EP-56| Stunning story of Op Meghdoot-Seizing Earth’s highest battlefield with Lt Gen Kulkarni (Retd)
On the 39th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot which was launched by Indian Army to take control of the world’s highest battlefield Siachen Glacier, we bring to you a special episode on the story of how our defence forces captured the important peaks of Siachen Glacier against all odds in 1984. In an informative conversation with Smita Prakash, Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni (Retd.) who as a 28-year-old captain in April 1984 was among the first to be heli-dropped on the Lolofond Glacier recalls the operation and stories on how they pre-empted Operation Ababeel by Pakistani Army.
Correction:
1:13:38-1:13:43 - The image is of Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, who served as Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan (1999-2000), in place of Gopalaswami Parthasarathy who was Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan between (1962-65). (The mistake is truly regrettable)
#ANIPodcastWithSmitaPrakash #Podcast #SmitaPrakash #SanjayKulkarni
The full episode is also available here:
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Timestamps
00:00-Introduction
02:35 - Story of Operation Meghdoot
29:35 - Launch of Siachen Operation
42:45 - Challenges from Weather
48:30 -First Casualty and story of Indian Flag
52:50 -Survival Challenges at Glacier
1:07:00 - Europe Trip and Shaksgam Valley
1:10:00 -Stay in Karachi and ISI tails
1:28:15 -Bilafond La Attack
1:41:10 -MMS on Siachen
1:50:10 -George Fernandes and leasership with Army
1:56:00 - Lessons from Siachen
2:01:00 - Pakistani leadership and Military
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I left India as a teenager in 1974...only to return to visit my parents for a week or two periodically until they passed away. Now I am 67 years old and listening to Gen. Kulkarni talk brought tears to my eyes. What a guy, what people, and what a country! So glad that India is now at a point where young ambitious Indians like myself don't have to go overseas and help build other people's countries. I only wish it were so 49 years ago. I know I would have never left. For me, no country can even come close to Bharat, its ethos, culture, traditions, and food. Warts and all. I am a living proof of 'you can take a boy out of India, but you can never take India out of the boy'! My salute to Gen. Kulkarni, to the Indian armed forces, and to the entire Indian nation. I will love you until my last breath. Jai Hind and "Ram Ram"!
Sir Where do u live now
Thank you for those remarks What stops from coming back. What can we do to bring such people back.
only to return to visit my parents for a week or two periodically until they passed away.👏👏
@@hunterits3421 I live in the USA. Have been here for the last 40 years.
@@injunnc great sir
I have listened to Lt. Gen Kulkarni across all channels and just amazed to his child-like lovely smile and split when he talks. A smiling face may be his birth-related trait but I feel, it is all his enriching experiences, love and respect from the army, his dear ones and the nation that has kept his smile evergreen. Maa Shakti bless him and all our patriots on our frontiers. Jai Hind, Vande Matram.. Good work ANI team! Bring in more of our heroes from various walks of life.
I am with you, on your views
P Pp P P
Ditto! He has child-like innocence at certain moments & then comes out as a 'toughened by fire' & highly experienced General Officer! Our Army produces legends generation after generation❤
Even after 40 years Gen. Kulkarni so vividly could recall the names of the men he led to the highest battlefield of the world. It is ingrained in the training of our officers to look out for the needs of the men they command and lead always from the front. That's what sets apart our armed force officers from other countries especially Pakistan officers who are the prime reason for its dire state of affairs nowadays.
True
As a military brat, i can assure you that as leaders you need to keep notes on what went when and how it all transpired.
I'm so blessed to hear all this. My father was in operation meghadoot. I grew hearing all the stories. It's great to hear from legends ❤
Sir, Please pass on my heartfelt Pranams to your father. If possible, please touch his feet on my behalf. Hope I get an opportunity to touch his feet.
🙏🙏 to your father and our bravehearts. Our soldiers have faced so much hardship and sacrificed for our safety.
@R Venkatesha Prasad h
@@vibs99 😮
My heartfelt respect to your father!!
Oh man! What an officer ❤ 1. Remebers every little detail to the point 2. That excitement in his eyes while explaining the things. 3. The pride he has regarding the ethics of Indian Armed Forces 4. The dedication he showed during his posting 5. Down to Earth and giving all the members of the regiment an equal face along with him Proud of my Jawaans, these are asli Jawan ❤ Rām Rām🙏🏻 Jai Hind 💙 Vande Mataram ❤️🙏🏻
And not motivated by hate.
@@shivang_kumar That what differentiate betwn Pakis & Indian. They are full of hate.
In future, ANI will interview Generals for the story of Seizing Aksai Chin by Indian armed force...Jai Hind 😊
Thank You Gen Saab Salute from an Army Veteran , I served that area 1979 to 82 What a FLAWLESS Conversation, No Stumbling, No Pondering or Panting for the Words. Precious if Our Present Gen Takes a Leaf out of this Great's experience
I The es😅😢we😅all 😅so weird lol is 😮what
THANKSJI TO SIRJI AND HAPPY BIHU WE WISHES TO YOUJI ALL THE BESTSJI🌺💐🙏❤💐🌺
THANKSJI SMITA MAMJI AND YOUR TEAMSJI ARE SONICEJI🌺💐🙏❤💐🌺🌺💐🙏❤💐🌺
@@PGurus1 ???
@@rumaranisarkar3918 72
As an Indian, I have rarely heard anything more joyous and pleasing... and told rivetingly by the sweetest storyteller one can imagine. A must watch video for every Indian.
a
😂 😂 😂.. Coz plenty of lies like fiction.. But in reality they miserably failed... 😂 😂 😂 And forced to sit at the highest places as plan... Coz those are death zones...
@@aamerjamal Lol... if occupation is miserable failure, then losing must be "success". That explains why the Pakistan army has ALWAYS seen "success", and why Pakistan people are happy to be ruled by losers. Clown country ruled by jokers.
@@aamerjamal Atte ka jugad kar bhikari.
@@aamerjamal buuuu...😂
"Soldier is a Soldier" well said sir ❤
Just a suggestion... never interrupt a speaker in the middle of a talk. That is rude and bad manners, most importantlyquestions your upbringing. Please be respectful. Atiti devo bhava🙏
Oh my God Oh my God - I never thought I would ever share experiences with Lt. General Kulkarni. Just like his dad was posted at in Indian Embassy in Karachi, my dad was posted in India Embassy Islamabad 1969-71. I can relate to the CID following our school bus to Rawalpindi and following the kids back. We had been warned not to leave school. They would follow us to markets also. We were there when the an Airplane was hijacked and taken to Lahore and ended up resulting in the war later that year. As soon as that happened going to school stopped- as kids we were thrilled. Also just like his family was part of a quick exit from Karachi in exchange for equal number of Pakistani families from India my family was also part of exchange but this was under more serious circumstances because East Pakistan (Bangladesh) had declared independence from West Pak. We were part of 5 Indian families from Islamabad to be exchanged with the Bengali families from East Pakistan they were in essence hostages because they did not want to go back to West Pakistan. Wow thanks for taking me there it’s been a long time have not thought about it. Surprised we could have similar childhood experiences.
पूओपू
With tears in my eyes , I salute to the true heroes of this glorious nation.
Even though I have heard it many times, eager to hear it again from the great General.
JAYJI RESPECTED OURS GREAT GENERALJI SIRJI I SALUTESJI ANDJI SAHASROJI KOUTI KOUTI PRONAMJI SIRJI SACHMEJI HAMAREJI BHASHA BANDH HUIJI BAHUTIKHOOBJI BHARAT MATAJIKI SANTANJI AAPKOJI BAHUT BAHUTI BADHAIJI AURJI AANTARIK KOUTI KOUTIJI SUBHAKAMNAYEJI BHARAT MATAJIKI JAYJI🌺💐🙏❤💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺
Pronaji Mamji and yous teamsji are both thanksji🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
The details of recounting can be only by a person who has walked the Siachen glacier. Salute to you and your team Sir. 🙋🏻♀️🇮🇳💟
😢8😢😢
ಅದ್ಭುತ ಮತ್ತು ರೋಮಾಂಚನವಾದ ಮಾತುಕತೆ. ಸ್ಮಿತ ಅಕ್ಕನಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಸಲಹೆ, ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಕೇಳಿದ ಬಳಿಕ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಲು ಬಿಡಿ ನಡುವೆ ನೀವು ಮಾತನಾಡದಿರಿ. ಜೈ ಹಿಂದ್. ರಾಮ್ ರಾಮ್
What a man......such a beautiful smile....this podcast is a goldmine of information......may you keep smiling always like this Sir......proud of our Indian Army......Jai Hind!!!!
" Pakistan is not a country that can be trusted" Every Indian's voice Channelised Sir.
Who will tell those santhi ke kabutar gang.
