“Tu Fauj Ke Layak Nahin Hai,” Why Major General GD Bakshi’s Father Didn’t Want Him To Join The Army

Major General GD Bakshi (Retd.) is a name that commands respect and admiration. Having protected our borders during and led key operations in the past, his no-holds-barred interviews and television news debates are testimonials to his no-nonsense approach to national security. Our Editor-in-Chief, Kamiya Jani, had the honour of meeting him at his home with his son, Aditya and daughter, Poornima.

Major General GD Bakshi’s Older Brother Was Martyred In The 1965 War

On our latest episode of Sandese Se Aate Hai, Major General GD Bakshi expressed his stance on the recent India-Pakistan border tensions. He displayed his deep knowledge about India’s military history and strategy. And even shared an anecdote about his encounter with Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The former army officer also revealed how his father didn’t want him to join the Army. General GD Bakshi spoke about his older brother, who he called the ‘toast of the town’. A tall, handsome cricketer who joined the Indian Army and became a captain.

In, Major General GD Bakshi lost his older brother in the India-Pakista 1965 war in a mine blast. The dismembered pieces of his brother’s mortal remains were collected and cremated in the camp itself. His family was devastated upon receiving his brother’s ashes. Since then, his father discouraged him from joining the National Defence Academy. The second of the three sons, GD Bakshi, admitted to being a very studious boy, and his father wanted him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Also Read: Major General GD Bakshi: “The Bond Between The Soldiers Is The Best Part Of The Army”

His Father Refused To Let Him Join The Army

Being a bibliophile, his father didn’t feel he was fit to join the Indian Army. He felt his second didn’t have it in him. “Tu fauj ke layak nahin hai”, “You are a square peg in a round hole”, were some of his father’s words that he still recollects.

With a goal in his mind to avenge his brother’s death and protect the nation, GD Bakshi wanted to join the Army. His father initially humoured him to give the military exam as a mere test ahead of his IAS preparations. But when he emerged as the All-India rank 2 holder in the exam, his father’s joy knew no bounds. Yet he was hesitant to let his second son join the Army after tragically losing his oldest one.

Also Read: This Month, Indian Army, Navy & Air Force Personnel Get 50% Off & Free Dessert At Farzi Cafe & Pa Pa Ya Outlets!

For a long time, the father and son had disagreements. With the latter disallowing the former from joining the Army. Constantly calling his military exams a “dry run” for his IAS preparations. But undeterred, he continued to stay stubborn towards his dreams. Eventually, his father gave in, and Major General GD Bakshi joined the National Defence Academy.

This was one such tear-jerking but heartfelt episode from Major General GD Bakshi’s illustrious life, to know more about him, watch the Sandese Aate Hai episode on Curly Tales’s YouTube channel.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal