From Sri Lanka to Kargil | Kirti Chakra Officer’s First-Hand Combat Stories & Gorkha Legacy

Video Description

From the jungles of Sri Lanka to the icy heights of Kargil, this episode presents first-hand combat experiences of Maj Gen Deepak Mehra, Kirti Chakra, AVSM, VSM — an Indian Army officer whose service spans some of the most demanding and defining operations in modern Indian military history. In this in-depth and unfiltered conversation, Maj Gen Deepak Mehra, Kirti Chakra, AVSM, VSM recounts real firefights, counter-insurgency operations, and life-and-death decisions taken in close combat. These are not second-hand accounts or theoretical discussions, but experiences lived on the battlefield, where leadership, instinct, and training determined survival. A significant part of this discussion is devoted to the Gorkhas — their discipline, courage, and unmatched fighting spirit. Drawing from his experience of commanding Gorkha troops in active operations, the General explains why the Gorkhas have earned their legendary reputation and why, in his words, there are no better troops. 🔍 What this video covers: First combat experience during operations in Sri Lanka (IPKF) Jungle warfare, tracking, ambushes, and close-quarter encounters Counter-insurgency operations in the North-East Leadership and decision-making under fire The realities of fear, responsibility, and command in combat Kargil War (1999): insights beyond the well-known battles The Gorkha legacy — training, ethos, loyalty, and resilience The human cost of soldiering beyond medals and citations This conversation goes beyond heroism and decorations. It explores what it truly means to lead soldiers in combat, to take responsibility for men under command, and to serve the nation in the most testing conditions imaginable. Whether you are a defence enthusiast, student of military history, serving or retired personnel, or a viewer seeking an authentic understanding of the Indian Army, this episode offers rare insights straight from the frontlines. Timestamp: 00:00 – Highlights 02:47 – Introduction 04:25 – Greetings & podcast begins 05:46 – How Maj Gen Deepak Mehra’s passion and love for the Gorkhas 08:36 – First combat experiences 10:50 – Operations in Jaffna & engagements with the LTTE 14:15 – Counter-insurgency operations in Assam & Northeast India 17:08 – Maj Gen Deepak Mehra’s experiences with the NSCN insurgent group 25:20 – Maj Gen Deepak Mehra’s experience on joining the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit 29:07 – Training methodology & building team cohesion 39:08 – High-altitude preparations during the Kargil conflict 42:56 – Tactical field operations & reconnaissance 48:10 – Ambush and live-fire incident in the Northeast 55:17 – Capturing insurgents alive 01:03:56 – Explosives handling, setup, and final detonation 01:14:56 – Maj Gen Deepak Mehra’s experience after selection for UN deputation in Congo 01:27:55 – Maj Gen Deepak Mehra shares a remarkable incident from Congo 01:30:34 – Two near-death experiences during operations 01:50:08 – How leadership transforms junior soldiers 01:53:00 – Lessons from first-hand combat 02:03:33 – Difference between serving as a CO and a GOC 02:08:15 – Incident involving a barracks fire and loss of valuable equipment 02:16:00 – Closing reflections & advice Follow us on- YT Clips👉https://tinyurl.com/ycx27vdr YT Music👉https://tinyurl.com/2evrmb8b Insta Col Kaushal👉https://tinyurl.com/4d6432pa FB Col Kaushal👉https://tinyurl.com/2swfepr8 Insta Lt Col Kaushy👉https://tinyurl.com/5rdnfszx FB Lt Col Kaushy👉https://tinyurl.com/mry56jr7 X (Twitter)👉https://tinyurl.com/5f76bv8b FB M&W Page👉https://tinyurl.com/4dnjwdwd WhatsApp Channel 👉https://tinyurl.com/yp8hf65r Telegram Group 👉https://tinyurl.com/564p99tt SnapChat👉https://tinyurl.com/33t73u9j Spotify👉https://tinyurl.com/33b6yxsf WhatsApp- +918269633286 Business Inquiries, Collaborations & Promotions We’d love to hear from you! Please connect with us at: [email protected] #indianarmy #kirtichakra #militarystories #warveteran #kargilwar #ipkf #counterinsurgency #leadershipunderfire #junglewarfare #militaryhistory #armylife #brotherhoodinarms #soldierstories #realwarexperience #highaltitudewarfare #inspirationfromsoldiers #armedforcesindia #courageandvalor #lifeofasoldier #truestoriesofwar