Brigadier Hemant Mahajan (Retd.), a recipient of the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) from Pune, served in the Indian Army with the 7 Maratha Light Infantry. He played a key role in combating insurgency and terrorism along the India-China and India-Pakistan borders as well as in Northeast India. This article highlights his military contributions, the honours conferred upon him, and the books he has authored.
Special Column
The sacrifice by the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation and Dharma. The ‘Warriors of Hindutva’ is a series of articles that sheds light on their life and their struggle to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that it serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing Hindu Rashtra and inspires many others. – Editor
1. Military service and academic achievements
a. Brigadier Hemant Mahajan (Retd.) holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and a Master of Philosophy (M.phil.) in Defence Studies. His military career began in July 1973 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. On 15.6.1975, he was commissioned into the 7 Maratha Light Infantry as an officer.
b. He actively participated in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in some of the most disturbed regions of India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, the India-China and India-Pakistan borders, and the Northeast. He also undertook patrolling duties along the India-China border. Since 1975, he has been part of all major operations conducted by the Indian Army.
2. Pivotal role in counter-terrorism operations
a. At the height of terrorism in the challenging regions of Poonch and Rajouri, he led his battalion, the 7 Maratha Light Infantry, in Operation Rakshak. He played a crucial role in preventing infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu & Kashmir. Under his leadership, his unit received a Unit Citation and 18 gallantry awards, including the Yudh Seva Medal awarded to Brigadier Mahajan himself.
b. During Operation Parakram, the Indian Army’s largest military mobilisation, which brought the country to the brink of war with Pakistan, he played a vital role in military logistics and administration. His contribution was acknowledged with an Army Commander’s Commendation.
c. Later, as Brigade Commander during Operation Rakshak, he led missions in terrorism-affected areas such as Poonch, Krishna Ghati, Surankot, and Rajouri. Under his command, two battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) operated. One of the units received a Unit Citation. In 2006, one BSF battalion under his leadership was recognised as the best in the country. That year, the highest gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, was conferred upon one of his officers.
3. Multiple gallantry honours
a. GOC-in-C Central Command Commendation
b. Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)
c. Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation for the 7 Maratha Light Infantry during his command
d. GOC-in-C Northern Command Unit Commendation during his tenure
e. As Brigade Commander, one of his units was awarded the COAS Unit Citation
4. Faculty role at the Army War College
In February 2006, Brigadier Mahajan served for three years in the Higher Command Wing of the Army War College. As Directing Staff, he guided senior officers from the three armed forces. He provided expert guidance on subjects such as crisis management, nuclear-biological-chemical warfare, insurgency in Kashmir and the Northeast, communist extremism, terrorism, and maritime intrusion.
5. Contributions post-retirement
a. Academic and advisory roles
a.1. Brigadier Mahajan heads the Strategic Study Centre at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Smarak in Mumbai.
a.2. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the Chairperson and Professor of the Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Security Studies at Pune University.
a.3. From 2017 to 2019, he served as the Security Advisor to the Government of Daman and Diu.
b. Writing and media involvement
b.1. Even after retirement, he contributes to national security discussions through his writings. He has authored over 5,000 articles, published in leading Marathi dailies such as Sakal, Loksatta, Maharashtra Times, and Sanatan Prabhat, as well as English journals such as CAS Journal, News Bharati, and Organiser. He regularly contributes to national magazines.
b.2. He frequently appears on televised debates and panel discussions across Marathi, Hindi, and English news channels including IBN Lokmat, Zee 24 Taas, ABP Majha, Times Now, and Mirror Now.
b.3. He connects with the public through online videos:
- His popular Facebook ‘e-lecture’ series has received over 5 million views.
- His YouTube channel (link) has over 235,000 views.
- His blog (link) has crossed 1 million views.
A call to citizens
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, and Bajirao Peshwa were all great warriors; but a country becomes truly great only when the common citizen contributes something for it.”
– Brigadier Hemant Mahajan (Retd.)
Books authored by Brigadier Hemant Mahajan on national security
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