tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post6800945554078968244..comments2024-03-28T05:22:10.255-07:00Comments on Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.: The Swiss-born who crafted Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry medalBroadswordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-64956034684556172742013-07-27T10:29:32.034-07:002013-07-27T10:29:32.034-07:00Dear All
Thanks to the writer for the article on ...Dear All<br /><br />Thanks to the writer for the article on Maaji and to all of you for the discussion thereafter. My name is Mahesh Vikram Khanolkar and I am the son of Savitribai Khanolkar.<br /><br />A few clarifications are required to clear up the air on the issue of Shivaji’s sword. I am aware that as soon as Gen Atalji requested her to create the medal for the highest gallantry award, her first instinct had been to build the medal around the Bhavani. However, she subsequently changed her mind to represent Dadichi’s sacrifice because it represented the highest sacrifice possible – that of one’s own life for the sake of victory on the battlefield. The Param Vir Chakra therefore does not contain Shivaji’s sword.<br /><br />What is not commonly known however is that Maaji did design another medal with Shivaji’s sword on it – the Kashmir General Service Medal, of which my father who commanded a Brigade was also a recipient. This medal contained a stylized version of Shivaji’s sword (straight, western version) on the obverse and the reverse consisted of the lotus that symbolized the peace that the sword was supposed to have brought forth.<br /><br />So yes, Maaji did design A medal with Shivaji’s sword on it, only it was not the Param Vir Chakra.<br /><br />Thank you once again for your interest.<br /><br />M V Khanolkar<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-55698456928459292862013-07-24T18:06:52.361-07:002013-07-24T18:06:52.361-07:00The fact that the designer of the PVC was a Europe...The fact that the designer of the PVC was a European is the reason why we never find mention of her in our history books.larsinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07317615328317653986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-79802536847682610932013-07-23T06:40:55.081-07:002013-07-23T06:40:55.081-07:00Dear Gautam Shaunik, you are indeed fortunate to h...Dear Gautam Shaunik, you are indeed fortunate to have a grandmother as inspired as Savitri Bai.<br /><br />The symbol is clearly a Tibetan representation of the Vajra. It is used to denote a human's renunication for a greater cause, like a monk's renunciation of worldly pleasures to devote oneself to God & serve Mankind. <br /><br />The Ramakrishna Mission also uses the same Vajra symbol for this very reason. You'll find the same Vajra symbol on the gate of Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur as well as embossed on many publications of the Vedanta Ashrama. To inspire humans to devote themselves for larger causes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-89850918386418631222013-07-22T23:45:08.563-07:002013-07-22T23:45:08.563-07:00For all the beating and crying, I still cant see t...For all the beating and crying, I still cant see the sword. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-32035933288643299142013-07-21T23:04:05.369-07:002013-07-21T23:04:05.369-07:00After reading this I feel it is ridiculous that mi...After reading this I feel it is ridiculous that military-men are not allowed to marry women of other nationalities. One can understand about not being allowed to marry a Pakistani or a Chini. But it makes no sense to prohibit them marrying anyone else of their liking irrespective of nationality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-35735189811501986422013-07-21T21:40:19.880-07:002013-07-21T21:40:19.880-07:00Hinduism and certainly the other pagan religions o...Hinduism and certainly the other pagan religions of India will always be her Achillies Heel. Consider the Judeo Christian faith not for how it was foolishly thrust upon people by the Europeans and interpreted by man, but rather for its relationship with a Living God who is undeniably the Way, Truth and Eternal Life. For it is that acceptance of the Way, Truth and Life by Faith not Works which brings victory for a nation and her people, one who truly embrace the True Living God. Jehovah.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-50170253857475829722013-07-21T20:13:57.046-07:002013-07-21T20:13:57.046-07:00@ Gautam Shaunik
