Posted on by Reji Koduvath Indian Army

Lieutenant General Rajendra Ramrao Nimbhorkar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM**, VSM- A Soldier Par Excellence

As I received a letter from General Nimbhorkar about his impending adieu to the profession of arms on 30 April 2018, after over five decades in uniform, I was struck by the thought that I was indeed fortunate to have been associated with one of the finest soldiers and an excellent human being. Our first meeting was in 2002, when I took over command of the Regiment in Rajasthan.  Our Regiment had mobilised as part of the general mobilisation ordered in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament (Op PARAKRAM). We were deployed as part of the newly raised 41 Arty Division, and I met then Col Nimbhorkar as the Colonel Administration of the formation during its raising.

There he was, an Infantry Officer, heading the administrative and operational logistics organisation of an Artillery Division.  He introduced himself in his soft and calm voice with a pleasant smile.  I was pretty sure that behind the smile was a smart, intelligent, tough and a chivalrous officer, who knew his beans pretty well, else he would not have been handpicked for the prestigious and difficult appointment.

General Nimbhorkar is a product of Sainik School, Satara (Maharashtra), National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA).  Like most Sainik School graduates, he too came from a humble family background.  He was commissioned to 15 Punjab Regiment in 1979, which he commanded in Kashmir.  He graduated in courses at Defence Service Staff College,  and Higher command courses in India and the National Defence College, Dhaka.

As I look back over my two decades with the Indian Army, I observe that few military leaders are equally well admired by their superiors, subordinates, and peers and the admiration continues far beyond the years of association. The spoken reputation simply cuts across the hierarchical rank and file. I can say without hesitation that Gen RR Nimbhorkar belonged to this select few. There are a number of remarkable military facets about Gen Nimbhorkar. Some of them are worth mentioning.  During his long years with the Army, he was destined to be part of almost every major operation that was launched by the Indian Army. In his younger years up to command of his unit, he has walked on foot almost every inch of the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir. His command assignments at the Unit, Brigade, Division and Corps levels were all in operational areas. To say the least, he was someone who rose to the top through sheer hard core soldiering.

So we knew him as a hard core Infantry soldier. But during his tenure with the Artillery Division, he became a Gunner in letter and spirit and the Gunners accepted him as one of their own. When he spoke about artillery ammunition planning (a nightmare for most Gunners), one wondered whether he was wearing the wrong lanyard and beret! As he rose through the military hierarchy, many of the Gunners continued their association with him and to them he always remained a sort of a benevolent Colonel Commandant.

The most prominent part of his uniform were the rows of ribbons of the medals he had been awarded and they were plenty and they speak a lot about his military career.


Today, he stands tall as the most decorated officer of the Indian Army.  The above ribbons adorn his uniform, over his left chest and he surely holds them close to heart as he deserves much more for all his actions during his military service.  For the benefit of non-military readers, let me explain these ribbons.
1.     United Nations Angola Verification Mission Medal for his service as a Military Observer.
2.     Nine Years Long Service Medal
3.    20 Years Long Service Medal
4.    30 Years Long Service Medal
5.    50th Anniversary of Indian Independence Medal
6.    Videsh Seva Medal for service in a foreign land.
7.    High Altitude Service Medal for serving in areas above 9000 feet altitude.
8.    Samanya Seva Medal awarded for active service
9.    Operation Vijay Medal awarded to all participants of Operation Vijay – better known as Kargil War
10.  Special Services Medal.
11.   Samanya Seva Medal awarded for active service in Eastern Theatre.
12.   Wound Medal or Parakram Padak is awarded to those who sustain wounds as a result of direct enemy action in any type of operations or counter-insurgency actions.  The General was critically wounded while commanding his Battalion during Operation Vijay.
13.   Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
14.  Sena Medal (SM).  The General was awarded Sena Medal twice(SM**) – once for gallantry as Captain commanding an Infantry  Company in Dras sector and for distinguished service as a Brigadier commanding an Infantry Brigade.
15.    Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) awarded in recognition for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
16.    Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) awarded for a high degree of distinguished services in an operational context of war, conflict, or hostilities.
17.    Param Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) awarded in recognition for peace-time service of the most exceptional order.

General Nimbhorkar is a great leader, a true and gallant soldier, an outstanding administrator, a voracious reader, and above all a great human being.

My salutes to him from Canada – thousands of miles away -on the eve of his retirement.  I am sure he will remember David Frost’s lines: –
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

(Written in collaboration with Veteran Brigadier Azad Sameer)

31 thoughts on “Lieutenant General Rajendra Ramrao Nimbhorkar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM**, VSM- A Soldier Par Excellence”

  4. prdpbh2005@yahoo.co.in's avatar

    Great General ,,,Very well written about him ,,,as a matter of fact words would probably fail to describe his accomplishments ,selfless dedication ,,,Thanks a ton Reji for doing a Wonderful job .

