The Gorkhas

[The Archnazi]

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.
A Gorkha soldier demonstrating the proper use of the khukri to a recruit. Aggressiveness combined with
superlative confidence makes Gorkhas invincible in attack. (Photo: 14 GTC)
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.

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