5 Inspiring Facts About Colonel Sangram Singh Bhati, Shaurya Chakra, 10 Para SF

Colonel Sangram Singh Bhati, a legendary figure in the Indian Army’s elite 10 Para (Special Forces), was a beacon of courage, leadership, and patriotism. Known as the "Mustafa of Desert Warfare," his life and legacy continue to inspire countless defence aspirants and patriots across India. 

Honored with the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, Colonel Bhati’s remarkable contributions to national security and his indomitable spirit left an indelible mark on the Indian military. Here are five inspiring facts about this extraordinary soldier, whose valor and dedication remain a source of pride for the nation.

1. A Legendary Leader of the Elite 10 Para (Special Forces)

Colonel Sangram Singh Bhati served as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 10 Para (Special Forces), a unit revered as the "Desert Scorpions" and known for its expertise in desert warfare, counter-insurgency, and high-risk covert operations. The 10 Para SF is an elite force comprising only about 4,500 handpicked soldiers from the 1.25 million-strong Indian Army. Unlike other units, there is no direct recruitment for the Para SF; soldiers volunteer from other Army units and undergo grueling training, with a 90% failure rate during probation. Those who succeed are described as "Men apart, every man an emperor."

As CO, Colonel Bhati led this formidable unit with unparalleled courage and strategic brilliance. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the unit’s reputation as one of the most battle-hardened and versatile forces in the Indian Army. His tenure as an instructor at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai further amplified his influence, where he trained and inspired cadets to uphold the highest standards of military excellence. His mere presence, adorned with badges of valor, was enough to give defence aspirants "goosebumps," as noted by SSBCrack, a platform dedicated to defence aspirants.

2. A Decorated Hero with the Shaurya Chakra

Colonel Bhati was one of the most decorated commandos in the Indian Army, with his uniform adorned with badges and decorations that spoke volumes about his extraordinary achievements. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra on March 16, 1999, while serving as a Major, for his exceptional bravery in operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, is bestowed for acts of valor in the face of the enemy, often under life-threatening conditions.

His gallantry was not limited to a single operation. Colonel Bhati’s career was marked by numerous acts of courage, including leading high-stakes missions against terrorist camps. His decorations were a testament to his relentless commitment to national security and his ability to lead from the front in the most challenging environments. For defence aspirants, his uniform alone was a symbol of aspiration, embodying the pinnacle of military honor and sacrifice.

3. Leading a Daring Cross-Border Operation in PoK

One of the most awe-inspiring feats of Colonel Bhati’s career was his leadership in a covert operation across the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While serving with 10 Para SF, he led a team that infiltrated enemy territory and spent four days dismantling a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist camp. This operation, conducted with precision and secrecy, resulted in the complete elimination of the camp and its operatives, showcasing the surgical precision and fearlessness of the Para SF under Bhati’s command.

This mission, often cited as a precursor to the 2016 Surgical Strike, highlighted Colonel Bhati’s tactical acumen and his ability to execute complex operations in hostile territory. His role in such missions earned him the admiration of peers and superiors, with prominent military figures like Major Gaurav Arya, Major Poonia, and Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore expressing profound respect for his legacy. This operation remains a powerful example of his nickname, "Mustafa of Desert Warfare," symbolizing his unmatched prowess in the battlefield.

4. A Third-Generation Soldier with a Legacy of Valor

Colonel Bhati’s commitment to serving the nation was rooted in a proud family tradition of military service. He was a third-generation soldier, carrying forward a legacy of valor that spanned decades. His grandfather fought in the Second World War with the Sardar Infantry, while his father, Colonel (Retd.) Shyam Singh Bhati, served in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars. This heritage of courage and sacrifice shaped Colonel Bhati’s resolve to uphold the family’s honor and serve the nation with distinction.

His deep connection to the military was evident in his leadership and mentorship. As an instructor at OTA Chennai, he instilled in cadets the values of discipline, bravery, and patriotism that defined his own career. Stories of his larger-than-life persona, such as the anecdote shared on Reddit about him completing a 5 km Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) in 17-18 minutes while carrying a Carl Gustav rocket launcher after a night of drinking, underscored his superhuman endurance and defiance of conventional limits. This earned him the affectionate moniker "Mustaffa Mastbull" within the SF community.

5. An Enduring Inspiration for Defence Aspirants

Even after his untimely passing on October 19, 2018, due to multiple organ failure caused by jaundice, Colonel Bhati’s legacy continues to inspire thousands of young Indians to pursue careers in the armed forces. His photographs, often shared by platforms like SSBCrack, captivated defence aspirants, who saw in him the embodiment of courage and sacrifice. His death sent shockwaves through the defence community, with tributes pouring in from soldiers, civilians, and public figures alike.

In Jodhpur, his hometown, his cremation was attended by a large crowd, including the then-CO of 10 Para SF, Colonel Varun Chhabra, and members of his unit. His two daughters performed his last rites, a poignant moment that underscored the personal sacrifices of military families. It reflect the enduring reverence for Colonel Bhati, describing him as a "Braveheart who was not killed by any enemy’s bullet" but by a deadly disease. His story continues to ignite the "spark to join the Indian Defence Forces" among the youth, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of future soldiers.

A Timeless Legacy

Colonel Sangram Singh Bhati, Shaurya Chakra, was more than a soldier; he was a symbol of valor, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. His leadership of the 10 Para SF, his daring operations, and his role as a mentor and inspiration have cemented his place in India’s military history. Despite his tragic passing, his stories of bravery, such as the PoK operation and his legendary BPET feat, continue to resonate within the defence community and beyond. As India salutes this heroic son, his life reminds us that true warriors live on through the ideals they embody and the lives they inspire. Colonel Bhati’s legacy is a call to action for every Indian to serve the nation with courage and honor, ensuring that the "Mustafa of Desert Warfare" remains a guiding light for generations to come.