Forged for Triumph: Bahadur Basath - Three Years of Unparalleled Success

This autobiography chronicles the formative first three years of 62 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) (DOGRA) since its raising. The author unfolds the sequence of events during this crucial period, skilfully portraying the battalion's steady evolution and growth, culminating in its deployment and operational journey.

Once deployed, Brig Brij Gopal, YSM, SM (Retd), recounts the battalion's operational journey – from Op SHIVA to its induction into the most challenging environments of South Kashmir. He captures the turbulence of command, the unpredictability of fluid counter-insurgency operations, and the relentless pressures faced in complex counter insurgency melee.

The progressive, rigorous, and goal-oriented training during the raising phase laid a solid foundation to 'forge a unit for triumph.' What followed was no different from the demanding routine of any RR battalion – but 62 RR distinguished itself remarkably, rising above through innovative leadership and unwavering motivation.

Under its first Commanding Officer, this RR battalion carved a niche in the annals of the Indian Army, becoming the only unit to be awarded the Chief of Army Staff's (COAS) Unit Citation, a silver trophy from the COAS, and the Northern Army Commander's Unit Appreciation – all within three years of raising. During its 27 months of operational deployment, Bahadur Basath achieved 'unparalleled success' – an extraordinary feat by any standard. The battalion earned the rare honour of receiving four commendatory messages from the COAS and an astounding fourteen from the Northern Army Commander – a testament to its exceptional performance and unwavering commitment on the ground.

This book stands not only as a compelling read but also as a valuable manual for the current generation – offering timeless lessons in training, morale-building, fostering esprit de corps, the power of honest reporting, and navigating adversity with resolve and integrity.