Jj🎉🎉🎉😮jjkkj🎉😢😢jk
😊
@@shashankkumar2106 😊😊
You are Insecure bunch of extremists 130 crore people desh targeting a country with 1/5th population
What a captivating conversation of Operation Meghadoot! Salute to Gen Kulkarni and his team. Kudos to you, Simta, and your team bringing us one of the finest podcast with extensive details..🙏
I showed this video to my father and he just screamed with joy and said thats my boss. I got to know that my father served under General Kulkarni at the Army Headquarters. My dad described him as a wonderful human being, a happy go lucky person, a very efficient officer and a leader, a very humble man.
Kumaun Regiment - The Man Eaters 🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Especially the Pak army.
Smitha ji, Thank you so much! This Officer gave so much information. All our defense ministers should listen to this. Peace mountain is absolutely NO!
The best 2+ hours of my life, listening to this great man.
Kalika mata ki jay Sir..🇮🇳🙏 Kumaon regiment 🇮🇳🙏🙏
Salute this great General who gave India the great glacier field. Now I am confident that men like him will keep our mountainous terrain borders safe and defend it at any cost! Jai hind!
What a podcast from Operation Meghdoot to stories of Pakistani and then Geopolitics of 84. Enjoyed every bit of it.
Goosebumps and tears when he says Ramesh's 7 month old, yrs later is in military. That's the spirit of our country.
WHAT A MAN WHAT AN OFFICER. SO HUMBLE AND DOWN TO EARTH. HATS OFF TO OUR ARMY. JAI HIND RAM RAM TO YOU SIR MM
Indian army is the best !! What an incredible story told by sanjay sir! Proud of our army .
Even though I had read the whole operation, listening to Gen Kulkarni narrate it is a sheer pleasure. Thx for the service sir
Nothing beats a army conversation, gives such insights, motivation n joy ❤
Was great to listen to Gen Kulkarni, the first man to land on the Glacier as part of Op Meghdoot. I was priviledged to have got the opportunity to led a Battalion deployed in Meghdoot and it was also my proud privillege to meet the General while he was still in service. An amazing soldier, the way he went about narrating the genesis of the Siachen Conflict and how Op Meghdoot unfolded made a great podcast. The nation must know the military history and there are many good books also written on the subject by the veterans who were the initial stalwarts. I salute their Valour on the Frozen Frontiers and their initial ops made life much easier for the 2nd generation soldiers. However, the anchors make so many unwanted interjections that it breaks the speaker's flow of thoughts. N number of times they end up asking silly and mundane questions which, if one rewinds, have been already been answered by the general in a "crystal clear", crisp military style. It feels amusing as well as irritating at the same time. Was the gentleman trying to flash his strategic knowlegde... seemed like... sometimes some questions were pre emptend and then he ended up answering them himself. They must grant the General... for he is a subject expert and an authority having been the 1st man on ground as a young Capt and a Shaurya Chakra awardee. Let him cover the topic rather than break the flow.
What a Life General!! An absolute honour to listen to such a Man ❤
Soldiers like him are the reason why we r so proud of India. Hearing army stories such as these will always bind you to your seat.
The young generation should observe these general the way they dress, power of expression,excellent memory,physical fitness,command over the language etc etc. Hats off to Indian Army.
I am truly floored.... What a pure soul... Remembers each of his boys even 30 years later
I am down with a fever, my nose is blocked and can't able to sleep and then I finished a 2-hour podcast without skipping at least for 5 seconds that's how engrossing is this talk by Kulkarni saab. I had tears in some occasions and I salute every Jawan for protecting our borders. To those, who say India-Pak bhai bhai you listen to all ANI podcasts and every army personnel and analysts echo the same sentiment that we are different. Jai Hind and more force to our army.
Thank you Lt Gen Kulkarni for your service. We are indebted. God Bless you Sir. Ram Ram, Jai Hind. Indian Army Zindabad.
What a memory this Gentleman is having! God bless him and kumaon Regiment! Ram-Ram
What a man , amazing soul , it’s not the political leadership who built india , it’s these guys who did it …. Salute to u sir
It's a request to ANI to please get more Respected Officials like Sir Lt Gen Kulkarni (Retd) from the Armed Forces, we really wanna known the true events and their struggle in depth. Jai hind and Ram ram.
Indian Army officers are Gentlemen Scholar Warriors. Amazed at the manner that he speaks so eloquently with all facts and figures.
Late colonel kumar and his son, late Akshay, were the ones, who started a separate vertical, MHE.. Mercury Himalayan Exploration, at Mercury Travel, They were my colleagues. Excellent guys. Vividly remember them..
What an amazing inspiration... such an amazing personality....lots of love to Mr. Kulkarni!...khup chan vatla interview.
