I heard Amul's (my younger brother) recollections, from him and their fighting colleagues, through all these years. They have gone from the raw feelings and josh they felt then to stories and recollections now. Their josh and motivation made them accomplish impossible goals under nightmarish conditions. Salute to him, his unit and all the Army personnel! Jai Hind 🙏
Thank you , Atul for the Oxy-moxy drops(Oxygen supplement) you got for Amul. It saved Maj JJS Rautela and many others during the Siachen tenure and then at Batalik.
Sitting overseas it was a wonder why our forces did not have simple equipment and supplies. I remember snow boots when Amul was in Kashmir border and they lasted him beyond his Siachen posting. They had to share boots between people as their shits changed and if more were required on the front some wore multiple socks plastic bags and more socks fitted into bigger boot sizes. Warming packets (CAD 35 cents each), that people use here when they go out for a few hours during winter, during his Siachen posting. He said it saved several peoples fingers and toes from frostbite. Oxy Moxy I had completely forgotten about but glad that CAD$4 bottle helped save a life.
Vouch for the above by Brig Asthana.Self being the first career for the phone( Capt GP) from Mrs Asthana & being fortunate to be a miniscule part of the Herculean effort by Mrs Asthana.Thereafter privileged & honoured to have been associated with the Battalion during operations in Batalik.
My Salute to You Brig.Asthana... I feel proud that I know you and your wife so well through birding and I had privilege to meet you and have breakfast with you at Shankar Vihar while I was in service at JNU
Brig Asthana's narration is indeed military like. Hearing the interview seems one is there with the soldiers. What a fabulous feat done by all Unit under him to set the stage for a winning battle.. He handed over the Baton so well to Col Lalit Rai who ran the last lap & together they achieved the impossible. Yet both of them & all the Offrs, JCOs & Other Ranks of the Bn remain so modest. They just laugh off the herculean effort. Truly Bravest of the Brave.
One of the best podcasts I have ever seen and heard. You can make out it is from a true ground soldier. Such soldiers need to go up in life unfortunately they are too intelligent and too outspoken for the system. And will we be able to continue with the bravest of the brave gurkhalis? Hats off to the Brigadier to stand by his men and to what he thought was right!!
I had participated in 'Op Vijay' from 08 Oct 1999 to 27 July 1999. When the operation broke out , initially our officiating Commanding Officer was Lt Col Amul Asthana, who led this operation with our regiment's Veer Karanti Jawans. In the group photo my position is the 3rd( holding Sniper Rifle) left from Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey to the right side. Capt MK PANDEY and his platoon made a daring attack on the enemy at Bunker area. Displaying most conspicuous raw courage he destroyed four bunkers before making the supreme sacrifice when an enemy bullet hit his forehead. This led to the ultimate capture of Khalubar, which in turn, changed the scenerio of battle in the Battalik Sub sector.
Thanks so much for this podcast Sandhu ji. An never ending thanks to Brigadier Asthana, his officers and All Army personnel for their courageous and valiant contribution towards keeping us all citizens safe . Appreciate the detailed narration. We cannot even begin to imagine what you all went through despite the movies and narratives. Truely grateful. Will share the link with all i know. Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
An excellent narration from Brig Amul Asthana, didnt expect anything less. Totally professional on the lessons drawn. The thought of op mvre in mountains is excellent. I think there is a book written by Rommel Infantry Attacks his experiences of commanding a mtn Inf Bn in WW1. He used the mvre warfare lessons later in WW 2. The most important lesson we need to study Mil in details and not only for examinations. Amul showed, the character, astuteness, straight talk and professionalism. Keep doing the good job. Great
Mesmerising stuff! Such was the impact that I watched the video twice over to ensure that I had not missed anything. Amul bhai, though I have known you ever since you turned an adult, this interview castes you in a different light altogether. Truly awesome. And hats off to Mrs Asthana for her deep involvement and support. Truly a great lady. Worthy of an acknowledgement by the Army. Jai Hind!
Thanks for this Podcast. It was long overdue that silent work of this great military leader was brought to the fore. He alongwith his team then, laid the foundation of almost every success that Bravest of the Brave, Jai Mahakali Aaayo Gorkhali, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles achieved before and during Kargil War 1999. Another case of few erring Generals ensuring rare ground Tigers like him do not make it to the rank of Major General, so that scarce vacancies remain open for Paper Tigers, Netwroking lot, mostly affiliates of these Generals who remained out of the range of enemy fire even as young officers even during the Kargil war. E.g son of General VP Malik who was a young Major then was posted to a peace station as soon as Kargil War appeared taking a serious turn. He was recently seen as GOC 8 Mountain Division. While the erring generals were playing their dirty manipulative games at the time of a national emergency, this great military leader then a Lieutenant Colonel risked his career and reputation to stand by the right when he supported Captain Manoj Pandey's( later PVC, Martyr) stand not launching suicidal assaults despite pressures of all kinds from the higher ups. The incident covered by Vikramjit Singh, a national asset in war reporting, makes a very interesting read and peep into how the Chetwode Mottow is to be lived and realized on the ground.
@@VikramJitSingh-kn3et Welcome & Always a pleasure Sir. I may also mention your Podcast July 2024 on Vaad is so gripping and close to reality that all generations of the Army need to watch. The contribution of the unsung segments of the Army such as AMC, Supporting Arms, Artillery, Civilians and locals, the animals engaged with the war machinery narrated by your good self is engaging and revealing. Through your narration the nation seems to have fulfilled a solemn thanks giving duty to these unsung heroes.
Very very good initiative Mr Kanwar Sandhu. Salute 🫡 to all brave hearts who fought to save the nation from Ememy during Kargil war and may god bless the souls of those who lost their lives.
My few comments on this interview:: Very well researched interview. Sandhu saheb u did a fantastic job by by bringing Brig Asthana. Bring other heroes also. Pls try for Major Gen Budhwar. I must say that listening Brig Asthana talking is calm and cool, he appears like a ZEN. salute to his bravery and bravery of his men of 'bravest of the brave' battalion.
Fortunate to have been part of the narrative elucidated by Brig Asthana. Was the first courier for the telephone sets being sent by Mrs Asthana (GP in the narrative)& was witness to the unsung yeoman service by Mrs Asthana. Kudos to her. Thereafter had the proud privilege of being associated with the Battalion during two assaults.
Thank you GP for then in 1999 and till now for your inspiring actions. Imagine , you gave them artillery fire even while holding your injured eye with one hand and the radio with the other hand. What a gracious and gallant souldier. I salute you.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and more so for carrying the telephones to us on the battlefield. You are the one who gave me accurate fire support on the night of 25th July, inspite of critical injury to your eye, because of which you even lost your left eye! And you told me about your injury only 20 years later in 2019 not in the battlefield !!! Soldiers like you are legends of lore. I am fortunate to have known you
Amul you and your men most certainly deserve the title of Bravest of the Brave. Not only did you and your unit fight extremely bravely to capture many very very difficult objectives but they maintained their gempo throughout the war. That is an amazing example of not only the grit of your men but also the leadership that maintained the morale over an extended period. This achievement recalls the case of Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, the only man I know, who was awarded the Victora Cross, not for a single incident but for his conduct over the while duration of the war. I am very sure that 'your boys' were enthused by your leadership and personal example, of not only physical courage, but of a similar high standard of moral strength to write the 'forces letter' to the Army Chief to seek mitigation of problems faced by your Unit and your men. Bravery in battle, of course very creditable, is displayed by many ...but the moral courage to stick one's neck out for one's troops on the minefields of the military hierarchy is much more rare. Kudos to you Braveheart, Coursemate and Friend
Brig Amul Asthana’s account of the situation and chain of events during the Kargil operations is indicative to the leadership qualities of the officer. I salute my course mate for the explicit account and explanation of the battle. Kudos to Mrs. Shobita Asthana for her vital contribution in procuring the telephones a vital requirement for the operations. The bravado and fighting prowess of our Gorkha troops is incomparable in fact the best in the world. I personally was tasked with operations behind enemy lines. But that is another sector and another story. Congratulations Amul excellent show !
