who would provide him with information about the enemy's movements, strengths, and weaknesses. This allowed him to plan his attacks and defenses more effectively and avoid surprise attacks from the enemy.

6. Use of Terrain: Maharana Pratap would use the terrain to his advantage in battles. He would choose battlefields that were favorable to his army and would use natural barriers such as hills, forests, and rivers to protect his flanks and rear. He would also use the terrain to create traps and ambushes for the enemy.He would use hills and cliffs to launch surprise attacks from above, or they would use rivers and streams to slow down the enemy's advance. They would also use narrow passes and defiles to channel the enemy into a confined space, where they could be attacked from multiple directions.

He had an intimate knowledge of the local terrain and would use this to his advantage in battle. He would use hidden paths, narrow gorges, and mountain passes to outflank the enemy and launch surprise attacks. He would also use the natural defenses provided by the rugged terrain to protect his troops and fortifications.

7. Mobility and Flexibility: Maharana Pratap's army was highly mobile and flexible, which allowed it to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. He would often split his forces into smaller units that could move quickly and independently, allowing him to launch multiple attacks on different fronts and keep the enemy off balance.

8. Psychological Tactics: Maharana Pratap would use a variety of psychological tactics to demoralize his enemies and boost his own troops' morale. For example, he would use war drums, horns, and other instruments to create a sense of fear and urgency among the enemy. He would also use his reputation as a skilled warrior and leader to inspire his own troops and instill confidence in them.

9. Use of Camouflage: Maharana Pratap's army was known for its use of camouflage to conceal its movements and surprise the enemy. His troops would dress in local attire and use natural materials such as leaves and branches to blend in with the environment. This allowed them to launch surprise attacks on the enemy and avoid detection.

10. Use of Diverse Weapons: Maharana Pratap's army used a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, bows and arrows, and firearms. This diversity of weapons allowed his troops to adapt to different situations and engage the enemy at different ranges. He also encouraged his troops to be proficient in different weapons, making them versatile and effective in battle.

11. Decentralized Command Structure: Maharana Pratap's army had a decentralized command structure, with each unit led by a local commander who had a great deal of autonomy. This allowed for more flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield, as local commanders could respond quickly to changing circumstances and make decisions based on their knowledge of the terrain and the enemy.

12. Use of Ambushes: Maharana Pratap's army was known for its use of ambushes to surprise and overwhelm the enemy. His troops would hide in the hills and valleys, waiting for the enemy to pass by before launching a sudden attack. This tactic was particularly effective against the slower-moving Mughal army, which was not used to the rugged terrain of Mewar.

13. Strategic Retreats: Maharana Pratap would sometimes retreat from battles strategically, when he realized that the odds were against him. This allowed him to preserve his forces and fight another day. He would also use retreats to lure the enemy into a trap, drawing them into a narrow pass or other confined area where his troops could attack from multiple directions.

14. Night Attacks: Maharana Pratap's army was known for its ability to launch surprise attacks at night. His troops would use the cover of darkness to move silently and swiftly, catching the enemy off guard. His troops would wear dark clothing and move quietly, making it difficult for the enemy to detect their movements. This allowed them to launch surprise attacks and ambushes, catching the enemy off guard.This tactic was particularly effective against the Mughal army, which was not used to fighting in the dark.

15. Use of Elephants: Maharana Pratap's army used elephants in battle, both for transport and as weapons. The elephants would charge into the enemy ranks, causing chaos and confusion. Maharana Pratap would also use the elephants to transport his troops across difficult terrain and to break through enemy lines.

Maharana Pratap- Brilliant Military Strategist Who Used A Variety Of Tactics To Defeat His Enemies, Including The Mughals

Maharana Pratap was a brilliant military strategist who used a variety of tactics to defeat his enemies, including the Mughals. Some of the most notable battle tactics that he used include:

Guerrilla warfare: Pratap was a master of guerrilla warfare, using hit-and-run tactics to wear down the Mughals. He would often attack Mughal supply lines and forts, then disappear into the hills before they could retaliate.Pratap often used guerrilla warfare tactics to wear down the Mughals. He would launch surprise attacks on Mughal forces, then retreat to the hills before they could regroup. This made it difficult for the Mughals to track him down and defeat him in a pitched battle.

Terrain: Pratap was also very skilled at using the terrain to his advantage. He would often choose to fight in mountainous or forested areas, where the Mughals' superior numbers and firepower were less effective.

Mobility: Pratap's army was highly mobile, which allowed him to quickly move from one location to another. This made it difficult for the Mughals to track him down and defeat him in a pitched battle.

Leadership: Pratap was a charismatic and inspiring leader, and his men were fiercely loyal to him. This was a major factor in his success, as it gave his army the motivation to fight even when outnumbered and outgunned.

Disruption of supply lines: Pratap would also disrupt the Mughals' supply lines by raiding their caravans and forts. This made it difficult for the Mughals to maintain their forces in the field, and eventually forced them to withdraw.

Use of spies: Pratap had a network of spies who kept him informed of Mughal movements. This gave him a significant advantage in planning his battles.

Personal courage: Pratap was a fearless warrior who inspired his troops to fight bravely. He was also a skilled horseman and archer, and was known for his ability to lead charges into the heart of the enemy.

Charging elephants: Pratap's army was known for its use of charging elephants, which were a powerful weapon against the Mughal cavalry. The elephants would be covered in armor and armed with spikes, and they could easily trample Mughal soldiers. Pratap was also known for his use of shock andawe tactics. He would often launch surprise attacks on Mughal forces, catching them off guard and demoralizing them.

Battle of Haldighati, 

In the Battle of Haldighati, Pratap used a combination of these tactics to defeat the Mughals. He chose to fight on a narrow ridge, where the Mughals' numerical superiority was less of an advantage. He also used his cavalry to great effect, launching repeated charges against the Mughal lines. In the end, Pratap was defeated, but he inflicted heavy casualties on the Mughals and forced them to retreat.

Pratap's battle tactics were innovative and effective, and they helped him to keep the Mughals at bay for many years. He is considered one of the greatest military commanders in Indian history, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

 He used his knowledge of terrain, his understanding of the enemy, and his personal courage to defeat a much larger and more powerful army. His victory inspired the Rajputs and other Indian warriors to continue their resistance against the Mughals, and his legacy continues to inspire people today

In the Battle of Haldighati, Pratap's army was outnumbered by the Mughals by a factor of three. However, Pratap used his superior knowledge of the terrain and his innovative tactics to defeat the Mughals. He chose to fight the battle in a narrow pass, where the Mughals' numerical superiority was less effective. He also used his charging elephants to great effect, breaking through the Mughal lines and causing widespread panic. In the end, Pratap was defeated, but he inflicted heavy casualties on the Mughals and forced them to retreat.

Pratap's victory at Haldighati is a testament to his skill as a military strategist. He was able to overcome a significant numerical disadvantage and defeat the Mughals, one of the most powerful armies in the world at the time. His tactics were innovative and effective, and they helped to secure his legacy as one of the greatest warriors in Indian history.

Another part of Pratap's strategy was to encourage a loose coalition against the Mughals, especially with the states that ringed Mewar. The approach to Mewar necessitated crossing these kingdoms, and Pratap used his long-standing links with their rulers or chiefs to create buffer zones between the Mughals and Mewar.

General Sundarji Was the Exception. That Is the Problem-THE THINKING GENERAL

 

1. Early Life & Career

• Born into an egalitarian Tamil Brahmin family, Sundarji’s secular and non-dogmatic outlook shaped his career.

• Joined the Army via Emergency Commission (1945), witnessed Partition violence firsthand.

• Served in Congo with UN Peacekeeping Force, earning a reputation as a “maverick.”

• Rose steadily, becoming the first infantry officer to command an armoured division and later 33 Corps.

2. Major Operations

• Operation Blue Star (1984): Tactical failure; Sundarji’s frontal assault showed overconfidence and lack of patience.

• Exercise Brasstacks (1986–87): India’s largest military exercise, validated his doctrines of manoeuvre, mobility, and firepower.

• Operation Pawan (IPKF in Sri Lanka): Strategic miscalculation; underestimated LTTE resilience.

• Operation Falcon (1986–87): High-altitude face-off with China at Sumdorong Chu; Sundarji’s bold forward posture and heli-lift strategy forced China to back down, boosting Indian Army confidence.

3. Strategic Contributions

• Modernisation & Mechanisation: Advocated combined arms, mobility, and technology-driven warfare, moving away from British WWII doctrines.

• Nuclear Deterrence: Wrote extensively on nuclear policy; influenced India’s doctrine of No First Use, Credible Minimum Deterrence, and Massive Retaliation.

• Emphasised avoiding “obscene amassing of unusable weapons” and protecting India’s economic/social interests.

4. Leadership Style

• Anti-status-quo, intellectually bold, supportive of subordinates, and open to new ideas.

