Hello defence lover! Recently Brigadier Singh Saurabh Shekhawat, one of the most decorated officers of the Indian army, hung his boots after three decades of glorious service. In this article, we are going to admire his distinguished military career and his mountaineering feats.
Military Career
Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat’s distinguished military career began when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry on June 11, 1994, after completing his training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Later on, he joined Para SF, one of the most elite commando forces in the world. He quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to Lieutenant on June 11, 1996, and to Captain on June 11, 1999. His continued excellence in leadership and service saw him promoted to Major on December 16, 2004, followed by his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on June 11, 2007. He attained the rank of Colonel on January 6, 2010, with seniority dating back to January 1, 2010. Finally, after years of exemplary service, Shekhawat was promoted to the rank of Brigadier in March 2020, marking a significant milestone in his career as a highly respected officer in the Indian Army. On 31st August 2024, he finally hung his boots after 30 years of glorious service.
Awards and Honours
Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat is one of the most decorated officers of the Indian army. Here is a complete list of the gallantry awards and honours awarded to Brigadier Shekhawat
- Kirti Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
- Sena Medal
- Vishisht Seva Medal
- Samanya Seva Medal
- Operation Vijay Star
- Special Service Medal
- Siachen Glacier Medal
- Operation Vijay Medal
- Operation Parakram Medal
- Sainya Seva Meda
- Videsh Seva Medal
- 75th Independence Anniversary Medal
- 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
- 20 Years Long Service Medal
- 9 Years Long Service Medal
- MONUSCO
Kirti Chakra
In 2008, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat who was then a Lieutenant Colonel, established a new intelligence network in Manipur and tracked down a terrorist camp in Bishenpur district, an area previously considered a terrorist safe zone. After 45 days of surveillance and preparation, along with his 21 Para (SF) team, he launched a historic operation on September 8-9 night. Navigating boats and divers through weed-filled waters, Shekhawat’s team positioned near the island camp without alerting the enemy. However, the terrorists opened fire, compromising the element of surprise. Undeterred, Shekhawat led his men under heavy fire, killing multiple terrorists and saving his team from casualties by courageously exposing himself to draw enemy fire. His leadership and bravery led to the neutralization of the camp. For his exceptional leadership, courage, and tactical skills he was awarded Kirti Chakra, India’s second highest peacetime gallantry award.
Kirti Chakra Citation
LIEUTENANT COLONEL SAURABH SINGH SHEKHAWAT, SHAURYA CHAKRA, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
IC-52871 , 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
(Effective date of the award: 08 September, 2008)“Within days of insertion in Manipur, Team Leader of 21 PARA (SF), Lieutenant Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat established an innovative intelligence network to locate a terrorist camp in District Bishenpur, Manipur, hither-to-fore a terrorist sanctuary. After 45 days of continuous surveillance, planning and training he launched a historical operation to destroy the target and made national headlines. On night 08/09 September, 2008 guided by his surveillance detachment, the Team Leader successfully navigated boats/divers through weed infested waters and sited his groups in proximity to the target island without losing surprise. At daybreak, after successful sentry silencing, he along with assault group reached the island, swimming. However, surprise was lost and terrorists opened heavy fire. Without losing momentum and undaunted by hostile fire, the officer led his men in returning fire and tactically closed in. His accurate fire immediately killed two terrorists. Remaining terrorists, still in their huts, fired from behind cover. Concurrently, some terrorists fired heavy calibre weapons from a flank. This pinned down his men in the open. Seeing the precarious situation, the officer with his buddy, unfazed by flying bullets and unmindful of personal safety, exposed themselves to terrorist fire by running in the open. In the process he eliminated another terrorist and diverted their attention thus preventing casualty to own personnel. This galvanized remainder assault group to move and subsequently neutralise other terrorists. Lieutenant Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat displayed resolute leadership, exemplary mission dedication, raw courage and presence of mind in close combat conditions in fighting the terrorists.”
Shaurya Chakra
Brigadier Shekhawat (Captain in 2001) part of the Army Everest Expedition, initially fell sick and had to be evacuated but quickly recovered. After reacclimatizing, he rejoined his team at Camp III on April 29, 2001. Despite severe weather and physical challenges, including a recent illness, he played a key role in encouraging and assisting his teammates during the summit attempt on May 22. Braving extreme cold, lack of oxygen, and high-speed winds, he helped his team navigate the dangerous Hillary Step, eventually summiting Mount Everest at 8:30 AM on May 23, 2001. For his remarkable courage and leadership under extreme conditions, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. The citation is given below.
Shaurya Chakra Citation
CAPTAIN SAURABH SINGH SHEKHAWAT
IC-52871 , 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
(Effective date of the award: 21 May, 2001)“Captain Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, a member of the Army Everest Expedition fell sick and had to be evacuated from the Everest region in the initial phase. He soon recovered and reached Base Camp. He reacclimatized and on 29 April 2001 rejoined his team at Camp III. The officer reached South Column on 21 May. On 22 May at 2200 hrs they were able to commence the summit attempt. Step by step he moved along the treacherous ridge helping and encouraging other team members. Fighting extremely adverse weather conditions they continued undaunted towards the summit. By 0645 hours his team reached the tough Hillary step. Not withstanding the cold, lack of oxygen, severe winds and recent illness the officer undauntedly helped his team mates over this most difficult stretch, braving treacherous knife edge ridges, extreme cold, lack of oxygen and high speed winds that threatened to blow them away. Inch by inch he went up using ropes and other equipment. The officer, somehow, kept motivating the other members to keep going and he successfully summitted Mount Everest at 0830 hours on 23 May 2001. Captain Saurabh Singh Shekhawat displayed gallantry against high risk extremes of weather and terrain conditions.”
Mountaineering Feats
Beyond his military accomplishments, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat is one of India’s most accomplished mountaineers. He has summited Mount Everest three times in the years 2001, 2003 and 2005, a rare feat, and has scaled many other peaks in the Himalayas and across the globe. He has also climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe. His mountaineering prowess is not just a testament to his physical endurance but also to his strategic planning and leadership skills.
He is one of the few military officers to combine a stellar career in the armed forces with a passion for adventure sports, particularly mountaineering. His achievements have brought him recognition not only in military circles but also in the broader adventure sports community.
Legacy
Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat’s life is a testament to leadership, bravery, and a passion for adventure. He stands as a role model for both soldiers and civilians, proving that determination and discipline can lead to extraordinary achievements in both military and personal pursuits.
You can read more about him in the book Balidan: Stories of India’s Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