No thanks required, I was only r...@ Gautam Shaunik<br /><br />No thanks required, I was only reminding Indians of an important part of our national heritage.<br /><br />As for Shivaji's sword, your grandmother might well have revered its symbolic and historical importance (and talked to you about that), she apparently decided not to include it in the medal. The photograph of the medal is there for all to see.<br /><br />It remain unclear how this myth about the Shivaji sword began. The official Indian Army description of the medal makes no mention of the Shivaji sword.<br /><br />And for lovers of Wikipedia (though I myself don't usually cite it as a source), I am pasting below what it has to say about this issue:<br /><br />"Savitribai gave Major General Hira Lal Atal, the design of the double Vajra, common in Tibet. Its a myth that the medal also carries images of the fearless warrior king Shivaji's sword Bhavani but this is a popular perpetuated myth. The Indian General Service Medal 1947 which contained the Bhavani sword was withdrawn later."<br /><br />This of course is irrelevant to the legacy that this remarkable lady, Savitri Bai Khanolkar, has left for Indian men-at-arms.Broadswordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-84362200624706827582013-07-21T18:50:56.953-07:002013-07-21T18:50:56.953-07:00Thanks for bringing such unheard facts of Indian h...Thanks for bringing such unheard facts of Indian history. It's sad that such details are seldom taught in schools. Need to update our curriculum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-87980699889165719502013-07-21T09:31:15.525-07:002013-07-21T09:31:15.525-07:00Dear Ajay,
Very nice indeed to read about my Gran...Dear Ajay,<br /><br />Very nice indeed to read about my Grandmother.<br /><br />There are a few differences of opinion, on these you would not be responsible as we do have an unusual and unique way of recording modern Indian military history.<br /><br />Notwithstanding, I am extremely proud to be reminded by your profound efforts on this blog on Nani's Centenary.<br /><br />I have provided a link to a blog maintained by my son, Sagat Peter Shaunik, where you shall find information on her husband.<br /><br />Bhowani Sword is very much part of the design; Nani repeatedly tolled me that Shivaji's Sword shall be immortalised in Indian Valour.<br /><br />I do not seek any opinion/ counter opinion/ response. We are family and proud of our heritage.<br /><br /><br />http://general-salute.blogspot.in/2012/02/ia-421-maj-gen-vikram-ramji-khanolkar.html<br /><br />Ajay, thank you so much for the sentiments expressed on her birth centenary.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Gautam Shaunik<br /><br />Gautam Shaunikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01262446606605091274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-35344729727611730982013-07-20T23:10:42.900-07:002013-07-20T23:10:42.900-07:00Sir Victoria Crosses aren't made up of of Russ...Sir Victoria Crosses aren't made up of of Russian cannons from crimean war, they are made out of Napolean's cannons.yardmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865688591214418376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-24566615236224968832013-07-20T20:45:37.116-07:002013-07-20T20:45:37.116-07:00OMG finally some mention of the Mud COprs !! How d...OMG finally some mention of the Mud COprs !! How did it happen ?Mudbloodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-82585842593705406442013-07-20T19:21:46.185-07:002013-07-20T19:21:46.185-07:00@Broadsword
You mean to say Shivaji's sword B...@Broadsword<br /><br />You mean to say Shivaji's sword Bhawani is Infantry and it belongs to Shiva Sena while your "broadsword" is Indian!!<br /><br />Height of your speculative mind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-76067397492905408342013-07-20T08:36:02.766-07:002013-07-20T08:36:02.766-07:00Thanks everyone for pointing out the caption error...Thanks everyone for pointing out the caption error. THe article itself had her date of birth correct, so it was clearly a careless error. My apologies.<br /><br />@ Anonymous 10:14<br /><br />In pointing out what you think is an error or omission in the article, you're setting yourself up for ridicule by taking a cheap shot at the armoured corps. Are you from the infantry? Well here's some advice for you: use your eyes, instead of mindlessly citing wikipedia, which everyone knows is not an authoritative source.<br /><br />Take a look at the photograph of the medal. Do you see any "sword of Shivaji"?<br /><br />No you don't. Because the PVC medal does not have one. All it has on one side is the state emblem (raised) and four vajras. On the other side is the name of the medal in English and Hindi.