Zorawar Chand Bakhshi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lieutenant general Z C Bakshi PVSM, MVC, VrC, VSM
Nickname(s)	Zoru
Born	(1921-10-21)21 October 1921 (or (1921-01-02)2 January 1921) Gulyana, Punjab, British India
Died	24 May 2018 (aged 96-97)
Allegiance	British India  India
Service/branch	British Indian Army  Indian Army
Years of service	1943—1979
Rank	Lieutenant General
Service number	IC-1510
Unit	5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) 10th Baluch Regiment
Commands held	II Corps 26 Infantry Division 8 Mountain Division 68 Infantry Brigade 2/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
Battles/wars	World War II Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 Indo-Pakistan War of 1971
Awards	Param Vishisht Seva Medal Maha Vir Chakra Vir Chakra Vishisht Seva Medal MacGregor Medal

Lieutenant General Zorawar Chand (Zoru) Bakshi was a very brave and highly respected General in the Indian Army. He was born on October 21, 1921 (or January 2, 1921) and passed away on May 24, 2018. He was known for leading troops in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Many people call him "India's most decorated General" because he received so many awards for his courage and leadership.

Who was Zoru Bakshi?

His Family and Early Life

Zorawar Chand Bakshi, often called "Zoru," came from a family of soldiers. His father, Bahadur Bakshi Lal Chand Lau, was also a decorated soldier in the British Indian Army. Zoru's family lived in a village called Gulyana before India was divided.

After the Partition of India in 1947, his family moved to India. Zoru studied at Gordon College in Rawalpindi and then joined the Indian Military Academy in 1942. This was the start of his amazing military journey.

Starting His Military Journey

Zoru Bakshi joined the British Indian Army in 1943. He was part of the Baloch Regiment. He also went to a special training course in the UK.

His first big fight was during World War II against the Japanese in Burma. He was recognized for bravely taking over a strong Japanese position. Later, he helped free Malaysia from Japanese control. Because of his excellent work, he was quickly promoted to the rank of Major.

Fighting for India's Freedom and Peace

After India Became Independent

After India gained independence in 1947, Zoru Bakshi joined the 5th Gorkha Rifles regiment of the Indian Army. He continued to show great bravery.

• In July 1948, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, he earned the Vir Chakra award for his courage.
• Soon after, in 1949, he received the MacGregor Medal.
• In 1951, he was chosen to attend a special staff college in Wellington.

Hero of the 1965 War

One of Zoru Bakshi's most famous achievements was during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He played a key role in capturing the Haji Pir Pass from Pakistani forces. This was a very difficult mission. For his bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, which is India's second-highest military award.

The award citation praised his leadership:

Gazette Notification: 9 Pres/66,1-1-66

Operation: 1965 May - Ablaze Date of Award: 05 Aug 1965

CITATION

BRIGADIER ZORAWAR CHAND BAKSHI, VrC (IC-1510)

5th BATTALION THE GORKHA RIFLES

Brigadier Zorawar Chand Bakshi led his brigade in a tough mission to capture Basali, Haji Pir Pass, and Kahuta. This area was very important for connecting Uri and Poonch. The path to Haji Pir was difficult, going over mountains. Haji Pir itself was 9,000 feet high and strongly defended by the enemy.

Brigadier Bakshi was always at the front, guiding his troops. Even when the enemy was heavily shelling, he stayed in the most dangerous areas. After Haji Pir was captured, he quickly moved his command post forward, knowing the enemy would try to attack it.

Throughout this operation, Brigadier Bakshi showed amazing planning skills and leadership. He was determined and shared all the difficulties with his soldiers. His actions were truly in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Other Important Missions

In the early 1960s, Zoru Bakshi led his battalion in a United Nations mission in Congo. They helped stop a province called Katanga from separating. For this, he received the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Later, from 1969 to 1970, he successfully led operations to stop rebellions in parts of North East India. He was promoted to Major General in November 1970.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he was crucial in capturing an important area known as the Chicken-Neck Sector. For this achievement, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, one of India's highest non-combat awards for distinguished service.

He became a Lieutenant General in 1974 and continued to serve the army until 1979. He is fondly remembered as "Zoru" by those in the Indian Army.

Awards and Honors

Lieutenant General Z. C. Bakshi received many awards for his bravery and service. Here are some of the ribbons representing his medals: