The Legacy of Ranchhor Das 'Paagi': Remembered by a War Hero
Ranchhor Das 'Paagi' and His Connection to Sam Manekshaw
Ranchhor Das 'Paagi' is a name that resonates with the memories of General Sam Manekshaw, the legendary Chief of the Indian Army.
Few in India are unaware of Sam Manekshaw, who led the nation to victory against Pakistan in the 1971 war, playing a pivotal role in the creation of Bangladesh. He was also a participant in World War II in 1942. Interestingly, his full name was 'Hormuzji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw', but he was affectionately known as 'Sam Bahadur' due to his bravery.
Manekshaw was the first Indian Army General to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, a testament to his courage and leadership. Born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, he has many fascinating stories associated with him, including one involving Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During a discussion about the war with Pakistan, he consistently referred to her as 'Prime Minister' instead of 'Madam', explaining that 'Madam' is a term reserved for a specific class.
One notable incident from 1942 during World War II involved Manekshaw being shot seven times by a Japanese soldier. He survived only because a fellow soldier carried him to safety.
If a person of such stature remembers Ranchhor Das 'Paagi' in his final moments, it raises questions about who 'Paagi' was and why he was significant to Manekshaw.
The Unique Skills of Ranchhor Das 'Paagi'
Ranchhor Das 'Paagi' was born into a humble family in Gujarat, near the Pakistan border. His family raised sheep, goats, and camels, and he spent his childhood and youth in this environment. At around 58 years old, when most people retire, 'Paagi' was appointed as a police guide by the Superintendent of Police, Vanraj Singh Jhala, due to his exceptional skills.
He had a unique talent for reading the footprints of camels, allowing him to determine how many people were riding them. He could also estimate the weight, age, and distance traveled by humans based on their footprints.
This remarkable ability led to his recruitment into the Indian Army as a scout. Just before the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Pakistani army occupied several villages in the Kutch region, and 'Paagi' was tasked with locating the enemy.
A Heroic Contribution to the Indian Army
He fulfilled his responsibilities with great success, identifying around 1,200 hidden Pakistani soldiers in the darkness of the jungle. His expertise in navigating desert paths enabled the army to reach their destination 12 hours ahead of schedule. General Manekshaw personally selected him for this mission and even created a special title for him, 'Paagi', which means a guide capable of reading footprints and navigating through deserts.
Following his contributions in the 1965 war, 'Paagi' played a crucial role in the 1971 conflict as well, assisting in logistics and ammunition supply on the front lines.
His significant role in raising the Indian flag over 'Palinagar' earned him a cash reward of 300 rupees from Manekshaw, along with several honors, including the Sangram Medal, Police Medal, and Summer Service Medal. It was this legacy that led Manekshaw to remember him fondly in his last days, often mentioning 'Paagi' while hospitalized in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
The Final Years of Ranchhor Das 'Paagi'
Ranchhor Das 'Paagi' retired from the army in 2009 at the age of 108, showcasing his vast experience. He passed away at the age of 112 in 2013.
In a historic move, a border has been named after him, the 'Ranchhor Das Paagi' border near Suigram in the Kutch Banaskantha region, along with a statue in his honor. Folk singers have also celebrated his legacy, although it seems that today's youth may have forgotten such a revolutionary and patriotic figure. This is the story of a 'Paagi' who was remembered by a military chief until his last breath.