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Now a fearless war correspondent for India Today, he has reported live from Kyiv during the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict zones.
Uncover his journey through high-altitude operations, training thousands of girls in Krav Maga via Save Girls Foundation, and sharp insights on global geopolitics.
A true story of courage, service, and storytelling!
Retd. Col. Rajesh Pawar
Imagine a young boy growing up in a quiet Haryana village, dreaming of serving his country.
Years later, that same boy becomes Colonel Rajesh Pawar, commanding elite troops in some of India’s toughest operations, then trading his uniform for a journalist’s notebook to bring the world’s conflicts straight to our living rooms.
Retd. Col. Rajesh Pawar’s life is a gripping tale of discipline, bravery, and relentless curiosity.
Whether leading secret commando missions or reporting under fire in Kyiv, his story shows how one person’s dedication can bridge the worlds of defense and journalism.
Let us dive into this extraordinary journey.
Early Life: Roots In A Haryana Village
Retd. Col. Rajesh Pawar was born in a small village in Haryana.
Life there was simple – fields, community bonds, and a strong sense of duty.
From a young age, he showed grit and curiosity.
His family instilled in him the values of hard work and patriotism that would shape his future.
To build a strong foundation, he joined Sainik School Kunjpura in Karnal, Haryana.
These schools are known for turning ordinary boys into confident leaders. At Sainik School, Rajesh overcame early challenges, such as struggling with English, by diving into books.
He excelled in sports too, swimming, horse riding (earning his spurs during NDA days), and even rally driving later in life.
These experiences built his physical stamina and mental toughness.
A village boy who once faced basic hurdles was now preparing for the ultimate challenge: the Indian Army.
Path To The Indian Army
After Sainik School, Rajesh cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance and joined the prestigious academy in Khadakwasla.
The rigorous training, academics, physical drills, and leadership lessons prepared him to become an officer.
He was commissioned into the 19 Rajputana Rifles (RAJRIF), one of India’s oldest and most decorated infantry regiments.
The Rajputana Rifles, with roots dating back to 1818, have a proud history of valor in World Wars, the Kargil conflict, and beyond.
Its motto, “Veer Bhogya Vasundhara” (The brave shall inherit the earth), perfectly matched Col. Pawar’s spirit.
As a young officer, he learned infantry tactics, led troops through difficult terrain, and built unbreakable bonds within his team.
Life in the regiment meant long marches, live-fire exercises, and constant readiness.
Rajesh thrived here, rising through the ranks with dedication.
Later, he pursued a Master’s in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
He also studied in top institutes in the Netherlands and Germany, experiences that broadened his global perspective and even introduced him to Krav Maga training in Bochum, Germany.
Elite Service
Col. Pawar’s career took him into India’s most elite circles.
He served in the One Para Commando unit, which evolved into the Special Frontier Force (SFF).
This secretive outfit, also known as Establishment 22, was formed in 1962 after the Sino-Indian war.
It draws brave Tibetan refugees who fight with unmatched high-altitude skills and loyalty to India.
SFF soldiers are nameless heroes; their sacrifices are often publicly unrecognized, yet they have earned gallantry awards such as the Mahavir Chakra.
Col. Pawar spent over 20 years here, commanding a company and training Tibetan troops.
He participated in operations across Kashmir, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
These counter-insurgency missions demanded precision, patience, and courage to avoid civilian harm while neutralizing threats.
Key highlights from his service:
- Kargil War (1999): He commanded an SFF company in daring cliff assaults on steep gradients (over 70 degrees). Troops climbed silently to surprise Pakistani positions – a story of raw bravery that still inspires.
- Insurgency Operations: From ULFA in Assam’s forests to NSCN in Nagaland’s hills and urban challenges in Manipur and Kashmir, Col. Pawar saw every kind of conflict. He often spoke about the “psychology of the first kill” and how war cries invoking faith (like “Bhavani” or “Mahadev”) create unbreakable soldiers.
- Operation Snow Leopard in Galwan (2020): SFF units captured key heights in freezing conditions at 17,000 feet, outmaneuvering adversaries. One emotional tale: the funeral of a 53-year-old Tibetan soldier drew thousands, with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Tibet.”
Para SF training was intense, a 90-day probation for officers emphasizing freedom and responsibility.
