The second edition of "Lieutenant General P.S. Bhagat Memorial Lecture" was organised by the Indian Army and United Services Institution of India (USI) on the theme "Armed Forces Contribution to realise the Vision of a Rising India" at Manekshaw Centre. The lecture was conducted as part of Lt General P.S. Bhagat Memorial Chair of Excellence instituted at USI, by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on October 14, 2022.

During the session, a book titled "The Victoria Cross Icon: Vision and Legacy" on the rich legacy of Lt General P.S. Bhagat, authored by Major General Shashikant G. Pitre (Retd) was released.

Lt General Bhagat displayed exemplary leadership during the partition of India, controlling communal riots and providing aid to victims as part of the Punjab boundary force.

Opening the session, Major General B.K. Sharma (Retd), Director General, USI put forth the historic saga and the indomitable spirit of Lt General P.S. Bhagat as a legendary military commander. Major General Sharma also talked about the book by Major General Pitre, remarking "General Pitre succinctly writes in his book that military leaders come in all hues and shapes -the brave, the flamboyant, the scholarly, the artistic, the gregarious and the serious professional. Prem was all these rolled in one, he was an epitome of courage, vision, outstanding skills, and above all an exceptional leader of man, full of empathy and compassion."

"His most intrepid action earning him, the Victoria Cross was described by his Commanding Officer as the longest feat of continuous cold courage," lauded Major General B.K. Sharma. "Lt General Bhagat was a saviour and a nation builder. During the partition of India, he displayed exemplary leadership as part of the Punjab boundary force to control communal riots and provide succour to hapless victims," he said.

A book titled "The Victoria Cross Icon: Vision and Legacy" on the legacy of Lt General P.S. Bhagat, authored by Major General Shashikant G. Pitre (Retd), was released during the second Memorial Lecture

Major General B.K. Sharma also talked about how Lt General Bhagat saved Lucknow from certain disasters during the floods of 1971. "As Northern Army Commander, he displayed great foresight and missionary zeal to build border infrastructure, and improve quality of life, thus achieving moral ascendancy over the adversary," General Sharma explained.

On the theme "Armed Forces Contribution to Realise the Vision of a Rising India", Lt General K.T. Parnaik (Retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, delivered a Keynote Address. The Governor outlined the vital role and contributions of the Indian Armed Forces in nation-building while also recollecting anecdotes from the rich legacy of Lt General Bhagat's military career.

The Governor acknowledged the noteworthy contribution of the Indian Armed Forces in out-of-area contingencies and Defence Diplomacy initiatives. Lt General Parnaik also highlighted the changing face of warfare evolution. The Governor elaborated the modernisation plan of the Indian Army on the impeccable foundation laid by leaders like Lt General P.S. Bhagat who doggedly pursued military professionalism.

As Northern Army Commander, Lt General Bhagat demonstrated great foresight in building border infrastructure and improving quality of life, thereby achieving moral ascendancy over adversaries.

Sensors to shooter

Lt General K.T. Parnaik explained the contemporary roadmap of the Indian Army which is geared to address and embrace the next-generation capability from Sensor to Shooter. The modernisation of the Armed Forces is now built upon self-reliance, addressing the Technology infusion, Net-Centric and Grey Zone Warfare. The Army now is broadly focusing on three areas - Battle Space Intelligence, Battle Space Digitisation for Command and Control and Battle Space Joint Effect.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande delivered a Special Address during the event. He reminded the audience about the raw courage of Lt General Bhagat, who was awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II. General Pande recalled his indomitable spirit and bravery in the line of fire wherein he cleared minefields under enemy fire, encountered mine explosions thrice, and suffered an ear drum puncture. Despite his severe injury, Lt General Bhagat continued leading his men continuously for 96 hours at a stretch and completed the task.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande highlighted Lt General Bhagat's raw courage during World War II, where he led his men for 96 hours despite severe injuries.

General Bhagat's contributions to strategic military literature are well regarded as the foremost military strategist, which he summed up in his books, "Forging the Shield," "The Shield and the Sword," and "Wielding of Authority in Emerging Countries." Taking a leaf out of his books, Army Chief General Pande also emphasised the relevance of his military thoughts even today in complex battle scenarios. "Bhagat's writings on transformation remain relevant and insightful, nearly seven decades later," he remarked. In fact, during the session, all three former Chiefs of the Army Staff, General J.J. Singh, General Deepak Kapoor and General M.M. Naravane, called Lt General Bhagat as one of the greatest military strategists and leaders of India.

One of the great lessons which a leader can take out is the moment of the truth when faced with severe challenges and in some cases, the fallout. Major General Shashikant G. Pitre (Retd), the author of the book "The Victoria Cross Icon: Vision and Legacy", while recalling the rich legacy and meticulous account of General Bhagat's military contributions, also narrates his critique of the 1962 War. Great leaders are those who learn from such fallouts too, as a veteran military general said.

The book elucidates General Bhagat's prowess as a brilliant military leader with deep strategic vision and insights, exceptional administrative abilities, astute leadership qualities and his intimate connect with the men he commanded. However, the book also throws light on his being sidelined for the post COAS due to political reasons, FM Manekshaw had then aptly stated, "He was my natural successor but the Army missed a first-rate Chief".

Lt General Bhagat then accepted the appointment of Chairman, Damodar Valley Corporation as a serving officer, where he turned the sluggish behemoth into a highly productive enterprise. The very lackadaisical workers of DVC became Lt General Prem Bhagat's most ardent admirers.

As noted, among the top military leaders of India, the legacy of Lt General P.S. Bhagat left an indelible mark on the history of the Indian Army.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Defence Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.