<br /><br />I've checked and I know they still teach observation and field craft in Infantry School.<br /><br />@ Anonymous 10:18<br /><br />See above. The "sword of Shivaji" is not on the PVC medal. It is a myth, probably put out by the Shiv Sena.<br /><br />Broadswordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-91696258697120723892013-07-20T07:02:53.629-07:002013-07-20T07:02:53.629-07:00It should read as "1913" instead of 2013...It should read as "1913" instead of 2013 in the sentence - " Savitri Khanolkar was born in Switzerland on 20th July 2013. Today is her birth centenary"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-9702277657081875772013-07-20T04:39:44.143-07:002013-07-20T04:39:44.143-07:00Sir the year of the birth of the lady wrongly give...Sir the year of the birth of the lady wrongly given as 2013...it should be 1913..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-11202852946617065282013-07-20T04:05:21.197-07:002013-07-20T04:05:21.197-07:00The nation of extreme differences, each a metal of...The nation of extreme differences, each a metal of its own properties... Alloyed by sacrifices And bravery... <br />Salute to Savitri Bai...<br />Salute to the soldiers...Nirranjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312135958202447850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-4721488814569362622013-07-20T03:55:56.924-07:002013-07-20T03:55:56.924-07:00Thanks Ajai.It,s an excellent information.Thanks a...Thanks Ajai.It,s an excellent information.Thanks again.<br /> Col A K Sarkarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-82791910850836091692013-07-20T03:24:07.430-07:002013-07-20T03:24:07.430-07:00Savitri Khanolkar was born in Switzerland on 20th ...Savitri Khanolkar was born in Switzerland on 20th July 2013?<br />20th July 1913Prudhvihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17824594832978691725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-63308786198287418542013-07-20T01:28:25.915-07:002013-07-20T01:28:25.915-07:00I believe you meant 1903 and not 2013I believe you meant 1903 and not 2013Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-44978733907641730092013-07-19T22:27:46.334-07:002013-07-19T22:27:46.334-07:00Says, "Savitri Khanolkar was born in Switzerl...Says, "Savitri Khanolkar was born in Switzerland on 20th July 2013. Today is her birth centenary". <br /><br />The year of her birth is a typo. Vijay Kumarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-65187303811310848892013-07-19T22:07:28.162-07:002013-07-19T22:07:28.162-07:00You've got her date of birth wrong Colonel Ji....You've got her date of birth wrong Colonel Ji.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-86352909146374503702013-07-19T21:48:33.505-07:002013-07-19T21:48:33.505-07:00Shivaji's sword Bhavani which is part of the m...Shivaji's sword Bhavani which is part of the motif :<br /><br />http://swordofshivaji.blogspot.in/2008/02/sword-of-chh-shivaji-maharaj_02.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-39420948237161894202013-07-19T21:44:11.909-07:002013-07-19T21:44:11.909-07:00Than you for changing the subject from that Mud an...Than you for changing the subject from that Mud and Muck...<br /><br />The medal itself is a small one. It is cast in bronze, and has a radius of 13/8 inch. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra's Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji. The decoration is suspended from a straight swiveling suspension bar, and is held by a 32 mm purple ribbon.<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savitri_Khanolkar<br /><br />Despite coming (or maybe because of coming) from a European background, Savitri Bai identified so closely with Hindu traditions and ideals, that her integration into Indian society was smooth and effortless. She was a vegetarian, learnt to speak fluent Hindi, Marathi and Sanskrit, and learnt Indian music, dance and painting. She always claimed that she had been "born in Europe by mistake" as she was Indian soul, & woe unto him who dared to call her a "foreigner"! She was so fascinated with Hindu mythology that she read extensively from Hindu scriptures and had a deep knowledge of India's ancient history and legends. It was this knowledge that led Major General Hira Lal Atal, the creator of the Param Vir Chakra, to ask for Savitri Bai's help in designing a medal that would truly symbolize the highest bravery.<br /><br />http://www.whiteindianhousewife.com/forum/living-in-india/eve-yvonne-maday-de-maros-savitri-khanolkar/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com