Major General G. D. Bakshi Biography: Age, Family, Wars, Books, Awards, Facts, and Controversy

Major General Gagandeep Bakshi (Retd.) or Major G. D. Bakshi, stands as a formidable figure in India’s military and intellectual landscape. A combat veteran with extensive experience, he has earned renown not only for his distinguished service but also for his contributions as a Defence Expert, Author, Editor of the Indian Military Review, and Motivational Speaker.

With a prolific literary career, Major General Bakshi has authored 40 books and contributed over 200 papers to prestigious research journals. His writings span a wide range of military and non-military subjects, reflecting his deep understanding and expertise in strategic and geopolitical affairs.

Throughout his career, Major General Bakshi has been a staunch advocate for national security and military preparedness, shaping public discourse through his insightful analyses and commentaries. His contributions to both academia and public policy have solidified his reputation as a thought leader in India’s defense community.

In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Major General Bakshi is a sought-after speaker known for inspiring and motivating audiences with his experiences and insights gained from a lifetime dedicated to service and scholarship. His multifaceted contributions continue to resonate, making him a respected figure in India and beyond.

He is the most famous thinker and talking military veteran. He has been featured many times in documentaries, debate shows on television, and various YouTube channels on issues related to National and International Security. He is well known for his forceful and clear stand in favor of national interest. He is an acknowledged thought leader in this domain.

Indian Army Journey

Major General G. D. Bakshi’s journey into the Indian Army was forged in tragedy and determination. Following the devastating loss of his elder brother, Captain S. R. Bakshi, during the India-Pakistan war, Major G. D. Bakshi was deeply impacted by the brutal circumstances of his brother’s death.

Captain S. R. Bakshi, just 23 years old at the time, had fallen victim to a mine blast that left his body beyond recognition. Recalling the aftermath, Major G. D. Bakshi vividly recounted the solemn act of collecting and cremating what remained of his brother.

Enraged by the loss and driven by a steadfast resolve for justice, Major G. D. Bakshi made a decisive vow to join the armed forces and avenge his brother’s death. Against the wishes of his parents, he pursued his aspiration by enrolling in the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune.

In June 1967, a year and a half after his brother’s tragic martyrdom, he commenced his training as an Indian Air Force (IAF) cadet. However, driven by a strong familial legacy, he soon transitioned to the Indian Army, commissioned into the esteemed Jammu & Kashmir Rifles regiment— the same regiment that his father and brother had served.

Graduating from the Indian Military Academy on 14 November 1971, Major G. D. Bakshi was swiftly summoned into action with the outbreak of hostilities in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His initiation into active service marked the beginning of a distinguished military career marked by valor and leadership.

Military Career

Maj Gen GD Bakshi is a retired Indian army officer. He served the country from 1971 to 2008 in the 6 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Major was commissioned in the Army from IMA Dehradun in November 1971.

As a Lt. Colonel, he volunteered to be posted at Kaksar in Kargil in 1987, five kilometers from the Line of Control, where a massive intrusion had taken place. Major was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for commanding a battalion successfully during the Kargil War.

General Bakshi has seen more war, uprising, and fear-based oppression than the average soldier. His battle experience has earned him both the Medals and the Vishisht Seva Medal for his administration.

Wars:

• On the China front in 1971
• In Punjab at the peak of militancy in 1985
• Kaksar in Kargil in 1987
• Kishtwar, J&K in 2000 (Pakistan’s proxy war in J&K and CT Operations in Kishtwar)

Major Bakshi commanded the Romeo Force (a part of the elite Rashtriya Rifles), an operation named “Sarp Vinash” to counter terrorist activities in the Poonch-Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir where he succeeded in pacifying the whole area.

He served in the Rashtriya Rifles for 27 months, during this period several top terrorist commanders were eliminated by his strategic fight. At Kishtwar, the Army organized village defense committees but found that the volunteers would be killed in lonely places, making life difficult.

The Army responded using flame-throwers on the terrorists’ hideouts and from September 2001 onwards, civilian killings died out and the migrating population returned, which is no mean feat. For his efforts, he received the Sena Medal.

He has become the directorate general of military operations and has served two tenures. He became the first BGS (IW) at HQ Northern Command (India) where he dealt with information warfare and many psychological operations.