Thank you for your kind words, Jyoti. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride.
I would like to thank each one who specially mentioned the role of Mrs. Asthana. All mothers and wives of the soldiers in the war have always wanted to contribute to the war effort- in any possible way. My husband knew this. And I was fortunate he gave me the opportunity to contribute and that I had the means to do what was required. First were the phones. Once I learnt the ropes, of how to send things to the Front Line, this ‘green channel’ opened up, and now I could send many things. Next were 50 hardy plastic Jerry cans ( 10 ltr) to carry water. Then came the humble ‘Flagyl’ medicine for loose motions and vomiting - since Flagel had been discontinued from the medical supply chain, and replacement had not yet made it to the front line. All his photographs of the war that we see were printed at a Secure studio in Delhi and sent back in time to be used for award citations. Jars and jars of Achaars followed. With pride, I did what all Army Wives and Patriotic women have always done- in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. If one digs, I am sure you can get such stories from many an Army Wife. Humble thanks to each one of you for appreciating and acknowledging my little contribution. Shobita Asthana Jai Hind
Mrs. Asthana, you were a strength not only to your hubby but to each one under his command during those crucial days. Your contribution (for want of a better word) will be there to emulate for years to come!
You truly exemplified the army wives' spirit! The brave soldiers need to know they can depend on their wives for so much so they can defend our borders with confidence.
Wonderful to listen to Brig.Asthana's account of the lesser known aspects of the Kargil war & to learn about the difficult terrain in which the infantry had to fight, survive & win.Ms.Shobita Asthana is a strong lady & her resourcefulness definitely helped Brig.Asthana & his men to maintain communication.Hats off to her & all the army wives for their bravery & sacrifice. My salute to all the brave heroes...right from the soldiers to the officers...We can never be grateful enough.
Thanks, Divya! I just did what any other Army wife or any other patriotic lady would have done. I'm fortunate that i could contribute to the war effort.
Hearing this narration brought home the realisation about how little I knew about the stupendous exploits of my course mate and friend Perhaps the whole episode has to be heard or read in detail before its magnitude begins to stand out. Amul has always been a leader with exceptional integrity and military skills. The ease with which he narrates the events is indicative of the depth of his involvement. His capacity to stand up to his bosses to press his case has again been demonstrated. He is a leader with impeccable character who has delivered when the chips were down His wife also contributed by procuring and sending the telephones to Leh with exemplary ingenuity. Hats off to her. I guess I need to hear more such real life narratives 👍👍👏👏
Salute to Brig. Amul 🫡 His leadership inspired his boys despite paucity of even basic necessities. And so so proud of my brave heart friend Shobita for her important role and contribution in procuring and supplying vital equipment like phones & medicines. This is what needs to go into history books!
True that absolutely. Such real stories should make history whether pleasant or unpleasant to those who manipulated everything for credit to self rather than deserving ones.
Hi, Rakesh! Great to hear from the comrade-in-school shorts! I remember you as the “baby” of the class. Thanks buddy. Where are you these days? Cheers!
An excellent narration by Brig Amul Asthana, which amply highlights the importance of undertaking attack operations of war after due preparations. Both he as the officiating CO of 1/11 GR and Brig Devender Singh as the Brigade Commander exhibited moral courage to ward of pressure . His writing to the COAS directly, resulted in positive action at the highest level in making up the deficiencies in critical weapons and ammunition for the unit. Brig Asthana has highlighted the excellent professional competence displayed by the officers, JCOs and men of 1/11 GR. All ranks of the Battalion performed outstandingly during the operations. One of the important lessons of the Kargil Operations is not to break up the fighting spirit of India's Armed Forces. The government must shelve the Agnipath Scheme and reinstate the earlier system so that the fighting units are not burdened with two types of soldiers. Kargil operations has proved that cohesive units perform exceptionally well, even when depleted in strength.
.....a never ending story of gallantry, grit, valour and determination. My twin hand salute to Brig Asthana and his brave men. The countrymen bow their heads in gratitude to the supreme sacrifice made by these men. Jai Hind
Honesty and integrity are written large on Brig Asthana's face. I mean, one can see his honest transparency. But these guys cannot go beyond the rank of Brigadier. That shows how severely compromised the whole system is. It's so bloody sad.
So overwhelmed by your account. Got to know the diehard soldier in you today! Feel almost guilty for being comfortably at home while my own class mates were straddling the snow swept heights to keep the nation safe. Jai Hind ki sena!
While you were sitting in the security of your home one cannot forget the Immense contribution made by Col Pramod Gupta your husband. I remember him telling us about the way he moved Guns from Chalunka(Glacier) to a God forsaken place. An impossible task. His contribution in his own time and place was critical. And your role in the background no less!
Hearing Brig Asthana's recount gave me goosebumps This is the spirit of our Indian Army. Hats off to Mrs. Asthana. What a resourceful lady. Jai hind to all our soldiers
Thank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with prideThank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride
It's an inspiring story. Brig Asthana, an exceptional military leader is also a great narrator. Actions of his battalion tell you the story of valour, resilience and initiatives under adversity. This story is also covered in detail in South Asia Defence and Strategic Review, my magazine. Kudos to battalion and the Indian Army
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement AK Sir. Coming from my Squadron senior....who continues to be my mentor, your words mean a lot more to me Sir
Hats off to all you courageous men and officers !! So very proud of you and your team Brig Asthana ! The lengths you have gone through to keep our Nation and its people safe . All of you have truly lived up to the code of Nation First !
Thank you Mrs Talwar for your kind words. It's the grooming in the initial years that groims the officers and men to remain a cohesive group with only one mission "Nation First". Our veterans may be sitting far but their spirit leads the battalion!
A captivating account of the most difficult operation in an unforgiving terrain. One understands very well the difficulties the battalion went through having handed over their responsibilities in the Sector and then being launched into a battle without the full equipment which they normally would have. Kudos to their ability to make the best out of what they had and their ability to manage what they required through all means available. The contribution of the home front i.e. Mrs Asthana's procurement and despatch of the telephones deserves the highest praise. Thank you to Kanwar Sandhu and Brig Amul Asthana for bringing these experiences to all of us and to the next generation so that we remember the fact that for each hero we know of there are countless unsung heroes whose contributions were no less.
