|
Brig. H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Ji (MVC) is the eldest son of late H. H. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Born on 22nd October 1931, H. H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh received education in Kashmir, Dehradun and then in United Kingdom.
In 1951, H. H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh was commissioned into Indian Army in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment as a Second Lieutenant. In 1954, he was selected for the coveted President’s Bodyguards. In 1963 he was posted to HQ 50 (Indep) Para Brigade. He was selected and posted as Adjutant, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun from January 1964-67. In June 1967, he volunteered for the new Para Commando Unit and was posted to 10 Para Commando as 2nd in command and the following year he became the Commanding Officer. In 1970, he helped in training the “Mukti Vahini” before the commencement of the Bangladesh war. In 1971, in the Indo-Pak was he led his Battalion into action and as a result of his gallantry and exploits he was decorated with ‘Mahavir Chakra” the second highest gallantry award in the country. His Battalion also won 10 gallantry awards for their action in these operations. He took voluntary retirement in 1974.
When the Indian Army was in action in Sri Lanka under “Operation Pawan”, at the request of the then President and Prime Minister, Sawai Bhawani Singh had to go to Sri Lanka and boost the morale of his old unit (10 Para). He was successful in boosting the morale of the unit and for this success, the President of India bestowed upon him the rank of Brigadier for life. This is a very rare occasion, when a retired Army officer has been given a promotion in rank. Besides, Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh has also served as the first Resident High Commissioner to the State of Brunei from July 1993 to January 1997 |