Just wow.. what an episode . Full of action . Gen Kulkarni hats off
INDIAN Military forces are the BEST Men in the world with Iron Hand in a Velvet Gloves. JAI HIND
Very very interesting. MALAYSIAN. thank you
I am addicted to Our Heroes talking about their experiences and our history 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Very very interesting and goose bump giving . Jai hind Gen Kulkarni! Jai hind ki Sena !
Far from the heated argument on tv..SP you are doing a fantastic job to bring back PPL like me to get into believing in a journalist ... Real stories are what India needs now..all the best lady 🙏
This person is a perfect example of a combo of knowledge and enthusiasm.. wonder if the country is still taking his services..
Its amazing to see someone with such vast experiece and such command on language, eloquenrly narrating sotry with vast amout of info at his figertips. No stutter, no pause for recollection. My god!
Because of people like Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni (Retd.) and his teams, India has survived and thrived, even though we have so many enemies. Sometimes we tend to take things for granted, not realizing how many sacrifices have been given by so many people to keep our country safe and united.
I wish our so called Lutyens and Secularvaadis had the time to hear these sort of stories of sacrifices so they stop playing pakistanies in Indian garb!
@@jayson1874right bro
Feeling very proud of hearing this. My father served in Siachen glacier, but at a later stage 1992-94.. love and respect to all our brave soldiers..
Iiim
He must be one hell of a youngster in his early days
He is so inspiring, just like a child. So much of enthusiasm and a child like energy. The way current opposition discredits our armed forces off their contributions towards our safety and territory its humbling to see them still so motivated towards their goals and duties. No malice or no hatred. They still serve the nation with the same zing and vigour. Salute to all our heros.
Always trust a defense veteran to entertain with their life stories. So humble and down to earth general 🙏
My father in law stayed in Siachen for 36 months Contrary he enjoyed his stay in Siachen
He was damn excited sharing the stories like it all occurred yesterday and didn't inhibited from clearing out facts which could have remain unknown.
First and Foremost really thankful to You Mam for doing this episode with Lt. Gen. Kulkarni Sir… this was super educational… and really thankful to Kulkarni sir for his outstanding service…. Deep Respect 🫡
Brilliant. Didn’t want it to end. I’m still in awe of the knowledge that our soldiers have.
What an amazing man, and a great storyteller!
1:03:22 "Funny how historic days seem so ordinary when you're living them" - Albus Dumbledore
FANTASTIC!!!!! ..... A TRULY BRAVE SOLDIER AND A SUPER INDIAN ARMY. MY SINCERE SALUTES TO YOU ALL. JAI JAWAN,......... JAI MAA BHARATH.
Best thing was 2:06:08❤❤❤❤ love the reaction of Smitha ji and Lt.Gen Kulkarni sahab
Yet again Smitha... a great conversation.... I am amazed how you can scale to the different bandwidths of the people you interview on your podcast, the amount of research you do and of course your pleasing personality that brings out the best of the interview 😀
These podcasts should be aired on national television and radio channels. :-)
We are fortunate to have such army personnel... Jai Hind
Gen Kulkarni, you are my hero,not those cricket or bollywood types. Real hero and inspiration, company should hire this kind of individuals as brand ambassador ❤
🙏Gen Kulkarni - Pure Heroism! The Vikramaditya of Siachen🙏
Very nice interview. I having trained troops in HAWS for Siachin induction in Dec1983, listened to this with great interest. Only one suggestion, had it been explained with a map at some point in time to explain various names of passes and glaciers would have made it more easy to understand for those who had no exposure to Siachin
जय भवानी जय शिवराय ! मराठी, त्यात कुलकर्णी फारच छान. शत्रु करता आम्ही फक्त भारतीयच आहोत आणि शिवछत्रपतींचे मावळे च आहोत.
Fantastic guest. Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni…what a legend, a humble human being despite his legendary exploits! May his tribe increase! Sad that other legends like Col. Kumar and Maj. Bahuguna are no more. 🙏 Kudos to Smita Prakash and Ajit Dubey for having such an illustrious guest on the show. Glad to note that there were fewer interruptions by Ms. Prakash this time - the Gen. was allowed to narrate rather freely. Only suggestion is to have the host read up on her military guests and their key exploits before they are on the show so that the questions are more informed and can lead the guests to elaborate with their deep knowledge. What Gen. Kulkarni has narrated is of significant geopolitical importance - this fact seemed to completely escape the hosts as there were hardly any leading questions at all in this regard, despite the Gen.’s offering so many openings. Seems like each time an opportunity to learn more/fully is lost. In any case, a great episode - thank you! 🙏
These podcasts should reach today's generation. Indians should know the sacrifice made by our Army, Navy and Airforce. Instead of watching the terror sympathetic bollywood crappy movies and Netflix shows, these are the shows the nation's GenX must watch.