Incredible exploits by an incredible officer and leader of men! A thorough gentleman to boot - truly represents the ethos of the IA. Sad that he was not duly recognized - even sadder that higher ups failed to live up to their credo/responsibilities, and instead, victimized courageous and competent officers such as Brigs. Asthana, Devinder Singh, and Surinder Singh, and Maj. Bhatnagar et al. Shameful that there has been no true reckoning of facts and fixing of accountability even 25 years later. Great work Mr. Kanwar Sandhu - highlighting such men and their exploits! 👏👏👏
1. I would consider the narrative by Brig. Amul Asthana (r) as a model one. He has selflessly, and with great depth and fluency of expression brought to the fore the role of the riflemen, NCOs, JCOs, officers and CO of his btn in the War. I have been suggesting to Kargil veteran officers to write a book or seek an avenue through media / social media to bring forth the role of the men under their command. Nobody is going to speak up for them, they fade away in all humility and greatness to their villages. The public is left with a Kargil narrative dominated by a few names and battles, repeated ad nauseum every year. 2. Soldiers fight daunting odds and uncertainty because of the emotional support and faith that their near and dear ones back home express in their abilities. In my mind, they are the unsung heroes. Beyond the support, war wives go an extra mile, as Mrs. Shobita Asthana, has done in deed, action and thought by provision of vital communication resources. It would be in the fitness of things for the Army to honour such contributions, as in the West where the most minute and subtle contributions to the war effort are preserved for future generations to acknowledge and be inspired. However, as in Mrs. Asthana's case, the Army would first have to acknowledge how poorly its men were equipped for an unprecedented challenge, whose roots lay in the fact that there was no contingency plan formulated by the higher command for a Kargil-type invasion. And this, lasting over a decade of the strategic neglect of Ladakh that saw four chiefs in harness ever since the de-induction of the committed 28 Inf Div in 1991 from Kargil, followed by that of the sole reserve, 70 Inf Bde, in 1997 to the Ci-OPs grid in Kashmir.
Thank you for your kind words Vikramjeet. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride.
Dear Mr Vikramjit, Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and incisive analysis. Too true, we need to 'Anticipate and Prepare' for every contingency and NEVER get surprised by the enemy.....who is faithfully doing his job!!!
Thank You Kanwar Sir! For bringing this podcast. Thank You Brig. Asthana for your service! We salute you and your family for the sacrifices! What an organization Indian Army is that churns out amazing leaders like this! Jai Gorakh! Jai Hind!
Brig. Amul Asthana’s accounts are captivating, told very stoically. He being a dear friend of mine; we have exchanged a lot of our views and even worked for a while together after he retired. In him and his wife Mrs. Shobita you will see the joy of living. For all their sacrifices as a family which finds no mention, they hold no rancour against anyone; it takes a large heart to do that! It is when one walks through the valley of the shadow of death one realises the value of life, and one sees that in them. What draws one to him is his calm and collected demeanour. He is never flustered, with a ‘never say die’ attitude. Jai Hind Dear Brig. Amul! Thank you Mr. Kanwar Sandhu for this wonderful podcast!
As Civilians it is an eye opener . Little do we realise how much the Army and there families sacrifices for us and with such a positive attitude.This interview has been an eye opener. Proud to have a elder brother like you.
Interviews conducted after a lot of homework & it shows. Brilliant conversations, way superior to some of the “popular podcasts” with much larger viewership.
Account of the battles with the feel and smell of the facts on ground, as we have learnt to expect from Amul. Proud of and grateful for what you, your paltan, and the rest of our courageous soldiery did under impossible conditions. The narration of events and incidents was so balanced and without regret or pointing fingers, so liberal with credit and respect to everyone while keeping himself well in the background - so like the man to lead from the front till victory and to remain in the shadows when credit is given! A great recounting of the unsung but extremely important role played by the wives of the soldiers, too. They have shown that they are as much part of the Army’s war effort as anyone. Proud to be Amul’s coursemate, and family to all of them! God bless such soldiers, our Army and our country!
Thank you Sanal for your generous comments. Yes Army wives are definitely part of the Army without being on the front. All Army wives have usually risen to the occasion fearlessly and faced adversities with dignity. That's the ethos and the true Spirit of the Indian Army!
this is best podcast on kargil, simple plain honest account....no bombast, or trumpeting.... the senior leadership should have been CM ed for their role in the conflict. Imagine his wife sending phones!!! what was senior leadership doing? building zoos!
So true. No real lessons have been learnt and no General court marshalled for not acting military and in accordance with law despite clear and firm information of enemy build up on the ground at Point 5770 as early as January 1999. Imagine how enemy would have been contained if these inputs were acted upon. Indian Army wouldn't have vacated posts and intensified patrolling. Enemy account confirms expansion of his intrusions took place in February March 1999 when the found the area empty and intrusion a cake walk. Major Genral Budhavar, DGMO Vij and Chief Malik should be investigated and tried as there is no time limit for investigation of such offences. I believe, even Congress Govt under Nehru had acted against General BN Kaul for1962 debacle. I'm the case of Kargil even Govt was kept under dark willfully. Then RM gave statement in Parliament that there were just a handful of militants and would be cleared in 24 to 48 hours. Army Generals then forced attacking troops to hasty and unmilitary actions as narrated even in this Podcast and numerous others including a statement by then Air Chief Tipnis that Army wanted to hide things from the Government. All this led to avoidable casualties of own brave Men. Generals in power then have much to answer not only for letting Kargil happen at the scale it did, their continued malfeasance when war broke out and subsequently for covering each others back. Correct history needs to be established and guilty Generals punished as is permissible even now in law being offences beyond any limitation period for trial.
Today i feel very sad, after hearing all the podcasts of these supreme brave mens, (salute to you brothers), but i feel that time top brass were sleeping they didnt had any emergency good plans, these generals were not fit to be general's. And its pity that we had shortage of men, machines and amuniation. And now i am worried too because still now nothing has changed much, If chinese attack from one side and from other side Pakistan attacks only god can save us, these brave hearts will again give there lives as those 600 men in kargil. I have see these top brass they only live on Yes Sir, when you dont get arguments you are a spoil company. But only die heart love for country and bravery we won.
Brave Tigers lead from the front and by example!! Brig Asthana ( then Lt Col Asthana - CO 1/11 GR) gives a first hand account of how being frank and upfront reaped rich dividends for the brave Kirantis in the 1999 Indo-Pak military conflict..Jai Hind!! Jai Gorakh!!
So nice to hear the realities which most of us were unaware of. And special mention of the lady sitting behind the curtain & doing her work, I mean Mrs Shobhit Ashtana . Thx to Kunwar Sandhu Sir for bringing up this podcast for the viewers 🙌
Thank you for your kind words, I guess in our own capacity we did what was required. Most Army wives would rise to the occasion in the true spirit of the Indian Army. 🙏
It was interesting to listen to the podcast and what goes behind the scenes during war. Hats off to our soldiers and their commanding officers to keep us civilians safe.
The entire nation is forever grateful to Mrs. Asthana and Brig. Asthana for their contribution towards protection of our motherland. It's because of people like them that we live safely in our homes. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
Special thanks to real officers like Brig. Amul Asthana, Brig. Devinder, Left.Manoj pandey, and others involved in the real offensive thrust. Generals should have been held accountable for the misinformation and inaction during kargil days. Defense forces❤
In the history of countries and in wars, there are a instances when a single person at the correct time and place has started the process of winning the war or the tipping point. Though there were uncountable heroes in the Kargil War, it was this man Lt Col (now Brig) Amul Asthana, who started the change in the War, whether it was by a letter to the Chief of Army Staff, or by his standing up for his men , then the bravery of his men and his unit, The Bravest of the Brave, 1/11 GR, which just carried on and on and on without food, ration, equipment, arms and ammunition. The saga of the war cannot be without the story of Mrs Shobita Asthana, who sitting in Delhi with two small kids, sending up critical operational and administrative stuff to the unit and brigade from Delhi to Leh to Batalik to the unit, when the supply chain failed. You cannot but admire the lady for the effort she put in to help the Unit in War. Unfortunately these sagas of determination and true national spirit are lost in today’s world. I do hope these stories come back again and again to be told
Thank you for your very kind words Col Sahi. I'm sure any Patriotic Army lady would have done what I was given a chance to do. I'm fortunate that I got a chance & i was able to fulfil the requirements to my best abilities.