• Advocated professional excellence with ethical grounding; his letter to officers remains a “gold standard.”

• Disapproved of sycophancy, encouraged honest debate and innovation.

5. Legacy

• Sundarji’s tenure showed how much influence a military leader can wield in a democracy when backed politically.

• His vision laid the foundation for India’s Mountain Strike Corps and modern doctrines.

• Despite flaws (Blue Star, IPKF), his resilience, intellect, and risk-taking made him unique among Indian military leaders.

• The problem: few Indian generals since have matched his intellectual depth or willingness to shape long-term strategic thinking.

📌 Key Takeaway

General Sundarji was a rare “thinking general” who transformed India’s military doctrine, modernised its outlook, and shaped nuclear deterrence. His successes and failures highlight both the potential and the risks of bold military leadership. His uniqueness underscores a broader issue: India’s armed forces have lacked similarly visionary leaders since.

स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर राष्ट्रीय स्मारक शौर्य पुरस्कार 2026 मेजर शंतनू घाटपांडे,5/9 GURKHA RIFLES -SENA MEDAL SHAURYA- यांना भारत नाट्य मंदिर पुणे येथे 30 मे 2026 ला सकाळी नऊ वाजता सगळ्यांनी यावे

 सबसे पहले, मैं स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर राष्ट्रीय स्मारक का हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करती हूँ कि उन्होंने मेरे पति, मेजर शंतनु घाटपांडे (5/9 गोरखा राइफल्स), सेना मेडल (वीरता), को “स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर शौर्य पुरस्कार – 2026” के योग्य माना।

स्वातंत्र्यवीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर जी के नाम से जुड़ा यह सम्मान प्राप्त होना हमारे लिए विशेष गौरव की बात है। सावरकर जी ने राष्ट्रप्रेम, शौर्य, कर्तव्य और राष्ट्रीय एकता को जीवन में सर्वोच्च स्थान दिया। उनकी दूरदृष्टि, देशभक्ति और मातृभूमि के प्रति समर्पण आज भी देश की अनेक पीढ़ियों को प्रेरणा देता है।

स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर राष्ट्रीय स्मारक द्वारा प्रतिवर्ष राष्ट्रसेवा, शौर्य और कर्तव्यनिष्ठा के लिए भारतीय सैनिकों को सम्मानित किया जाता है। ऐसे प्रतिष्ठित सम्मान से उनका नाम जुड़ना हमारे परिवार के लिए अत्यंत सम्मान और गर्व का विषय है।

उनकी तैनाती मणिपुर के एक अत्यंत संवेदनशील क्षेत्र में कॉलम कमांडर के रूप में थी। अक्टूबर 2023 में वहाँ के कुछ गाँवों पर भारी हथियारों से लैस उग्रवादियों द्वारा हमला किया गया। स्थिति अत्यंत गंभीर थी और निर्दोष नागरिकों का जीवन खतरे में था।

4 अक्टूबर 2023 को उग्रवादियों ने एक गाँव पर अंधाधुंध गोलीबारी करते हुए हमला किया। ऐसे समय में उन्होंने और उनकी टीम ने अपनी व्यक्तिगत सुरक्षा की परवाह किए बिना तुरंत घटनास्थल की ओर प्रस्थान किया। भीषण गोलीबारी और तनावपूर्ण परिस्थितियों के बीच गाँव में प्रवेश कर प्रभावी जवाबी कार्रवाई की, जिससे उग्रवादियों को पीछे हटने पर मजबूर होना पड़ा। इसके बाद ग्रामीणों को सुरक्षित स्थानों तक पहुँचाया गया।

इसके कुछ दिनों बाद, 7 अक्टूबर 2023 को उग्रवादियों ने गाँव को जलाने के उद्देश्य से फिर से हमला किया। उस समय भी उन्होंने अद्वितीय साहस और नेतृत्व का परिचय देते हुए अपनी टुकड़ी का नेतृत्व किया तथा स्थिति को नियंत्रण में लाया।

इन अभियानों के दौरान 200 से अधिक लोगों के प्राण बचाए जा सके और अनेक परिवार सुरक्षित रहे।

इसके अतिरिक्त, उनके नेतृत्व में महत्वपूर्ण अभियान चलाए गए, जिनमें उग्रवादियों द्वारा छिपाकर रखे गए भारी मात्रा में हथियार और गोला-बारूद बरामद किए गए। इससे आगे होने वाली हिंसा को रोकने में महत्वपूर्ण सहायता मिली।

उनके उत्कृष्ट साहस, वीरता और नेतृत्व के लिए उन्हें स्वतंत्रता दिवस 2024 के अवसर पर “सेना मेडल (वीरता)” से सम्मानित किया गया।

मेरे लिए सबसे भावुक करने वाली बात यह है कि उन्होंने कभी भी इन अभियानों की कठिन परिस्थितियों या अपने ऊपर मंडरा रहे खतरे के बारे में घर पर विस्तार से चर्चा नहीं की। भारतीय सेना के अधिकांश सैनिकों की तरह उन्होंने भी इसे केवल अपना कर्तव्य माना। हमें उनके कार्य की वास्तविक गंभीरता और वीरता का एहसास तब हुआ, जब उन्हें यह वीरता पुरस्कार प्रदान किए जाने की घोषणा हुई।

एक सैनिक के जीवन में कर्तव्य सदैव सर्वोच्च होता है। परिस्थितियाँ कितनी भी कठिन क्यों न हों, उसका उद्देश्य केवल देश और देशवासियों की रक्षा करना होता है।

आज प्राप्त यह सम्मान केवल एक पदक नहीं है, बल्कि भारतीय सेना के मूल्यों — शौर्य, अनुशासन, समर्पण और निःस्वार्थ सेवा — का सम्मान है। यह सम्मान केवल एक व्यक्ति का नहीं, बल्कि उन सभी सैनिकों और उनके परिवारों का भी है, जो शांतिपूर्वक और निस्वार्थ भाव से राष्ट्रसेवा में लगे रहते हैं।

आज इस मंच पर खड़े होकर स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर जी के विचारों का स्मरण करना अपने आप में सौभाग्य की बात है। उनके नाम से जुड़ा यह सम्मान हमारे परिवार के लिए केवल गर्व का विषय नहीं, बल्कि एक प्रेरणा भी है, जो हमें आगे भी अपने कर्तव्यों और जिम्मेदारियों के प्रति समर्पित रहने की शक्ति देती रहेगी।

अंत में, मैं केवल इतना कहना चाहूँगी —

एक सैनिक के लिए राष्ट्रसेवा केवल उसका कर्तव्य नहीं, बल्कि उसका संकल्प होता है।

वह हर परिस्थिति में, हर चुनौती के बीच, अपने देश और देशवासियों की रक्षा को सर्वोच्च मानता है।

आज प्राप्त यह सम्मान हम सभी के for लिए गर्व का क्षण है, लेकिन इसके साथ यह हमें और अधिक जिम्मेदारी, समर्पण और राष्ट्रप्रेम के मार्ग पर आगे बढ़ने की प्रेरणा भी देता है।

मैं पुनः स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर राष्ट्रीय स्मारक का हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करती हूँ कि उन्होंने उनके कार्य, वीरता और नेतृत्व को इस प्रतिष्ठित सम्मान के योग्य माना तथा इस सम्मान से सम्मानित किया।

जय हिंद।

वंदे मातरम्।

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa7gT7P1eh4

death of 10 Indian Army soldiers in a road accident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic death of 10 Indian Army soldiers in a road accident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The news of the death of Indian Army soldiers in a road accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured soldiers,” President Murmu posted on X.

He prayed for peace for the souls of the departed and for God to grant strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Earlier, Union Minister of State (MOS) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh extended his heartfelt condolences over the death of 10 Army personnel.
An Army vehicle in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district met with an accident, resulting in the deaths of 10 personnel. An equal number of personnel sustained injuries during the mishap.
The incident occurred in the Khanni Top area of Bhaderwah, prompting immediate rescue and relief operations, said official sources.
According to the White Knight Corps, the Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather.”In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment,” said White Knight Corps.
Soon after the accident, the Army and local administration teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. The injured personnel were provided first aid at the site and were later airlifted to Udhampur for specialised medical treatment.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of 10 Army personnel in the incident.

“Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” a post by the official X handle of the LG Office said.
“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery,” the post added

Operation Trashi-I: HAV GAJENDRA SINGH OF SPECIAL FORCES MAKES SUPREME SACIFICE -Gunfight breaks out in J&K’s Kishtwar; 8 Army personnel injured

Eight Army personnel were injured on Sunday in a prolonged gunfight with terrorists in a remote forested area of the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The encounter, which lasted for several hours, erupted when security forces came in contact with terrorists during a search operation in the general area of Sonnar, northeast of Chatroo. 

