The story of Colonel Vishwas Keshav Bhandare (Retd.), a Goan soldier defined by courage, command and a lifetime of service to the nation.
John Aguiar
Colonel Vishwas Keshav Bhandare (Retd.), a distinguished Indian Army veteran from Goa, stands as a remarkable example of courage, leadership and lifelong service to the nation.
Born in 1942 in Goa’s historic Mhamai Kamat heritage mansion, Bhandare comes from a family of prominence and service. His mother belonged to the Mhamai Kamat family, renowned for its maritime trade, while his father was a respected medical practitioner from Cumbarjua. Educated at Progress High School, Panjim, and Rani Parvati Devi College in Belgaum, he was an accomplished sportsman, representing Karnatak University in athletics, volleyball and football, including international matches, before being selected for the Officers Training Academy, Madras.
His military career, defined by frontline combat, high-risk operations and unwavering commitment, reflects the finest traditions of the Indian Army. With 18 years of service in the elite 2 Para regiment and further command responsibilities across multiple formations, Bhandare’s life is one of quiet heroism and enduring dedication.
Commissioned into the Indian Army at a young age, he found himself in active combat early in his career. As a young Lieutenant during the 1965 war, he was deployed in the Rann of Kutch at a time when tensions with Pakistan were escalating rapidly. The conflict intensified following Pakistan’s infiltration attempts in Kashmir, culminating in India formally declaring war. Bhandare was subsequently part of the 50 Para Brigade under 15 Infantry Division, tasked with opening the Lahore Front, one of the most strategically significant axes of the war.
Barely one and a half years into service, and the junior-most young officer among seasoned Para veterans, Lieutenant Bhandare was selected to command B Company. Leading South Indian jawans, he undertook some of the most dangerous night patrols across the international border into Pakistani territory. These missions were designed to gather vital intelligence on enemy deployments, strength and armament, often with minimal manpower and under constant threat of detection.
One such patrol demonstrated his exceptional courage and presence of mind. During a covert operation, he located an unmanned Pakistani tank. Acting swiftly, he removed its heavy machine gun along with the ammunition belt and carried them back across enemy lines. The recovered weapon is today displayed at the 2 Para Quarter Guard Room, while the ammunition belt remains preserved at the Officers’ Mess in Agra, serving as lasting symbols of daring and ingenuity.
Bhandare also displayed remarkable tactical innovation in intelligence gathering. On several occasions, he deliberately provoked enemy fire by throwing stones, enabling his patrol to identify enemy positions and weapons without revealing their own location. The intelligence he gathered through these methods proved invaluable in planning subsequent attacks and significantly enhanced operational awareness.
On the night of 16 to 17 September 1965, his company was ordered to provide flank protection to the main assault battalion, 3 Jat, during the attack on Jallo Bridge near Dograi on the Ichhogil Canal along the Lahore axis. As the operation unfolded, Captain Bhandare led his men into fierce close-quarter combat. While advancing, he was suddenly confronted by three armed enemy soldiers who emerged from a camouflaged trench. Armed only with a bayoneted rifle, and with his men engaged nearby, he had mere seconds to react. Demonstrating extraordinary composure and bravery, he bayoneted two of the enemy soldiers in rapid succession, while the third surrendered and was taken prisoner of war. The captured soldier was later identified as Naik Munawar of 16 Baluch, who, during interrogation, confirmed the details of the encounter and the young officer’s personal courage.
The commanding officer of 2 Para, Lieutenant Colonel Ram Singh Yadav, later recommended Captain Bhandare for the Vir Chakra. However, due to administrative lapses and breakdowns in communication, the award did not materialise. The incident was nevertheless officially recorded in the regimental history, Paratrooper. Colonel Bhandare has often remarked that without a Wound Medal, gallantry awards hold little meaning for him.
During the same period, heavy enemy shelling caused severe casualties in other companies. Charlie Company lost its commanding officer, Major Baliram Parab of Sawantwadi, who was recommended for the Maha Vir Chakra, an honour that also did not come through. In contrast, B Company emerged largely intact, though many soldiers, including Captain Bhandare, suffered splinter and shrapnel injuries. Despite being wounded, none sought evacuation. Under intense crossfire, Captain Bhandare saved his men by ordering them to move in single file, reducing the risk of casualties and maintaining cohesion.
The main attack battalion, 3 Jat, led by Lieutenant Colonel Desmond E. Hayde, went on to fight one of the fiercest battles in Indian military history, advancing to the outskirts of Lahore with the international airport within sight. Despite this success, the battalion was ordered to withdraw in accordance with the original battle plan. Bhandare has often reflected on this decision, questioning why reinforcements were not rushed in to consolidate the gains.
By the time of the 1971 war, Colonel Bhandare was a Major. He played a key role in enhancing the rapid mobilisation capabilities of 2 Para, ensuring the battalion could assemble within 30 minutes during emergency drills. This preparedness proved decisive when the battalion was airdropped at Tangail on December 11, 1971, the closest drop zone to Dacca, contributing significantly to operations on the eastern front.
Later in his career, he opted for the 6 Bihar Regiment and went on to command the battalion. Deployed along the China border in Sikkim, he played an important role in operations in the Doklam region. In 1984, while commanding the battalion, he met with a serious air accident that resulted in multiple fractures, including a shattered pelvis. He spent nine months hospitalised and underwent numerous surgeries, continuing even after retirement. His final surgery took place in January 2021.
Bhandare also served with distinction in staff and instructional roles across XI Corps, Western Command and the National Cadet Corps, concluding his service in Goa. Granted a four-year extension, he retired in 1998.
At 84, Bhandare continues to inspire. In his message to Goan youth, he stresses discipline, integrity and service, urging young people to place the nation first and pursue excellence, whether in uniform or civilian life, through hard work, courage and unwavering commitment.