In the Ministry of Defence, Major Bakshi had helped plan the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka before he was sent to the Siachen border when tensions in the Kashmir Valley heated up. Before retirement, he taught for two and a half years at the National Defence College, New Delhi from where he was awarded a Ph.D. for his work on limited war in the Indian subcontinent.

The 1965 Indo-Pakistan War Preview documentary:

Family

Major General G. D. Bakshi’s father, S. P. Bakshi, played a significant role in the military of Jammu & Kashmir State. He served as the Chief Education Officer of the Jammu & Kashmir State Forces (6 J&K Rifles). When the State forces merged with the Indian Army, he transitioned to the Corps of Signals, where he later retired.

Captain Srishti Raman Bakshi, Major G. D. Bakshi’s brother, also served the nation with distinction. He was commissioned into the 6 J&K Rifles in 1963. Tragically, at the young age of 23, Captain Srishti Raman Bakshi made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

He was martyred on 24 September 1965, during a mine blast incident in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, also known as the Second Kashmir War. In honor of his bravery and service, a street in Jabalpur, where their ancestral house is located, has been named ‘Raman Bakshi Marg.’

Education

Degrees

• Graduated from the Indian Military Academy on 14 November 1971
• Master’s degree in Defence Science
• M Phil in Strategic Studies from the University of Madras
• Ph.D. from the same University on Limited Wars in South Asia

G. D. Bakshi’s Guru

Controversy

• Several times he has poked fun at Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi).
• In July 2020 on a live debate, while appearing as one of the panelists on the Republic TV channel he used profane language and called a panelist Madharc***d. After that, Mr. Bakshi’s video went viral and became part of the discussion.

G. D. Bakshi quotes

Country comes first always & every time!

Major Bakshi’s Life Memory

Major religiously organizes a meeting once a year with his NDC group, where all his group members spend time together. Major has been doing so for almost 13 years now after retirement.

Meeting with the Honorable Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and presented him with a copy of his third book on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The book is titled Bose: The Military Dimension a 125th Anniversary Tribute.

Awards, Medals, and Honors

• Sena Medal
• Vishisht Seva Medal
• Special Service Medal
• Sangram Medal
• Operation Vijay Medal
• Sainya Seva Medal
• High Altitude Service Medal
• 25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
• 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
• Service duration medal
  • 9 Years Long Service Medal
  • 20 Years Long Service Medal
  • 30 Years Long Service Medal
• Senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulations at the USI
• Served as Deputy Director of Research at the Vivekananda International Foundation
• He is currently the Editor of the Indian Military Review
• He is the Senior Security Advisor (Consultant) to Reliance Industries Limited

Books

• Afghanistan-the First Fault Line War
• War in the 21st Century
• The Indian Art of War
• The Paradox of Pakistan
• The Rise of Indian Military Power: Evolution of an Indian Strategic Culture” and “Limited Wars in South Asia.”
• Bose: An Indian Samurai

Facts

• Major has been a teacher at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Major Bakshi has also been a teacher at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu
• Major also taught at the National Defence College, Delhi for two years before retiring in 2008
• Hobbies: Reading and writing, Working out, Yoga
• Favorite singers: Kishor Kumar, Manna Dey
• Favorite Movies: Baby, Mary Kom
• Favorite TV Programs: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, National Geographic, The Tom and Jerry Comedy Shows

Contact

Present Life

Maj Gen Bakshi is a member and leader of the Hindu Chetana core team. The focus of the team narrative is building and raising the Hindu consciousness. In the year 2021, this team focused on Netaji’s militant Nationalism and Hindu Rashtra in Nepal and have Major plans and visions which we will unveil in the upcoming time.

Major G. D. Bakshi is renowned for his outspoken views on terrorism and national security, regularly appearing on major TV news channels and mainstream media platforms, including YouTube channels. He has passionately highlighted Nepal’s historical significance as the only Hindu kingdom in the world before the destabilizing influences of Maoists and communists reshaped its political landscape, ultimately leading to closer ties with China. His insights have sparked critical debates and discussions on regional geopolitics and security concerns.

In conclusion, Major G. D. Bakshi embodies unwavering commitment and deep patriotism towards the nation. A staunch advocate for the armed forces, he exemplifies the qualities of a true soldier — honest, outspoken, and steadfast in his beliefs.

Major Bakshi’s unwavering dedication to the country is evident in his passionate advocacy for national security and defense policies. His outspoken nature and direct approach reflect his belief in transparency and clarity in leadership.