I admire Smitha maam for her in-depth knowledge on the matter being discussed. Salute Kulkarnisaab for ur bravado! So blessed v r thx to our Army! Jai hind
It's pleasure to hear our heartfelt history of our Indian army achievements and their sacrifice for nation first. Lt Kulkarni dareness, a big namaste Sir. Please invite and interview such heroes of Indian army. Jai Hind 🎉🎉
The best interview so far! God! I wish it continued for for hours. Impressive! Awesome stories. And he is so modest! So proud of our defence services. Ram Ram!
All gratitude to Kumaon regiment, General Kurkarni. Thanks for bringing the podcast.
I must say.... Without our Jawans we can not survive and secure our boarders.... Huge respect and thanks for such an amazing episode.. lots of love and gratitude.
Can I just say Smitha ji looks best in salwar-kameez! Great interview
Beautiful ! Just beautiful ! Nothing left to cover. Great soldier!
Though, I’m born and raised in JnK, now living in Australia, this conversation brought back the memories of my childhood in the hills. Jai Hind 🙏
My salute to those who guard our borders on ice capped mountains. Loved this pod cast a lot. Jai hind
What a riveting narration! Ram ram Kumaon Regiment, and Jai Hind to all brave hearts serving the nation .. Thanks a lot Smita for bringing these gems. You must do something on INS Vikrant and INS Ghazi stories from the 1971 war.
What a fabulous conversation. So much to learn..just unbelievable!!!As a person in my mid sixties, I could relate to the situations then but hearing it from the horse's mouth brought goosebumps. My respects to all those who laid down their lives so that we could live safely. Deepest respect to the memories of Ramesh and Chanchal.
Thank You Sir and a big salute to all those who are serving in the forces and protecting our land and our lives. Thank you once again.
I served three tours in the mountains. Every word of General sir here is hitting me hard. I know what he's talking about here.
Enjoyed every second of this podcast ❤ salute to patriot Lt General Kulkarni and all Indian soldiers
Please invite Lt Gen Mohinder Puri, who recaptured Kargil heights.
A thorough gentleman and soldier for life type of a human being. Jai Hind!
Once a fauji always a fauji. The cute smiling face of Gen Kulkarni has a brave heart behind. The way you narrate things are worth listening many times. God bless you, your men, the great Indian army and our armed forces. Privileged to have such gentleman in our army .
Never forget our Tibetan SFF contributions... Jay Hind, Jay Tibet 🙏🙏🙏
Gen Sahaab and Smita avare, time spent watching this single interview was far worth than some crap news or Bollywood movie. We stay safe because of your valour sir 🫡
What a superb and enlightening conversation! Hats off to Gen. Kulkarni for keeping the listeners hooked! And i feel so so so proud, ONCE AGAIN, of the INDIAN ARMY! Dil se 🫡 a hundred thousand times to every soldier! And to all those generals, majors and colonels who risked their lives to support the soldiers at the difficult borders - dil se THANK YOU🙏 Thanks to Smita ji and Ajit ji for asking great questions that threw more light on the happenings in yester years. P.S. Don't know about others but i felt a child-like innocence in the way Gen Saab was narrating some anecdotes with pure laughter and mirth😅😊👏👏👏 Jai Hind 🙏
Hats off to Lt Gen Kulkarni. सर तुम्हाला शुभेच्छा
I must accept that this was the best show I have seen on your channel. Hats off to General Kulkarni. He is inspiring and cheerful. A true officer in every sense. Blessed to have such men in uniform protecting our nation.
What an interesting conversation, people in India should know about operation Meghdoot.
Special Frontier Force contributions on Siachen Glacier is massive and shouldn’t be buried at all.
Sunita Ji, this is a wonderful job you are doing. Gen Kulkarni is a dear friend. Glad to see him here explaining the details of Op Meghdoot.
Wonderful podcast. What a respect he shows in the beginning of the conversation for his team, teaches us how real leaders respect their teams. Also, never knew these stories that Lt. Gen. saab told. Ram Ram Sir, Jai Hind
I started to get irritated by the constant interruptions by the host. Let Mr. Joshi finish his sentences and then ask for something. The host keeps on adding sentences in the middle of things.