Col. Pawar often noted how Tibetans’ natural high-altitude fitness (carrying 20-30 kg while running where others pant) complemented Indian tactics.
These years forged him into a true “soldier’s soldier.”
Career Timeline
| Period | Milestone | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood–School | Sainik School Kunjpura, Haryana | Overcame language barriers; excelled in sports |
| NDA/Commissioning | Joined 19 Rajputana Rifles | Infantry leadership basics |
| Early Service | One Para Commando → Special Frontier Force | 20+ years; counter-insurgency across India |
| 1999 | Kargil War – Company Commander | Cliff assaults, surprise tactics |
| 2012 onward | Krav Maga & Save Girls Foundation | Trained 15,000+ girls |
| 2020 | Galwan – Operation Snow Leopard | High-altitude captures |
| Post-Retirement | Premature retirement; India Today journalist | Reporting from Ukraine & Israel |
A Passion For Empowerment
After the tragic Nirbhaya incident in 2012, Col. Pawar channeled his expertise into women’s safety.
He founded the Save Girls Foundation and conducted over 150 workshops across India.
Using Krav Maga, the practical Israeli self-defense system he mastered in Europe, he trained more than 15,000 girls and women.
Sessions included lady police officers from nine states and North-East academies (DSPs and IPS officers).
He taught situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, escape techniques, and the use of everyday items (keys, pens, water bottles) as weapons.
His message was empowering: “Any girl can defend against multiple attackers with the right mindset.”
Inspired by his Army discipline, he led these workshops, which built confidence and saved lives.
It is a shining example of a soldier giving back to society.
Premature Retirement And The Leap Into Journalism
After a distinguished career, Col. Pawar retired early to pursue a new calling.
His global education and IR expertise made him a natural fit for defense journalism.
He joined India Today as a war correspondent, earning the nickname “soldier reporter” for his fearless ground reporting.
His first major assignment? The Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
He reported live from Kyiv under siege, providing real-time insights that cut through propaganda.
Indian Army officers even invited him for talks on the conflict.
Due to his wife’s Ukrainian background, he got deeply involved, reportedly receiving suggestions to help lead parts of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion in the Kyiv region.
His military experience proved invaluable.
Iconic Reporting
Col. Pawar has covered some of the world’s hottest conflict zones:
- Russia-Ukraine War: Live updates from Kyiv, exposing ground realities and analyzing tactics.
- Israel-Hamas War: Reports from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea. He shared human stories – a medical clown turned body handler, civilian access to guns, trauma support dogs, and environmental impacts on the historic Dead Sea.
- Other zones: Hezbollah fronts, Iran, Armenia-Azerbaijan (Nagorno-Karabakh), and Taiwan.
He has visited over 100 countries, offering nuanced insights into how these conflicts affect India’s strategic interests.
His work blends a soldier’s insight with a journalist’s objectivity.
Expert Voice On Geopolitics And Defense
Today, Col. Pawar is a sought-after commentator.
In podcasts like Vaad, he reveals SFF secrets, discusses Mossad vs. other agencies, Iran-Israel dynamics, and even Army reforms like Agniveer.
He is active on X (@PawarTheNomad) and continues motivational talks at his alma mater.
His views on women in the infantry, corruption myths, and global power plays are always balanced and insightful.
Personal Glimpses And Hobbies
Behind the uniform and camera is a family man.
His wife’s Ukrainian roots drew him closer to the story of Ukraine.
Hobbies include car racing and rally driving; he even succeeded in events like Raid de Himalaya.
From village swimming to global adventures, his life shows a balance between duty and passion.
Triviap
Did you know? While reporting from war-torn Kyiv, Col. Pawar’s military expertise earned him suggestions to command parts of Ukraine’s defense efforts – a rare honor that shows how his skills transcend borders!
Wrapping Up
Retd. Col. Rajesh Pawar’s journey, from a Haryana village boy to an elite soldier, women’s safety champion, and global war correspondent, reminds us that true heroes keep serving long after they hang up their boots.
His story inspires courage, curiosity, and compassion.
Thank you for reading this deep dive into his life!
If you enjoyed it, explore more biographies and defense stories on our website.
Who knows, the next hero’s tale might be just a click away.
Stay curious, stay inspired, and Jai Hind!
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