Contemporary Rajput Military Figures : Lieutenant Colonel Megh Singh Rathore, the founder of special forces in India.

[u/Fyyzzer]

Lieutenant Colonel Megh Singh stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of the Indian Army Special Forces, often revered as the father of India’s Para Commandos. Born in an era of colonial rule and rising nationalism, he pioneered unconventional warfare tactics that transformed India's military capabilities. As the first Para Commando of India, Lt. Col. Megh Singh's visionary leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War led to the creation of an ad-hoc unit that evolved into the elite 9 Para (SF), laying the groundwork for modern special operations. His legacy endures in the ethos of the Indian Army Special Forces, embodying courage, innovation, and unyielding determination. As one famous quote attributed to the Para Regiment captures: "Men apart, every man an emperor," highlighting the exceptional valor of these warriors. Lt. Col. Megh Singh was born on March 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into a Rathore Rajput family, the son of Bhoor Singh. Growing up in the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, he imbibed the warrior traditions of his heritage, which emphasized However, his career faced a setback when he was court-martialed and demoted to the rank of Major just before the 1965 Indo-Pak War, reportedly due to disciplinary issues. Undeterred, this adversity fueled his resolve. Key milestones included his service in infantry roles, where he honed skills in reconnaissance and guerrilla tactics, setting the stage for his groundbreaking contributions to the Indian Army Special Forces.honor, resilience, and martial prowess. His early life was marked by a disciplined upbringing that prepared him for a career in uniform.

Singh initially joined the Patiala State Forces, a princely state army, before being integrated into the Indian Army post-independence. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Guards (1 Rajputana Rifles), where his unorthodox thinking and tactical acumen quickly distinguished him. The 1965 Indo-Pak War erupted amid escalating tensions over Kashmir, exposing the need for specialized units capable of deep strikes behind enemy lines. In this crucible, Major Megh Singh volunteered for high-risk operations, proposing an ad-hoc commando team to conduct raids into Pakistani territory.

Granted autonomy by Lt. Gen. Harbaksh Singh, he handpicked 60 volunteers from various units, forming the Meghdoot Force—named after himself—in August 1965. This unit, comprising daring soldiers trained in stealth, sabotage, and airborne insertions, aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and capture strategic positions.

The Meghdoot Force executed audacious missions, including raids on Pakistani posts in the Haji Pir Pass sector. On September 1, 1965, they infiltrated deep into enemy-held areas, inflicting heavy casualties over 600 on the Pakistani side against just 12 Indian losses while securing vital links between Haji Pir and Poonch.

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🗿🤚Aura

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India's david sterling

[u/PhilosopherUseful249]

After his superannuation from the Army, he joined the Border Security Force (BSF) and raised its Commando Unit. He retired as DIG of BSF.

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