The 1971 war is incomplete without the mention of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s name. This man is the reason behind the victory against Pakistan that year. Field Marshal Manekshaw also has a huge contribution in making Bangladesh an independent country. But another name worth mentioning is Ranchhod Pagi.
During World War II Manekshaw served as a captain with the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma where he got his victory against the Japanese. Sam experienced near-death situations multiple times and cheated death both on the battlefield and away from it.
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When a man with such a reputation speaks great things about Ranchhod ‘Pagi’, there must be something that deserves attention. The curiosity to know why Manekshaw was speaking about Ranchhod in his last days is at its peak.
Pagi was a resourceful man with awesome skills, by just looking at the footprints he could tell how many people were riding a camel.
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Who is Ranchhodas Pagi?
During the war of 1971 against Pakistan, Ranchhodas ‘Pagi’ helped the Indian Army. He was born in a village in Gujarat. The village he hailed from shares its borders with Pakistan. Pagi is from a family of Rabaris who are a nomadic tribe of cattle and camel herders that lived in the Limbala village of Banaskantha.
Ranchhod ‘Pagi’ was recruited by the Indian Army as a scout. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw created a special post for him. When the war occurred he was working as a guide with the local police due to his exceptional tracking skills.
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Ranchhod ‘Pagi’ exceptional talent
It is said that ‘Pagi’ had the capability to identify a person’s gender, height, and weight by their footprints.
Pagi’s victories
Many Pakistani attacks took place in the Rann of Kutch villages. The Indo-Pak border turned into a battlefield in 1965, and about 100 Indian soldiers were killed. During that time the Indian Army used Pagi’s talents in the fight against enemies.
He risked his life to fulfill the orders and demands of the Indian army who considered him their most trusted scout. Pagi led the Indians by tracing the location of 1200 Pakistani soldiers who were hiding in a nearby forest. This resulted in the Indian victory. Indian forces could reach the post in time through the treacherous terrain only due to Ranchhod Pagi.
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It is said that he also helped during the war at Harami Nala at a Channel of Sir Creek which is a place full of infiltrators and Smugglers.
After the 1971 victory, it is reported that Sam Manekshaw personally invited Ranchhod ‘Pagi’ to meet him
Legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw shared lunch with him and gave him a reward of Rs 300. Apart from this, because of his extraordinary contribution, Pagi was honored with awards like ‘Police Medal’, ‘Sangram Medal’, and ‘Samar Seva Star’.
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According to IADN news, in 2008 when Sam Manekshaw was sick and was admitted to Wellington Hospital in Tamil Nadu he often kept bringing up the name ‘Pagi’. Even during his semi-conscious state, he talked about him. When a doctor asked him about ‘Pagi’, he told the story himself.
Sam Manekshaw shared onion and roti with Pagi
According to some reports, when Ranchhod Pagi was invited by Sam Manekshaw for lunch, the General shared onion and bread which he got by opening Pagi’s bag.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw died at the age of 108 years. After taking ‘voluntary retirement’ from the army, Pagi passed away at the age of 112. They did live a long life.
His bravery and selflessness made a mark in Indian history
A statue of Ranchhod ‘Pagi’ has been installed in the border post, in North Gujarat for his selflessness and bravery. In his honor, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) named one of its Banaskantha outposts.
Ranchordas Pagi’s name has been a part of Gujarati folk songs. He is remembered for his patriotism, bravery, sacrifice, valor, dedication, and decency.
In the 2021 film Bhuj: The Pride of India Ranchordas Pagi’s story was featured where his character of an Indian Army Scout and R&AW agent is played by Sanjay Dutt.
Though ‘Pagi’ is no longer with us, the contribution of this unsung hero to the country will always be remembered as it made a mark in Indian history.