The operation, launched around noon, has been named Operation Trashi-I by the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said the search was part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations being conducted with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. “Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies,” the Army said, praising the troops for their professionalism while responding to hostile fire in difficult terrain and conditions.

one of the search teams encountered a group of two to three foreign terrorists, believed to be affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The terrorists allegedly opened indiscriminate fire and hurled grenades in an attempt to break the cordon. The troops retaliated, following which reinforcements from the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police were rushed to the area to tighten the cordon. Intermittent firing continued until around 5.40 pm. Eight soldiers sustained injuries, mostly splinter wounds from grenade blasts, and were evacuated to hospital. A massive search operation is continuing to track down and neutralise the terrorists. Advanced surveillance equipment, including drones, along with sniffer dogs, has been deployed to speed up the operation. This is the third encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region this year. Earlier gunfights were reported in the Kahog and Najote forests of the Billawar area in Kathua district on January 7 and 13. On December 15 last year, a police officer was killed in an encounter with terrorists in Soan village of the Majalta area in Udhampur district. The terrorists managed to escape by taking advantage of thick foliage and darkness. These encounters come in the wake of a major counter-terror operation launched across forest belts of the Jammu region in December last year to flush out nearly three dozen terrorists believed to be hiding in the area

भारतातील बदलत्या युद्धस्वरूपात व्हेटरन्सची भूमिका,राष्ट्रनिर्माणात व्हेटरन्सची भूमिका

 

1. व्हेटरन्स डेचे महत्त्व

व्हेटरन्स डे हा केवळ “एक कार्यक्रम” नसून सशस्त्र दलात सेवा केलेल्या प्रत्येक सैनिकाला राष्ट्राने दिलेला औपचारिक सलाम आहे. हा दिवस सांगतो की तुमची सेवा, तुमची त्यागाची किंमत, तुमच्या जखमा आणि तुमच्या आठवणी या देशाने कधीही विसरलेल्या नाहीत.​

आजच्या तरुण पिढीसाठी हा दिवस एक संदेश देतो – की राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा ही काही “आपोआप” मिळालेली गोष्ट नाही, तर शेकडो–हजारो व्हेटरन्सच्या आयुष्यभराच्या कर्तव्यनिष्ठेवर उभी आहे. तेच आपल्या लष्करी इतिहासाचे शिल्पकार आणि पुढील पिढ्यांचे प्रेरणास्थान आहेत.​

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2. सेवाकाळातील अविस्मरणीय क्षण

प्रत्येक सैनिकाच्या आयुष्यात काही क्षण असे असतात जे कायमचे कोरलेले राहतात – शत्रूपेक्षा कठीण भूभाग, कठोर हवामान आणि त्याहून कठीण निर्णय. अशा प्रसंगी आपल्या प्रशिक्षणाची, सहकाऱ्यांवरील विश्वासाची आणि “युनिट स्पिरिट”ची खरी कसोटी लागते.​

असा एक क्षण म्हणजे ऑपरेशनल झोनमध्ये घेतलेला जीवघेणा निर्णय – जिथे काही सेकंदांत घेतलेला योग्य निर्णय संपूर्ण पथकाचे प्राण वाचवू शकतो. त्या दिवशी जाणवले की नेतृत्व म्हणजे फक्त आदेश देणे नव्हे, तर स्वतः भीतीवर मात करून पुढे उभे राहणे होय.​

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3. ब्रिगेडियर म्हणून शिकलोले नेतृत्वधडे

ब्रिगेडियर पातळीवर सर्वात मोठा धडा म्हणजे “Nation before self” – अख्ख्या ब्रिगेडचे, राष्ट्राचे हित हे नेहमी वैयक्तिक सोयी–अडचणींपेक्षा वर ठेवणे.​

दुसरा धडा म्हणजे उदाहरणाद्वारे नेतृत्व:

• जे आदेश आपण देतो, तेच प्रथम स्वतः पाळणे.
• शिस्त, तयारी आणि प्रामाणिक फीडबॅक यांमुळेच जवानांचा विश्वास मिळतो.

तिसरा महत्त्वाचा धडा म्हणजे नैतिक धैर्य – लोकप्रिय नसले तरी योग्य निर्णय घेण्याची हिंमत. आजच्या पिढीसाठी हे धडे अत्यंत उपयुक्त आहेत: उच्च उद्दिष्ट, कष्टाची सवय, टीमच्या हिताला प्राधान्य आणि विजयातही नम्रता.​

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4. सर्वात कठीण प्रसंग आणि मानसिक खंबीरता

देशसेवेत कठीण प्रसंग फक्त रणांगणावरच येत नाहीत; कधी अधुरी साधने, कधी प्रतिकूल परिस्थिती, कधी अपेक्षित पाठिंब्याचा अभाव – आणि तरीही मिशन पूर्ण करायचे असते.​

अशा वेळी मानसिक खंबीरता टिकवण्यासाठी काही गोष्टी अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या ठरतात:

• प्रशिक्षण आणि ‘ड्रिल’वर पूर्ण विश्वास – संकटात मेंदूपेक्षा सराव आधी काम करतो.
• सहकाऱ्यांचे बंधुत्व – “मी एकटा नाही” ही जाणीव.
• स्वतःला सतत आठवण करून देणे की आपण राष्ट्राच्या मोठ्या हेतूसाठी काम करतो. अभ्यासातून दिसते की अशी रेजिलियन्स आणि सामाजिक पाठिंबा या दोन्ही गोष्टी सैनिकांना ताणतणावातही सकारात्मक पद्धतीने सामना करण्यास मदत करतात.​

यामुळे भीती शून्य होत नाही, पण भीतीवर नियंत्रण येते – आणि सैनिक म्हणून, तसेच नागरिक म्हणून, हीच खरी मानसिक ताकद आहे.

उत्तरं अशी मांडतो की आपण मुलाखत/लेखात थेट वापरू शकाल. हवे असल्यास नंतर स्वतःचे उदाहरणे जोडू शकता.

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5. शिस्त, त्याग, संघभावना – वैयक्तिक आयुष्यावर परिणाम

सैन्यातील शिस्त, त्याग आणि संघभावना यांनी माझ्या आयुष्याचा पाया घडवला. वेळेचे नियोजन, दिलेले वचन पूर्ण करणे आणि काम शेवटपर्यंत नीट करून देणे ही सैन्यात तयार झालेली सवय आजही प्रत्येक कामात दिसते.​

संघभावनेमुळे “मी”पेक्षा “आपण” महत्त्वाचे हे मनात खोलवर बसले. त्यामुळे कुटुंबात, समाजात किंवा इतर संस्थांमध्ये काम करताना व्यक्तीपेक्षा टीमचे ध्येय आणि देशहित यांनाच प्राधान्य देण्याची वृत्ती टिकून राहिली.​

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6. तरुणांनी संरक्षण दलात करिअर निवडताना काय लक्षात ठेवावे

सर्वात आधी हे लक्षात ठेवावे की संरक्षण दलात करिअर म्हणजे फक्त नोकरी नाही, ती आयुष्यभराची प्रतिबद्धता आहे – राष्ट्र, गणवेश आणि सहकाऱ्यांप्रती. यात सन्मान आहे, पण त्याग, जोखीम आणि कठोर मेहनतही तितकीच आहे.​

तरुणांनी स्वतःला काही प्रश्न विचारावेत – मला शिस्तबद्ध जीवन आवडते का? कठोर प्रशिक्षण सहन करू शकतो का? कुटुंबापासून दूर राहण्याची मानसिक तयारी आहे का? जर यांना होकार असेल, तर संरक्षण दल अपार समाधान, नेतृत्वाचे संधी आणि अर्थपूर्ण आयुष्य देऊ शकते.​

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7. सैन्यात भरतीसाठी शारीरिक व मानसिक तयारी

शारीरिक तयारी:

• दररोज धावणे, पुश‑अप्स, सिट‑अप्स, स्क्वॅट्स यांसारख्या मूलभूत व्यायामांची सातत्याने सवय लावावी.
• वजन नियंत्रित ठेवणे, संतुलित आहार, तंबाखू‑मद्य यांपासून दूर राहणे हे अत्यंत महत्त्वाचे.​

मानसिक तयारी:

• ताणतणावातही शांत राहणे, कठीण आदेशांचे पालन करणे आणि प्रतिकूल परिस्थितीत “मी हार मानणार नाही” ही वृत्ती विकसित करणे.
• गटात काम करणे, फीडबॅक (आणि ओरडा) वैयक्तिक अपमान न समजता सुधारण्याची संधी मानणे – ही खरी मानसिक रेजिलियन्स आहे.​

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8. निवृत्तीनंतरही देशसेवा – हा प्रवास