True and well said. Did we learn any real lessons from all the blunders the Generals committed. Instead they were rewarded. High time a criminal investigation is held against the erring Generals.
Amazing valiant real time moments experienced by Brig Amol Asthana ...who is my wonderful immediate neighbor. Our Armies are our real Heroes of our times.
Sir, thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. Your words mean a lot to me and the troops. Afterall you are the actual and real hero of Siachen that we all know and look up to. Jai Hind
The captions generated by youtube automatically have errors such as names of places and people. The video will become more authentic and informative if the captions can be edited and put at this video. Most people including indians are unfamiliar with most names of the units involved, the places or the people. I could help out in the editing and proofreading but brig asthana or somebody else must finally verify the proofing since they have the domain knowledge
Speaks poorly of the ASC and ordnance the generals sitting in Delhi and Srinagar who failed in their duty to provide cold clothing , arms , ammunition , food and medical support .
Where are the Kargil Generals hiding? They made own brave men suffer the consequences of their utter failings and crimianlity. High time thorough investigations are held into the Generals' fiasco. Why Brigadier Amul Ashtana Saheb not promoted to Major General rank and above. One sees son of Gen VP Malk who was posted to peace station as soon as Kargil war broke out, now as Major General. Units fought with such huge shortage of officers because Generals like VP Malik amd others protected their kins and dear ones from participating in the risks and rigours of the war. Many of these then young officers who were protected from rigour of the war by Generals are somehow Generals now and those like Brigadier Devinder Singh and Amul Asthana Saheb never made it to higher ranks. What a shame.
Superb video....sir if you can find out about analysis of army burning kargil records? What did it have? Were the casualities more.than reported? According to nawaz sharif ...pak soldiers that died were around 4000 Was indian record forged? What about pt 5353....it was supposed to be with india which unfortunately is not nw Subramanian report actually raised more questions than giving anwers.. Still the real thruth is not out
The principle of "Maintenance of Morale" goes beyond troop welfare; it’s about sustaining the will to fight under adversity. High morale drives determination and resilience, enabling soldiers to persevere, even in the toughest conditions. Brig Amul, you understood this early and led them to victory. Proud of you. Lt Gen Atulya Solankey
True that. However the eye of a person of your rank should also have caught the proverb 'Army Matches on it's Belly'. Hope you are not covering the criminal lapses of the Generals clearly reflected in this and most other Podcast of recent times..
Col Lalit Rai is already a well sung Hero. The stories like these bring out the unsung great deeds of so many others that the nation failed to know so far. Thank God the truth of Kargil that erring Generals attempted to suppress is now coming to the fore after 25 years.
He joined the unit in June 1999. He originally didn't belong to 1/11 GR. His father had raised this unit during his service. Col. Lalit was actually commanding an RR Battalion in the valley till May 1999. So he didn't have much exposure to the unit officers and men. Yet he led the battalion like a true leader and a warrior.
@@siddharthsingh37 Hi this is Me, Amul Asthana : very correctly and very well brought out Siddharth. Col Lalit Rai displayed sterling qualities of leadership. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery and leadership which he richly deserved
Mr. Sandhu I commend you on this exceptional podcast. Brig. Asthana as always was superb in his narration. May I request you to reach out to Brig. Ajeet Singh Shekhawat ( then Maj.) Of 22 Gren to recount his 3 day op at khalubar top. I heard about his mind boggling operation that he executed. Thank You.
Thanks a lot. I have been trying to reach out to him (brig Ajeet singh Shekhawat) but without success. If you or any one has his number let me know, please. Thanks a lot.
Thank you. Every citizen of this country was and is with the Army and that is something that keeps them going in the harshest of challenges and situations. Jai Hind.
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I heard Amul's (my younger brother) recollections, from him and their fighting colleagues, through all these years. They have gone from the raw feelings and josh they felt then to stories and recollections now. Their josh and motivation made them accomplish impossible goals under nightmarish conditions. Salute to him, his unit and all the Army personnel! Jai Hind 🙏
And I see Josh in all three brothers, afterall their father, Lt Col Jagdish Chandra Asthana, fought gallantly in the 1971 war in Shakargarh Sector
Thank you , Atul for the Oxy-moxy drops(Oxygen supplement) you got for Amul. It saved Maj JJS Rautela and many others during the Siachen tenure and then at Batalik.
Sitting overseas it was a wonder why our forces did not have simple equipment and supplies. I remember snow boots when Amul was in Kashmir border and they lasted him beyond his Siachen posting. They had to share boots between people as their shits changed and if more were required on the front some wore multiple socks plastic bags and more socks fitted into bigger boot sizes. Warming packets (CAD 35 cents each), that people use here when they go out for a few hours during winter, during his Siachen posting. He said it saved several peoples fingers and toes from frostbite. Oxy Moxy I had completely forgotten about but glad that CAD$4 bottle helped save a life.
T@@atulasthana3131
Thank you Atul, yes the boots that you sent and the warming pads were very helpful during the glacier tenure.
Vouch for the above by Brig Asthana.Self being the first career for the phone( Capt GP) from Mrs Asthana & being fortunate to be a miniscule part of the Herculean effort by Mrs Asthana.Thereafter privileged & honoured to have been associated with the Battalion during operations in Batalik.
My Salute to You Brig.Asthana... I feel proud that I know you and your wife so well through birding and I had privilege to meet you and have breakfast with you at Shankar Vihar while I was in service at JNU
Brig Asthana's narration is indeed military like. Hearing the interview seems one is there with the soldiers. What a fabulous feat done by all Unit under him to set the stage for a winning battle.. He handed over the Baton so well to Col Lalit Rai who ran the last lap & together they achieved the impossible. Yet both of them & all the Offrs, JCOs & Other Ranks of the Bn remain so modest. They just laugh off the herculean effort. Truly Bravest of the Brave.
Sir, thank you for your inspiring words. Your words, really make the difference to me sir.
Regards
One of the best podcasts I have ever seen and heard. You can make out it is from a true ground soldier. Such soldiers need to go up in life unfortunately they are too intelligent and too outspoken for the system. And will we be able to continue with the bravest of the brave gurkhalis? Hats off to the Brigadier to stand by his men and to what he thought was right!!
I had participated in 'Op Vijay' from 08 Oct 1999 to 27 July 1999. When the operation broke out , initially our officiating Commanding Officer was Lt Col Amul Asthana, who led this operation with our regiment's Veer Karanti Jawans. In the group photo my position is the 3rd( holding Sniper Rifle) left from Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey to the right side.
Capt MK PANDEY and his platoon made a daring attack on the enemy at Bunker area. Displaying most conspicuous raw courage he destroyed four bunkers before making the supreme sacrifice when an enemy bullet hit his forehead. This led to the ultimate capture of Khalubar, which in turn, changed the scenerio of battle in the Battalik Sub sector.
Thanks so much for this podcast Sandhu ji. An never ending thanks to Brigadier Asthana, his officers and All Army personnel for their courageous and valiant contribution towards keeping us all citizens safe . Appreciate the detailed narration. We cannot even begin to imagine what you all went through despite the movies and narratives. Truely grateful. Will share the link with all i know. Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Thank you Alpana ji for your kind words. 🙏 Really nice of you to share the podcast with people who may be interested.
Thank you Alpana Ma'am, humbled by your words
Jai Hind
An excellent narration from Brig Amul Asthana, didnt expect anything less. Totally professional on the lessons drawn. The thought of op mvre in mountains is excellent. I think there is a book written by Rommel Infantry Attacks his experiences of commanding a mtn Inf Bn in WW1. He used the mvre warfare lessons later in WW 2.
The most important lesson we need to study Mil in details and not only for examinations.
Amul showed, the character, astuteness, straight talk and professionalism. Keep doing the good job.
Great
Mesmerising stuff! Such was the impact that I watched the video twice over to ensure that I had not missed anything. Amul bhai, though I have known you ever since you turned an adult, this interview castes you in a different light altogether. Truly awesome. And hats off to Mrs Asthana for her deep involvement and support. Truly a great lady. Worthy of an acknowledgement by the Army. Jai Hind!
Thank you for the kind words dear airforce hero. Course mates like you are the real strength.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement buddy. You have been a pillar of strength... especially during the Glacier days
Thanks for this Podcast. It was long overdue that silent work of this great military leader was brought to the fore. He alongwith his team then, laid the foundation of almost every success that Bravest of the Brave, Jai Mahakali Aaayo Gorkhali, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles achieved before and during Kargil War 1999. Another case of few erring Generals ensuring rare ground Tigers like him do not make it to the rank of Major General, so that scarce vacancies remain open for Paper Tigers, Netwroking lot, mostly affiliates of these Generals who remained out of the range of enemy fire even as young officers even during the Kargil war. E.g son of General VP Malik who was a young Major then was posted to a peace station as soon as Kargil War appeared taking a serious turn. He was recently seen as GOC 8 Mountain Division.
While the erring generals were playing their dirty manipulative games at the time of a national emergency, this great military leader then a Lieutenant Colonel risked his career and reputation to stand by the right when he supported Captain Manoj Pandey's( later PVC, Martyr) stand not launching suicidal assaults despite pressures of all kinds from the higher ups. The incident covered by Vikramjit Singh, a national asset in war reporting, makes a very interesting read and peep into how the Chetwode Mottow is to be lived and realized on the ground.
Thank you for the kind words for the war reportage 🙏
@@VikramJitSingh-kn3et Welcome & Always a pleasure Sir. I may also mention your Podcast July 2024 on Vaad is so gripping and close to reality that all generations of the Army need to watch. The contribution of the unsung segments of the Army such as AMC, Supporting Arms, Artillery, Civilians and locals, the animals engaged with the war machinery narrated by your good self is engaging and revealing. Through your narration the nation seems to have fulfilled a solemn thanks giving duty to these unsung heroes.
@@thesciencebeyond Thank you 🙏
Very very good initiative Mr Kanwar Sandhu. Salute 🫡 to all brave hearts who fought to save the nation from Ememy during Kargil war and may god bless the souls of those who lost their lives.
Thanks for your inspiring response Mr Sunny
My few comments on this interview::
Very well researched interview.
Sandhu saheb u did a fantastic job by by bringing Brig Asthana. Bring other heroes also. Pls try for Major Gen Budhwar.
I must say that listening Brig Asthana talking is calm and cool, he appears like a ZEN. salute to his bravery and bravery of his men of 'bravest of the brave' battalion.
Thank you Mr Chandra, humbled by your words
Jai Hind
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement
Jai Hind
Fortunate to have been part of the narrative elucidated by Brig Asthana. Was the first courier for the telephone sets being sent by Mrs Asthana (GP in the narrative)& was witness to the unsung yeoman service by Mrs Asthana. Kudos to her. Thereafter had the proud privilege of being associated with the Battalion during two assaults.
Thank you GP for then in 1999 and till now for your inspiring actions. Imagine , you gave them artillery fire even while holding your injured eye with one hand and the radio with the other hand. What a gracious and gallant souldier. I salute you.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and more so for carrying the telephones to us on the battlefield.
You are the one who gave me accurate fire support on the night of 25th July, inspite of critical injury to your eye, because of which you even lost your left eye! And you told me about your injury only 20 years later in 2019 not in the battlefield !!! Soldiers like you are legends of lore.
I am fortunate to have known you
Excellent job Sandhu sahab,keep it up.Our nation needs to know the spoils of the bravehearts.
Wonderful to see Brig. Amol Asthana, great conversation, thanks Kanwar!
Wonderful conservation, great contribution to the nation by Amul Ashthana.
Kudos to him 👍👍🙏🙏
Amul you and your men most certainly deserve the title of Bravest of the Brave. Not only did you and your unit fight extremely bravely to capture many very very difficult objectives but they maintained their gempo throughout the war. That is an amazing example of not only the grit of your men but also the leadership that maintained the morale over an extended period.
This achievement recalls the case of Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, the only man I know, who was awarded the Victora Cross, not for a single incident but for his conduct over the while duration of the war.
I am very sure that 'your boys' were enthused by your leadership and personal example, of not only physical courage, but of a similar high standard of moral strength to write the 'forces letter' to the Army Chief to seek mitigation of problems faced by your Unit and your men.
Bravery in battle, of course very creditable, is displayed by many ...but the moral courage to stick one's neck out for one's troops on the minefields of the military hierarchy is much more rare.
Kudos to you Braveheart, Coursemate and Friend
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement DS and bringing out the Crux points.
Brig Amul Asthana’s account of the situation and chain of events during the Kargil operations is indicative to the leadership qualities of the officer. I salute my course mate for the explicit account and explanation of the battle. Kudos to Mrs. Shobita Asthana for her vital contribution in procuring the telephones a vital requirement for the operations. The bravado and fighting prowess of our Gorkha troops is incomparable in fact the best in the world. I personally was tasked with operations behind enemy lines. But that is another sector and another story.
Congratulations Amul excellent show !
Thanks Jyoti
Thank you for your kind words, Jyoti. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement Buddy
I would like to thank each one who specially mentioned the role of Mrs. Asthana. All mothers and wives of the soldiers in the war have always wanted to contribute to the war effort- in any possible way. My husband knew this.
And I was fortunate he gave me the opportunity to contribute and that I had the means to do what was required.
First were the phones. Once I learnt the ropes, of how to send things to the Front Line, this ‘green channel’ opened up, and now I could send many things.
Next were 50 hardy plastic Jerry cans ( 10 ltr) to carry water.
Then came the humble ‘Flagyl’ medicine for loose motions and vomiting - since Flagel had been discontinued from the medical supply chain, and replacement had not yet made it to the front line.
All his photographs of the war that we see were printed at a Secure studio in Delhi and sent back in time to be used for award citations.
Jars and jars of Achaars followed.
With pride, I did what all Army Wives and Patriotic women have always done- in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. If one digs, I am sure you can get such stories from many an Army Wife.
Humble thanks to each one of you for appreciating and acknowledging my little contribution.
Shobita Asthana
Jai Hind
Mrs. Asthana, you were a strength not only to your hubby but to each one under his command during those crucial days. Your contribution (for want of a better word) will be there to emulate for years to come!
