Gorkhas have a unique place within the Indian Army largely because of
their exceptional qualities of head and heart which make them such
special soldiers.
In the first place they take naturally to war and soldiering
possessing the virtue of discipline so essential for military men.
Aggressive in battle they strike fear into the hearts of their
adversaries. Loyalty to them is the supreme virtue.
Their loyalty encompasses their officers, their regiments and their
adopted country for whose cause they have never hesitated to make the
supreme sacrifice. Gorkhas are a byword for courage. On the battlefield
the reckless abandon with which they close with the enemy makes them
feared and respected by adversaries.
Many anecdotes exist to prove their self-sustenance in combat
conditions which enables them to survive any and all adverse situations.
Truly very tough possessing a physical strength (including phenomenal
ability to negotiate mountainous terrain) and resilience to match the
best a Gorkha soldier always performs at his best.
The ability to carry out gruelling physical tasks over long periods
of time is ingrained in them. Gorkhas have a very fine quality of
appreciating method and system, a sort of soldierly orderliness that
stands them in good stead.
Military drills instilled in them are carried out with precision and
despatch. This makes them the very best of soldiers taking on enemies
with a doggedness and military strength that has given them a fighting
reputation second to none.
MANEKSHAW AND THE PRELUDE TO WAR
Having received
the political leadership’s nod to initiate operations at a time of his
choosing and after due preparation, Manekshaw got down to the onerous
task at hand.
The military operations directorate under General KK Singh was put on
the task of planning the operations and left unhindered to do their job
after receiving broad directives. This was typical of Manekshaw’s
command style. He used his considerable personal charisma, drive and
unerring focus to motivate all personnel to give of their best.
Sam’s personal rapport with the prime minister helped him to
fast-track access to much needed resources like finance, rolling stock,
laying of new rail tracks and equipment. The sense of national purpose
under which everyone worked helped tremendously in making good shortages
in warlike stores and build up of logistic capabilities.
Using lessons learned from previous conflicts combat training was
stepped up. Exercise Shah Sowar conducted in Central India during
May-June prepared the only strike formation, I Corps for war.
To keep up the pressure on the enemy operations of the Mukti Bahini
as well as those of our own troops operating in deceptive roles were
stepped up. Some of the best leaders as well as junior officers were
inducted to conduct a guerrilla war within East Pakistan causing
attrition, damaging morale and even liberating key areas. Manekshaw
personally enthused commanders and built up troops’ morale through
extensive touring and interactions. He also got the government to review
provisions for casualties, looking after bereaved families and the war
wounded.
All these efforts ensured that on December 3, 1971, we had a superb
instrument of national policy, the Army, well motivated, confident ,
equipped as could best be and supremely self-assured of its plans and
leaders. This was the result of Manekshaw’s careful planning and
superhuman efforts at teambuilding.
Mandeep Singh Bajwa, Hindustan Times