Brig Basant Ponwar, AVSM, VSM: Untold Stories of 1971 Indo - Pak War & Counter Naxal Operations

Video Description

This video takes you inside the extraordinary journey of Brigadier Basant Kumar Ponwar, AVSM, VSM — a decorated officer of the Indian Army, veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the visionary behind the Counter Terrorism & Jungle Warfare College, Kanker (Chhattisgarh). In this conversation, he shares gripping first-hand accounts of daring raids deep inside East Pakistan, tactical troop movements, and the intense final push leading to the fall of Dhaka. As the link officer for the legendary Para drop at Tangail, he offers a rare and powerful perspective on one of the most decisive operations in modern military history. Never before have such inside stories of the 1971 war — from operational planning to boots on the ground — been shared with this level of detail and clarity. This is not just history. It’s the voice of a man who lived it. 🇮🇳✨ In this exclusive conversation, Brigadier Ponwar takes us through: 🇮🇳 His daring ambush operations inside East Pakistan alongside Mukti Bahini. 🔥 The intense battles that shaped the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the liberation of Bangladesh. 🪖 How India’s counter-insurgency model evolved to crush Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh. 💪 Lessons in leadership, courage, and the spirit of a true soldier. This episode is more than history — it’s a story of valour, grit, and nation-building. Some additions by the Hon’ble guest In the Kamalpur - Bakshiganj Ambush on 14 Nov 4X 122mm Enemy Mors were destroyed. Maj S Vatsa VrC played a pivotal role in the operation and was awarded the VrC posthomously. In the Culvert Blasting Ambush. Steamer was destroyed by Mukti Bahni Naval Commandos by use of Limpet Mines. Timestamp: 00:00 Highlights 02:58 Intro 04:41 Greetings and Podcast Begins 06:43 Early Life, Family Background and Childhood Stories 12:50 Visit to NDA parade - early inspiration to join NDA 17:56 Applying for NDA, Selection process, SSB interview experience 21:11 NDA to IMA training - cadet life, physical and leadership development 27:14 Commissioning into 1st Maratha Light Infantry (Jangi Paltan) 29:17 Arrival at Dhaka and explanation of Jangi Paltan legacy 30:27 Posting to Nagaland - first ambush and CI mission 37:42 Mountain warfare course at Sonamarg and training before 1971 war 41:24 Joining with Mukti Bahini and initial operations 47:48 Planning the major ambush at ferry point 53:04 Execution of ambush against Pakistani convoy 55:44 Definition of ambush 56:50 Planning of another operation to destroy Pakistani mortars 01:00:04 Massive ambush success - over 100 Pakistani troops killed 1:03:38 Next Operation to blow up railway bridge near Dhaka. 1:16:00 Continuous operations, coordination with Mukti Bahini 1:25:10 Indian paratroopers dropped (2 para (SF)) #1971war #bangladeshliberation #indianarmy #brigadierbasantponwar #muktibahini #counternaxal #junglewarfare #warstories #indiandefence #militarypodcast #indianheroes #nationfirst #realheroes #armypride #jaihind