The Indian Army has upheld the nation’s integrity and safety countless times. It is considered one of the most powerful militaries globally with one of the largest personnel counts. However, despite the national pride that we have for the army as citizens, very few of us know the tremendous Indian Army stories that make it one of the most feared defense forces in the world.
In this blog, we will recount five such stories that have become legends and only go to show the dedication of the people who guard our borders!
Let’s take a look:
1. Major Ian Cardozo and the 1971 war
There are many inspiring stories of Major Ian Cardozo. Still, the one that exhibits his determination and grit more than anything else in the episode during the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The young major was from the 5 Gorkha Rifles and had stepped on a mine that severely injured his foot. However, this did not deter him from fighting the battle valiantly. Major Cardozo used his own Khukri Knife to amputate his leg and then command his battalion in the war!
2. Brigadier Mohammad Usman and the 1947/48 war
Brigadier Usman joined the Indian Armed Forces in 1934. During the 1947-48 war with Pakistan, he was able to secure the strategic locations of Naushera and Jhangar against the enemies.
Initially, he was offered the role of the Chief of the Pakistani Army during the partition. However, he chose to remain in India. He quit the Baloch regiment of Pakistan to join the Dogra regiment of India.
During his exploits in Naushera and Jhangar, he earned the title of the Lion of Naushera. The Pakistan army also placed a bounty of Rs. 50,000 on his head. Brigadier Usman’s experience is probably one of the most inspiring Indian Army Stories you will hear!
3. PVC Yogendra Yadav and the Kargil War
Revered as the oldest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra at 19, Yogendra Yadav fought bravely during the Kargil War to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill. During his steep climb, he was injured by enemy fire and received bullet wounds on his shoulder and groin.
Despite being in tremendous pain, he finished his climb and lodged a grenade that helped them capture the first bunker, push back enemy fire, and allow the rest of his team to scale the peak. His experience was one of the many Indian Army Stories from the Kargil War that inspired Lakshya movie.
4. Gujarat Floods 2015
The experience and might of the Indian Army are not just displayed on the battlefield. In 2015, when Floods tormented Gujarat, the Indian Army and the Air Force evacuated over 1000 people and provided relief to close to 2400 people!
5. 2016 Surgical Strikes
It is now common knowledge that the Indian Armed Forces conducted Surgical Strikes in 2016 in the Line of Control against terror elements. The story of the strike was later adapted to a hit movie in 2019, Uri: The Surgical Strike.
The operation was conducted by the Para Special Forces and is widely considered one of the most resounding attacks on terrorism in the J&K region.
These are just a few Indian Army stories that will leave you with pride.
Got more such stories to share about the Indian Army? Mention it in the comments below!