Lt Gen “Zoru” Bakshi, One Of The Most Decorated Officers, Passes Away

Lieutenant General Zorawar Chand Bakshi, one of the most decorated Army officer breathed his last on May 24 at the age of 97. Lt Gen Zorawar “Zoru” Chand Bakshi is said to have developed a lung infection, two days prior to his demise.

Unfortunately, he did not receive any ceremonial send-off, no ritual last rites at the crematorium or respects befitting for the person of his stature was paid. Only a wreath was laid. No minister came for the prayer meeting or his cremation.

If this is true then it is certainly not how it should be. A nation loses its way when its heroes are forgotten. You said there was no tweet… Here is my Tweet of tribute to a hero. Add yours if you feel the same way.. https://t.co/QRC8GQwWEL

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) May 28, 2018

Man of great valour

Fondly known as Zoru, he was one of the most decorated Army officers, being awarded Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Mention-in-Despatches, besides being awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.

Lt Gen Bakshi hailed from Gulyana village near Rawalpindi in Pakistan. His father, Bahadur Bakshi Lal Chand served in the erstwhile British Indian Army who was also the recipient of Order of British India.

Lt Gen Bakshi graduated from Gordon College, Rawalpindi in 1942 and was commissioned into Baloch Regiment in 1943.

He participated in the World War 2, becoming a major source of concern for the Japanese. After the liberation of Burma, he went ahead and engaged in the operations to liberate Malaysia from Japanese control. His proved performance led to his speedy promotion to the post of Major.

After partition, he was inducted into the 5th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. His bravery in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1947-48 won him the Vir Chakra in July 1948.

In 1949, he was awarded the MacGregor Medal which is given to Army personnel for valuable reconnaissance. He had disguised as a fellow traveller and trekked 400 miles along Tibet for getting vital information.

In the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, he helped in capturing the strategic Haji Pir pass in the Uri sector from the Pakistani forces. It was under his able leadership that Basali, Haji Pir and Kahuta remained safe from the clutches of the Pakistani forces. A Brigadier then, his high standard of planning, tactical skills and leadership won him the Maha Vir Chakra.

He led the battalion in a United Nations Operation in Congo in the early 1960s.

In 1969-1970, he participated in the counter-insurgency operations in North-East and in the 1971 Indo-Pak war he overlooked the operation the Sialkot area and capturing territory from enemy forces.

For a man of such valour, he is said to be a very shy man with an infectious smile. He is survived by a son and two daughters, one of whom is married to a brigadier.