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to bring this out. Thank you for your kind words.
You truly exemplified the army wives' spirit! The brave soldiers need to know they can depend on their wives for so much so they can defend our borders with confidence.
Well said!
Lots of respect for you mam and for all the army wives
Wonderful to listen to Brig.Asthana's account of the lesser known aspects of the Kargil war & to learn about the difficult terrain in which the infantry had to fight, survive & win.Ms.Shobita Asthana is a strong lady & her resourcefulness definitely helped Brig.Asthana & his men to maintain communication.Hats off to her & all the army wives for their bravery & sacrifice. My salute to all the brave heroes...right from the soldiers to the officers...We can never be grateful enough.
Thanks, Divya! I just did what any other Army wife or any other patriotic lady would have done. I'm fortunate that i could contribute to the war effort.
Thanks for your astute words Ma'am
Hearing this narration brought home the realisation about how little I knew about the stupendous exploits of my course mate and friend
Perhaps the whole episode has to be heard or read in detail before its magnitude begins to stand out.
Amul has always been a leader with exceptional integrity and military skills. The ease with which he narrates the events is indicative of the depth of his involvement.
His capacity to stand up to his bosses to press his case has again been demonstrated.
He is a leader with impeccable character who has delivered when the chips were down
His wife also contributed by procuring and sending the telephones to Leh with exemplary ingenuity. Hats off to her.
I guess I need to hear more such real life narratives
👍👍👏👏
Thank you Venish for your kind words. You coursemates are and have always been his strength.
Thank you Venish for your kind words.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and incisive understanding of the situation Venish
Jai Hind
Thank you Sandhu Sahib for yet another insightful and truly riveting account from Kargil. Each of your podcasts is deeply cherished.
Salute to Brig. Amul 🫡
His leadership inspired his boys despite paucity of even basic necessities.
And so so proud of my brave heart friend Shobita for her important role and contribution in procuring and supplying vital equipment like phones & medicines.
This is what needs to go into history books!
True that absolutely. Such real stories should make history whether pleasant or unpleasant to those who manipulated everything for credit to self rather than deserving ones.
This is the 106 th comment. Proud of you dear J 106 for the well researched interview. From J 105 . Keep up the good work friend.
Hi, Rakesh! Great to hear from the comrade-in-school shorts! I remember you as the “baby” of the class. Thanks buddy. Where are you these days? Cheers!
Sorry it should read 08 Nov.
An excellent narration by Brig Amul Asthana, which amply highlights the importance of undertaking attack operations of war after due preparations. Both he as the officiating CO of 1/11 GR and Brig Devender Singh as the Brigade Commander exhibited moral courage to ward of pressure . His writing to the COAS directly, resulted in positive action at the highest level in making up the deficiencies in critical weapons and ammunition for the unit.
Brig Asthana has highlighted the excellent professional competence displayed by the officers, JCOs and men of 1/11 GR. All ranks of the Battalion performed outstandingly during the operations.
One of the important lessons of the Kargil Operations is not to break up the fighting spirit of India's Armed Forces. The government must shelve the Agnipath Scheme and reinstate the earlier system so that the fighting units are not burdened with two types of soldiers. Kargil operations has proved that cohesive units perform exceptionally well, even when depleted in strength.
General Nair Sir, thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement. Your words mean a lot to your youngsters like me.
Regards
Jai Hind
.....a never ending story of gallantry, grit, valour and determination. My twin hand salute to Brig Asthana and his brave men. The countrymen bow their heads in gratitude to the supreme sacrifice made by these men. Jai Hind
Honesty and integrity are written large on Brig Asthana's face. I mean, one can see his honest transparency. But these guys cannot go beyond the rank of Brigadier. That shows how severely compromised the whole system is. It's so bloody sad.
So overwhelmed by your account. Got to know the diehard soldier in you today! Feel almost guilty for being comfortably at home while my own class mates were straddling the snow swept heights to keep the nation safe. Jai Hind ki sena!
While you were sitting in the security of your home one cannot forget the Immense contribution made by Col Pramod Gupta your husband. I remember him telling us about the way he moved Guns from Chalunka(Glacier) to a God forsaken place. An impossible task. His contribution in his own time and place was critical. And your role in the background no less!
Excellent narration of the war. Brings out the harsh realities that plagued us during the initial phases by Brig Asthana. Truly informative.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement dear Anirba
Hearing Brig Asthana's recount gave me goosebumps
This is the spirit of our Indian Army.
Hats off to Mrs. Asthana.
What a resourceful lady.
Jai hind to all our soldiers
Thank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with prideThank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement Ma'am
Jai Hind
Thanks for the podcast. The host and guest brought out many no so well known aspects of Kargil war. Also a big salute to Mrs. Asthana.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement
Jai Hind
Proud to know you Asty and proud to belong to the same Army that never fails against all odds.
Salute our men and junior leaders.
Jai Hind
Thanks for your inspiring words VS.
It's an inspiring story. Brig Asthana, an exceptional military leader is also a great narrator. Actions of his battalion tell you the story of valour, resilience and initiatives under adversity. This story is also covered in detail in South Asia Defence and Strategic Review, my magazine. Kudos to battalion and the Indian Army
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement AK Sir. Coming from my Squadron senior....who continues to be my mentor, your words mean a lot more to me Sir
Absolutely spell bound Glued to the whole explanation
Hats off to all you courageous men and officers !! So very proud of you and your team Brig Asthana ! The lengths you have gone through to keep our Nation and its people safe . All of you have truly lived up to the code of Nation First !
Thank you Mrs Talwar for your kind words. It's the grooming in the initial years that groims the officers and men to remain a cohesive group with only one mission "Nation First". Our veterans may be sitting far but their spirit leads the battalion!
EXCELLENT.....IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WATCH BRIG ASTHANA,AND HEAR THE BATTLE ACCOUNT FROM HIM !! HE IS SO TRANSPARENT AND HONEST !!
Amul... Read the book' Kargil' but..There's no substitute for a first hand account of a brave soldier who participated in the war! Love the narrative.
A captivating account of the most difficult operation in an unforgiving terrain. One understands very well the difficulties the battalion went through having handed over their responsibilities in the Sector and then being launched into a battle without the full equipment which they normally would have. Kudos to their ability to make the best out of what they had and their ability to manage what they required through all means available. The contribution of the home front i.e. Mrs Asthana's procurement and despatch of the telephones deserves the highest praise. Thank you to Kanwar Sandhu and Brig Amul Asthana for bringing these experiences to all of us and to the next generation so that we remember the fact that for each hero we know of there are countless unsung heroes whose contributions were no less.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride
Sir, Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and incisive understanding
Jai Gorakh
Incredible exploits by an incredible officer and leader of men! A thorough gentleman to boot - truly represents the ethos of the IA. Sad that he was not duly recognized - even sadder that higher ups failed to live up to their credo/responsibilities, and instead, victimized courageous and competent officers such as Brigs. Asthana, Devinder Singh, and Surinder Singh, and Maj. Bhatnagar et al. Shameful that there has been no true reckoning of facts and fixing of accountability even 25 years later.
