The disease ravaging the entire globe claimed the life of an 88-year-old revered Lieutenant General Raj Mohan Vohra. He was admitted to a private hospital for heart surgery. During the procedure, he contracted COVID-19. He battled the infection for 8 days till he succumbed to it on 14 June. He was put to rest on Sunday. “He was admitted initially to a private hospital for stent procedure. He died on June 14 due to COVID-19 infection,” a senior official said.
Lieutenant General Raj Mohan Vohra was a celebrated leader who was known for his gallantry and bravery in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra award for it.
He commanded the elite Hodson’s Horse in the Shakargarh Sector and his incredible leadership won him the Maha Vir Chakra award in the year 1972.
Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest gallantry award of India is a remarkable honor. It is only second to Param Vir Chakra and can be awarded to anyone, even posthumously, for an exquisite display of bravery and gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, sea, or air.
Battle of Basantar River or the Battle of Barapind is a part of the Indo Pak War of 1971 and during this battle, Lt.-Gen. Raj Mohan Vohra gained lavish praise for his leadership. He commanded the 4th Horse regiment which faced mammoth hurdles, but under his experienced leadership, 27 enemy tanks were destroyed.
News Agency, The Print held an interview with Mandeep Bajwa, who is a veteran and friend of Vohra. He said, “He took care of his men, their welfare and promotion, and was among the officers credited for picking up the good values of the erstwhile British Indian Army and discarding the less desirable things about them.” He further added, “He and the others from the 1940s and 1950s kept the Army free of politics… He was also given a free hand by politicians to deliver. And he delivered throughout. He was among the best of the Indian Army.”
Raj Mohan Vohra was born in 1932, Shimla, and was a part of the first batch of National Defence Academy. He came from a family where all his four brothers were a part of the Indian Army. Initially, he was a part of the Scinde Horse regiment and in 1952, December he was Commissioned into the 14 Horse. He attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington as a Major. He was in the Punjabi sector of the Indo Pak War of 1965.
His remarkable achievements cannot be pinned down on a single page. His achievements also include appointment in GOC 31 Armoured Division and GOC-in-C Eastern Command. In 1960-61, Lt.-Gen. Vohra was also a member of the Indian GENERAL contingent that was part of the United Nation’s peacekeeping operation to prevent the Civil War.
A man of this stature who is an inspiration to Indians lost his last battle with the dreadful Coronavirus and breathed his last on 14th June. Nevertheless, this remarkable soul, a protector to whom we are indebted eternally will always live within our hearts.
Mohona Bhattacharya
Banaras Hindu University
2nd Year, English Hons.
Varanasi, UP.
Mohona is an avid reader and an equality seeker. She takes a keen interest in painting and finds solace among books, coffee, nature, and dogs.