निवृत्तीने “देशसेवा” संपत नाही; फक्त तिचा स्वरूप बदलतो. गणवेश काढला, पण अनुभव, जाण, आणि जबाबदारीची भावना कायम राहते. त्यामुळे लेखन, व्याख्याने, तरुणांना मार्गदर्शन, राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा विषयांवर जनजागृती – या मार्गांनी जोडलेलो राहणे स्वाभाविकच आहे.​

हा प्रवास समाधान देणारा आहे, कारण रणांगण बदलले असले तरी लढा तोच आहे – या वेळी शत्रू म्हणजे अज्ञान, चुकीची माहिती आणि उदासीनता. त्याविरुद्ध लढताना सैनिक म्हणून मिळालेली शिस्त व नेतृत्व कौशल्य खूप उपयोगी येतात.​

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9. सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबियांची भूमिका

सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबियांची भूमिका अतिशय निर्णायक असते. सैनिक सीमेवर उभा राहू शकतो, कारण घरच्या आघाडीवर त्याचे कुटुंब त्याहून मोठी जबाबदारी शांतपणे पेलत असते – एकटेपणा, स्थलांतर, अनिश्चितता आणि कधी कधी भीतीदेखील.​

संशोधनात दिसते की मजबूत, आधार देणारे कुटुंब सैनिकाची मानसिक ताकद आणि रेजिलियन्स मोठ्या प्रमाणात वाढवते. कुटुंबाचा न बोलता दिलेला नैतिक पाठिंबा सैनिकाला प्रत्येक कठीण प्रसंगी पुन्हा उभा राहण्याची ऊर्जा देतो – म्हणूनच सैनिक आणि त्याचे कुटुंब, दोघे मिळूनच खरा “फ्रंटलाईन” तयार करतात.​

उत्तरं अशी देत आहे की आपण मुलाखत, लेख किंवा व्याख्यानात थेट वापरू शकाल. हवे असल्यास नंतर स्वतःची उदाहरणे सहज जोडू शकता.

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10. सेवाकाळात कुटुंबाचा पाठिंबा

सेवाकाळात कुटुंबाचा पाठिंबा हे माझ्यासाठी सर्वात मोठे “फोर्स मल्टिप्लायर” होते. वारंवार होणारी पोस्टिंग्ज, ऑपरेशनल ताण, घरापासून महिने‑महिने दूर राहणे – हे सगळे कुटुंबाच्या शांत, संयमी आणि समजूतदार पाठींब्यामुळेच शक्य झाले.​

कुटुंबाने एका बाजूला घराची जबाबदारी न बोलता उचलली आणि दुसऱ्या बाजूला माझ्या प्रत्येक पोस्टिंगकडे “देशकार्यासाठी आवश्यक” अशी दृष्टी ठेवली. ही मानसिक ताकद घरातून मिळाल्यामुळे रणांगणावर मी निश्चिंतपणे १०० टक्के लक्ष फक्त कर्तव्यावर केंद्रित करू शकलो.​

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11. बदलत्या सुरक्षा आव्हानांमध्ये भारतीय सैन्याची भूमिका

आज भारतासमोरची सुरक्षा आव्हाने केवळ भूसीमा किंवा पारंपरिक युद्धापुरती मर्यादित राहिलेली नाहीत; सायबर, अवकाश, माहिती युद्ध, दहशतवाद, ड्रोन आणि हायब्रिड वॉरफेअर यांचा समावेश असलेले बहु‑आयामी वातावरण तयार झाले आहे.​

या पार्श्वभूमीवर भारतीय सैन्याची भूमिका दोन स्तरांवर महत्त्वाची आहे – एक, पारंपरिक सैनिकी ताकद कायम सक्षम ठेवणे; आणि दोन, आधुनिक तंत्रज्ञान, सायबर क्षमता, माहिती युद्ध आणि संयुक्त संचालनाद्वारे पूर्ण राष्ट्रीय शक्तीला एकत्र आणून प्रतिबंध आणि प्रतिकार दोन्ही सक्षम करणे.​

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12. व्हेटरन्स डेच्या निमित्ताने नागरिकांनी काय करावे

व्हेटरन्स डे हा फक्त औपचारिक कार्यक्रम न राहता लोकभावनेचा उत्सव व्हावा, असे वाटते. नागरिकांनी सर्वप्रथम एक सवय लावावी – युनिफॉर्ममधील किंवा निवृत्त सैनिकांना दिसले की साधा एक सलाम, “थँक यू” किंवा “जय हिंद” म्हणणे; हे शब्द छोटं असतील, पण त्यांच्या मनात अमाप उर्जा निर्माण करतात.​

दुसरे म्हणजे, समाजाने व्हेटरन्सकडे केवळ “वेल्फेअर”च्या दृष्टिकोनातून नव्हे, तर nation building मध्ये त्यांच्या अनुभवाचा उपयोग करून घेणाऱ्या “एम्पॉवरमेंट”च्या दृष्टीने पाहायला हवे – शाळा‑कॉलेज, उद्योग, प्रशासन, आपत्ती व्यवस्थापन, स्किल ट्रेनिंग अशा अनेक क्षेत्रात त्यांना सक्रिय भूमिका देणे ही खऱ्या अर्थाने त्यांची कदर होईल.​

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13. तरुणांना देण्यासारखा प्रेरणादायी संदेश

देशातील तरुणांना एकच संदेश – देशसेवा ही फक्त सीमारेषेवर उभे राहिल्यावर सुरू होत नाही आणि निवृत्तीपत्रावर सही केल्यावर संपतही नाही; ती एक मानसिक वृत्ती आहे. आपल्या निवडलेल्या कोणत्याही क्षेत्रात प्रामाणिकपणे, तडजोड न करता, राष्ट्रहित सर्वोच्च मानून काम केले तरी ती खरी देशसेवा आहे.​

जर तुमच्यात धाडस, संघभावना, शिस्त आणि त्यागाची तयारी असेल तर संरक्षण दल तुमच्यासाठी सर्वोत्तम विद्यापीठ आहे. आणि जर वेगळी वाट निवडली, तरी “फक्त स्वतःसाठी नव्हे, तर समाज आणि देशासाठी” ही भावना मनात जपली, तर तुम्ही जिथे असाल तिथून भारत अधिक मजबूत होत जाईल.​

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14. राष्ट्रनिर्माणात व्हेटरन्सची भूमिका

व्हेटरन्स हा देशासाठी अमूल्य “मानवी भांडवल” आहे – शिस्त, नेतृत्व, प्रामाणिकता, ताणतणावात काम करण्याची क्षमता आणि “टीम फर्स्ट” वृत्ती हे त्यांचे नैसर्गिक गुण आहेत. राष्ट्रनिर्माणाच्या प्रत्येक स्तरावर – स्थानिक स्वराज्य संस्था, प्रशासन, उद्योग, स्टार्ट‑अप्स, शिक्षण, कौशल्य विकास, आपत्ती व्यवस्थापन – हे गुण देशाला अत्यंत आवश्यक आहेत.​

भारतीय सेनेच्या अनेक उपक्रमांतून व्हेटरन्सना उद्योजकता, स्किल ट्रेनिंग, सुरक्षा, लॉजिस्टिक्स, आणि गव्हर्नन्समध्ये भूमिका देण्याचे प्रयत्न सुरू झाले आहेत. कल्याणापासून (welfare) सशक्तीकरणाकडे (empowerment) झालेला हा बदल व्हेटरन्सना nation building च्या मुख्य प्रवाहात आणण्याचा महत्त्वाचा टप्पा आहे.​

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15. भारतातील बदलत्या युद्धस्वरूपात व्हेटरन्सची भूमिका

युद्धाचे स्वरूप आज माहिती युद्ध, सायबर हल्ले, सोशल मीडियावरील नॅरेटिव्ह, ड्रोन, तंत्रज्ञान आणि कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता यामुळे झपाट्याने बदलत आहे. युद्ध “फ्रंटलाइन”वरच नाही, तर मोबाईलच्या स्क्रीनवर, डेटा सेंटर्समध्ये आणि मनांमध्ये लढले जात आहे.​

या क्षेत्रात प्रत्यक्ष अनुभव असलेले व्हेटरन्स – ऑपरेशन्स, इन्फॉर्मेशन वारफेअर, साइकोलॉजिकल ऑप्स, तांत्रिक शाखा, लॉजिस्टिक्स – हे धोरण निर्मिती, डॉक्ट्रिन, प्रशिक्षण, मीडिया आणि सायबर सुरक्षा यामध्ये मौल्यवान मार्गदर्शन देऊ शकतात. त्यांच्या ज्ञानाला think tanks, उद्योग, शिक्षणसंस्था आणि सरकारने प्रणालीबद्ध पद्धतीने जोडले, तर भारताची modern warfare क्षमता अधिक वेगाने आणि योग्य दिशेने विकसित होईल.​