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rajiv Divekar's avatar

      I met Gen Nimbhorkar when we were Pl Cdrs together if Cassino Coy in IMA. Very sharp, pragmatic and cool demeanour. He knew his job and meant business. Next I met him when I was BM and he was with the Bn at Dras and Kaksar. He was tough as nails and focused in his objective – give the Pakis a bloody nose. He did and got a gallantry award. Then I kept meeting him in service. A very down to earth, simple but a true military brain with a cool and calm soft spoken exterior but a tough forceful and intellectual brain. Though a junior, we are good friends. He is one who is a true friend and a caring human being. God bless him.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Vijaydeep Singh's avatar

    Best wishes to Gen Nimborkar. A great honour to know him. We share a common point which is a source of great motivation to me. Wishing you a great and spectacular second innings, General. God speed

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Dr Shishir Kolhe's avatar

    A very well written account of the General’s deeds in general with specific mention of outstanding and superlative tasks in uniform. We outside the Army too hold our schoolmate in very high esteem. Be always blessed Gen RR Nimbalkar and family.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Col V S Rathore,SM, VSM's avatar

    A great General a guide philosopher and a tough soldier inspiration for young officers. Very well written about the General by the veteran Brig. A salute to such an officer. A great honour to know General Nimbhorkar. All the best Sir.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Girija mungali's avatar

    An excellent human being. An excellent friend.a true soldier always setting paradigms. His endearing smile and welcoming attitude as GC in sinhgarh company taught me several lessons of humanity and humility. Will always treasure fond memories of knowing him personally .. keep it up partner and welcome to Pune . Wishing you a wonderful journey ahead .
    G s Mungali

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Dinesh Saroha's avatar

    Congratulations General RR Nimbhorkar Sir. Truly a Soldiers General. Approachable to all, always smiling and ready to hold hand whenever required. All the very best for second innings. We r sure it is going to be as great and success the journey till date had been. See you soon Sir.
    Regards
    Dinesh Saroha
    FIRST PATIALA

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dinesh Saroha's avatar

      We r sure the journey during your second innings is going to be as successful and great as the journey till date had been.
      Best wishes and warm regards.
      Dinesh Saroha

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Vinod Dehankar's avatar

    My School mate and senior.Had a chance to meet him at Amaravati,He being Amaravatikar.A Great Human being and a brotherly figure for all Sainik.Dada feels proud of you.Wish Great time ahead for feature.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Veena Mohod's avatar

    Congratulations
    You will be remembered for the work you did in your service
    We are proud of you and thanks for your years of hard work and dedication.
    Wishing you a long and satisfying retirement

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Rajeev Ohri's avatar

    Second every word written in his honour. It was a privilege serving with the Gen. A true leader with great military virtues. We wish him and family all the very best in second innings.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Dr Sandeepmaitrey's avatar

    All Great Human Beings are known for their Simplicity..& Lt.Gen.Nimbhorkar Sir is one of them…Whatever Peace & Secured life we are enjoying is only because of Great Dedicated personalities like him…I wish him a peaceful & happy journey ahead…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sukadeb Khatua's avatar

      Gen Nimbhorkar is great soldier and man of simplicity, As I got chance to serve under his able comd at Naushera Brigade, as his PA, I know him very much. I pray to the almighty for his good health for ever…. Warm regards and smart salute Sir…..🇮🇳🫡

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Dr Rajeshwari Wankhade's avatar

    We are so prroud of you Sir!— He has really lived ‘ Nation First’ in letter and Spirit!— An Officer par excellence — a strategist– a Visionary leader– Indian Army is blessed to have leaders of Military Excellence like Lt General Rajendra Nimbhorkar Sir— His unknown facet is motivating & inspiring Youngsters to join ‘ Fauj’– A human being having down to earth nature– always accessible — A great Son of Soil of Vidarbha— we all salute him for his extraordinary contribution to the Nation!

    We hope soil of our Country produces many more such real life Heroes!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Brig Jagdishchandra Bagool (Retd)'s avatar

    A down to earth professional and highly decorated soldier.A proud product of our Alma Mater who played a major role as the Corps Commander during Planning and execution
    of the Surgical Strike post Uri in September 2016. Had an opportunity to listen to the First hand account of that bold action by our Army.
    Best wishes to Gen RR Nimbhorkar for Happy innings in times ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Gi's avatar

    Gen Rajendra Nimbhorkar a soldier , warrior, winner , gentleman, a true friend , a trustworthy person, a good leader, a good human being. Superlative in being humble यारो का यार । तू दब्बी चल यारा मेरे । any one who has come in your contact will keep you in high esteem for you are SPECIAL .
    Girija Shanker mungali

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Satya, Founder BonV Aero's avatar

    General Nimbhorkar has been a true inspiration in my entrepreneurial journey. His incredible dedication, calm demeanor, and mastery of operational logistics have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. As I strive to develop reliable solutions for the Indian Army’s high-altitude requirements, I often reflect on his influence, which fuels my commitment to quality and precision. His legacy as a soldier and leader lives on in all of us who aspire to follow his path of excellence.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Brig Harish Kukreja's avatar

    An excellent write up about the Gen Offr who indeed was a role model to many of us . I can vouch for his professionalism having been closely associated with him in Arty Div and thereafter. A great leader and human being.

    Liked by 1 person

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