Great work Mr. Kanwar Sandhu - highlighting such men and their exploits! 👏👏👏
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement
Jai Hind
All I can figure out is , resources planning and time- force on ground was deprived of all these. Hard to imagine how they continued
1. I would consider the narrative by Brig. Amul Asthana (r) as a model one. He has selflessly, and with great depth and fluency of expression brought to the fore the role of the riflemen, NCOs, JCOs, officers and CO of his btn in the War. I have been suggesting to Kargil veteran officers to write a book or seek an avenue through media / social media to bring forth the role of the men under their command. Nobody is going to speak up for them, they fade away in all humility and greatness to their villages. The public is left with a Kargil narrative dominated by a few names and battles, repeated ad nauseum every year.
2. Soldiers fight daunting odds and uncertainty because of the emotional support and faith that their near and dear ones back home express in their abilities. In my mind, they are the unsung heroes. Beyond the support, war wives go an extra mile, as Mrs. Shobita Asthana, has done in deed, action and thought by provision of vital communication resources. It would be in the fitness of things for the Army to honour such contributions, as in the West where the most minute and subtle contributions to the war effort are preserved for future generations to acknowledge and be inspired. However, as in Mrs. Asthana's case, the Army would first have to acknowledge how poorly its men were equipped for an unprecedented challenge, whose roots lay in the fact that there was no contingency plan formulated by the higher command for a Kargil-type invasion. And this, lasting over a decade of the strategic neglect of Ladakh that saw four chiefs in harness ever since the de-induction of the committed 28 Inf Div in 1991 from Kargil, followed by that of the sole reserve, 70 Inf Bde, in 1997 to the Ci-OPs grid in Kashmir.
Thank you for your kind words Vikramjeet. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride.
Dear Mr Vikramjit, Thanks for your astute words of encouragement and incisive analysis. Too true, we need to 'Anticipate and Prepare' for every contingency and NEVER get surprised by the enemy.....who is faithfully doing his job!!!
Thank You Kanwar Sir! For bringing this podcast. Thank You Brig. Asthana for your service! We salute you and your family for the sacrifices! What an organization Indian Army is that churns out amazing leaders like this! Jai Gorakh! Jai Hind!
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement. I am humbled
Jai Hind
We are lucky to have Brig. Asthana with us. Hearing him was a treasure. Very inspiring.
Regards
Thanks Meenakshi! 🙏
Brig. Amul Asthana’s accounts are captivating, told very stoically. He being a dear friend of mine; we have exchanged a lot of our views and even worked for a while together after he retired. In him and his wife Mrs. Shobita you will see the joy of living. For all their sacrifices as a family which finds no mention, they hold no rancour against anyone; it takes a large heart to do that! It is when one walks through the valley of the shadow of death one realises the value of life, and one sees that in them. What draws one to him is his calm and collected demeanour. He is never flustered, with a ‘never say die’ attitude.
Jai Hind Dear Brig. Amul! Thank you Mr. Kanwar Sandhu for this wonderful podcast!
Thanks for your inspiring words Rajiv.
Thank you Rajeev, for your kind and encouraging words.
@58 minutes onwards. Notice the hankering and hassles in putting across bravery citations in the middle of war.
Got the opportunity and met with Brigedier Amul sir, a very-very humble, and charm personality.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement dear Lt Arpan
Jai Hind
Very good... Facts to be known to the world about our brave soldiers... Nice to hear Brig Amul Asthana in the show...👍💐💐
Subhash Sir, as my senior subaltern, your words mean the world to me
Jai Gorakh
Thanks for this podcast. It's eye-opening for civilians
Very interesting podcast
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement
Jai Hind
@@PrashantSingh-li5dtThanks for your astute words of encouragement
Jai Hind
As Civilians it is an eye opener .
Little do we realise how much the Army and there families sacrifices for us and with such a positive attitude.This interview has been an eye opener. Proud to have a elder brother like you.
Thank you Shivani!
Interviews conducted after a lot of homework & it shows. Brilliant conversations, way superior to some of the “popular podcasts” with much larger viewership.
Can’t compare a seasoned reporter like Mr Sandhu with young podcasters.
Account of the battles with the feel and smell of the facts on ground, as we have learnt to expect from Amul.
Proud of and grateful for what you, your paltan, and the rest of our courageous soldiery did under impossible conditions. The narration of events and incidents was so balanced and without regret or pointing fingers, so liberal with credit and respect to everyone while keeping himself well in the background - so like the man to lead from the front till victory and to remain in the shadows when credit is given!
A great recounting of the unsung but extremely important role played by the wives of the soldiers, too. They have shown that they are as much part of the Army’s war effort as anyone.
Proud to be Amul’s coursemate, and family to all of them!
God bless such soldiers, our Army and our country!
Thank you Sanal for your generous comments.
Yes Army wives are definitely part of the Army without being on the front. All Army wives have usually risen to the occasion fearlessly and faced adversities with dignity. That's the ethos and the true Spirit of the Indian Army!
this is best podcast on kargil, simple plain honest account....no bombast, or trumpeting.... the senior leadership should have been CM ed for their role in the conflict. Imagine his wife sending phones!!! what was senior leadership doing? building zoos!
So true. No real lessons have been learnt and no General court marshalled for not acting military and in accordance with law despite clear and firm information of enemy build up on the ground at Point 5770 as early as January 1999. Imagine how enemy would have been contained if these inputs were acted upon. Indian Army wouldn't have vacated posts and intensified patrolling. Enemy account confirms expansion of his intrusions took place in February March 1999 when the found the area empty and intrusion a cake walk. Major Genral Budhavar, DGMO Vij and Chief Malik should be investigated and tried as there is no time limit for investigation of such offences. I believe, even Congress Govt under Nehru had acted against General BN Kaul for1962 debacle. I'm the case of Kargil even Govt was kept under dark willfully. Then RM gave statement in Parliament that there were just a handful of militants and would be cleared in 24 to 48 hours. Army Generals then forced attacking troops to hasty and unmilitary actions as narrated even in this Podcast and numerous others including a statement by then Air Chief Tipnis that Army wanted to hide things from the Government. All this led to avoidable casualties of own brave Men. Generals in power then have much to answer not only for letting Kargil happen at the scale it did, their continued malfeasance when war broke out and subsequently for covering each others back. Correct history needs to be established and guilty Generals punished as is permissible even now in law being offences beyond any limitation period for trial.
Today i feel very sad, after hearing all the podcasts of these supreme brave mens, (salute to you brothers), but i feel that time top brass were sleeping they didnt had any emergency good plans, these generals were not fit to be general's. And its pity that we had shortage of men, machines and amuniation. And now i am worried too because still now nothing has changed much, If chinese attack from one side and from other side Pakistan attacks only god can save us, these brave hearts will again give there lives as those 600 men in kargil. I have see these top brass they only live on Yes Sir, when you dont get arguments you are a spoil company. But only die heart love for country and bravery we won.
Proudest organisation of our Country- The Indian Army. We all owe so much to these selfless and brave men
Thank you Mr Ashok, humbled by your words.
I think we just did our duty, what the Country made us for, and has full right to expect from us.
Jai Hind
How seldom we realize what the Forces go through to keep us safe.
Brave Tigers lead from the front and by example!! Brig Asthana ( then Lt Col Asthana - CO 1/11 GR) gives a first hand account of how being frank and upfront reaped rich dividends for the brave Kirantis in the 1999 Indo-Pak military conflict..Jai Hind!! Jai Gorakh!!
So nice to hear the realities which most of us were unaware of. And special mention of the lady sitting behind the curtain & doing her work, I mean Mrs Shobhit Ashtana . Thx to Kunwar Sandhu Sir for bringing up this podcast for the viewers 🙌
Thank you for your kind words, I guess in our own capacity we did what was required. Most Army wives would rise to the occasion in the true spirit of the Indian Army. 🙏
It was interesting to listen to the podcast and what goes behind the scenes during war. Hats off to our soldiers and their commanding officers to keep us civilians safe.
The entire nation is forever grateful to Mrs. Asthana and Brig. Asthana for their contribution towards protection of our motherland. It's because of people like them that we live safely in our homes. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
Very informative. Thanks.
Great inspiration 🎉sir youth requires motivation lik u a leader sir 🎉
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement Ma'am
Special thanks to real officers like Brig. Amul Asthana, Brig. Devinder, Left.Manoj pandey, and others involved in the real offensive thrust. Generals should have been held accountable for the misinformation and inaction during kargil days. Defense forces❤
Generals failed to deliver the result and because of there failure the young soldiers and officers leading them were martyred
Untold stories of valour. Mrs Asthana contribution to the war is commendable. That is how the Indian Army functions
Thank you for your kind words. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to contribute to the war effort. I did what any Army Lady would have done, with pride
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement dear Brig ID
Jai Gorakh
Salute to the bravery & resolve of our soldiers at the front. Their legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations.
In the history of countries and in wars, there are a instances when a single person at the correct time and place has started the process of winning the war or the tipping point. Though there were uncountable heroes in the Kargil War, it was this man Lt Col (now Brig) Amul Asthana, who started the change in the War, whether it was by a letter to the Chief of Army Staff, or by his standing up for his men , then the bravery of his men and his unit, The Bravest of the Brave, 1/11 GR, which just carried on and on and on without food, ration, equipment, arms and ammunition.
The saga of the war cannot be without the story of Mrs Shobita Asthana, who sitting in Delhi with two small kids, sending up critical operational and administrative stuff to the unit and brigade from Delhi to Leh to Batalik to the unit, when the supply chain failed. You cannot but admire the lady for the effort she put in to help the Unit in War. Unfortunately these sagas of determination and true national spirit are lost in today’s world. I do hope these stories come back again and again to be told
Thank you for your very kind words Col Sahi.
I'm sure any Patriotic Army lady would have done what I was given a chance to do. I'm fortunate that I got a chance & i was able to fulfil the requirements to my best abilities.
True and well said. Did we learn any real lessons from all the blunders the Generals committed. Instead they were rewarded. High time a criminal investigation is held against the erring Generals.
Amazing valiant real time moments experienced by Brig Amol Asthana ...who is my wonderful immediate neighbor. Our Armies are our real Heroes of our times.
Thank you Lalit for your generous comments.
Our neighbours are our strength in tough times.
At about 55 minutes there is a talk about then Major Rautela, a real ground Tiger. I guess he did not even make it beyond Colonel rank.
True!
salutes to Amul Sir!
Wonderful narrative of bravery and perseverance
AWESOME
The Officers who risked lives and won impossible battles were sidelined and paper tigers promoted to higher ranks .
Great listening to Brig Amul Asthana. Very Proud of him.
Sir aap koi kam legend thodi na hain. Brigade commander SSG urf commando jarnail ki patloon to apne bhi dheeli ki thi😂
Sir, thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. Your words mean a lot to me and the troops. Afterall you are the actual and real hero of Siachen that we all know and look up to.
Jai Hind
I have been to Kuksmarthang last year.
❤जय हिन्द ❤जय हिन्द की सेना ❤ भारत माता की जय
Sir try to record in Hindi , wider audience can be benefitted from the conversation.
Very right sir. Thanks
The captions generated by youtube automatically have errors such as names of places and people. The video will become more authentic and informative if the captions can be edited and put at this video. Most people including indians are unfamiliar with most names of the units involved, the places or the people. I could help out in the editing and proofreading but brig asthana or somebody else must finally verify the proofing since they have the domain knowledge
You can write the captions and submit them
Thank you so much. I will talk Mr Kanwar, and let's see if the speech to text can be done better
Speaks poorly of the ASC and ordnance the generals sitting in Delhi and Srinagar who failed in their duty to provide cold clothing , arms , ammunition , food and medical support .
Where are the Kargil Generals hiding? They made own brave men suffer the consequences of their utter failings and crimianlity. High time thorough investigations are held into the Generals' fiasco.
Why Brigadier Amul Ashtana Saheb not promoted to Major General rank and above. One sees son of Gen VP Malk who was posted to peace station as soon as Kargil war broke out, now as Major General. Units fought with such huge shortage of officers because Generals like VP Malik amd others protected their kins and dear ones from participating in the risks and rigours of the war. Many of these then young officers who were protected from rigour of the war by Generals are somehow Generals now and those like Brigadier Devinder Singh and Amul Asthana Saheb never made it to higher ranks. What a shame.
Superb video....sir if you can find out about analysis of army burning kargil records?
What did it have? Were the casualities more.than reported?
According to nawaz sharif ...pak soldiers that died were around 4000
Was indian record forged?
What about pt 5353....it was supposed to be with india which unfortunately is not nw
Subramanian report actually raised more questions than giving anwers..
Still the real thruth is not out
Speaks poorly of the army,s supply and ordnance , signals support .
Jagte raha
On
Respect to all ours
The principle of "Maintenance of Morale" goes beyond troop welfare; it’s about sustaining the will to fight under adversity. High morale drives determination and resilience, enabling soldiers to persevere, even in the toughest conditions. Brig Amul, you understood this early and led them to victory. Proud of you. Lt Gen Atulya Solankey
True that. However the eye of a person of your rank should also have caught the proverb 'Army Matches on it's Belly'. Hope you are not covering the criminal lapses of the Generals clearly reflected in this and most other Podcast of recent times..
Thanks for your astute words Atulya.
No mention of Col Lalit Rai
Just a passing reference.
Col Lalit Rai is already a well sung Hero. The stories like these bring out the unsung great deeds of so many others that the nation failed to know so far. Thank God the truth of Kargil that erring Generals attempted to suppress is now coming to the fore after 25 years.
He joined the unit in June 1999. He originally didn't belong to 1/11 GR. His father had raised this unit during his service. Col. Lalit was actually commanding an RR Battalion in the valley till May 1999. So he didn't have much exposure to the unit officers and men. Yet he led the battalion like a true leader and a warrior.
I think he was v appreciative of lalit rai
@@siddharthsingh37 Hi this is Me, Amul Asthana : very correctly and very well brought out Siddharth. Col Lalit Rai displayed sterling qualities of leadership. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery and leadership which he richly deserved
Pl see from 40: 06 onwards
Mr. Sandhu I commend you on this exceptional podcast. Brig. Asthana as always was superb in his narration. May I request you to reach out to Brig. Ajeet Singh Shekhawat ( then Maj.) Of 22 Gren to recount his 3 day op at khalubar top. I heard about his mind boggling operation that he executed. Thank You.
Thanks a lot. I have been trying to reach out to him (brig Ajeet singh Shekhawat) but without success. If you or any one has his number let me know, please. Thanks a lot.
Indian army zindabad. Love from tripura 🇮🇳
Thank you. Every citizen of this country was and is with the Army and that is something that keeps them going in the harshest of challenges and situations.
Jai Hind.
Thanks for your astute words of encouragement
And none of these brave cols and brig. were promoted to general 😕
What a detailed description you can make Hollywood movie on Khalubar battle and beyond