The insurgency in Punjab witnessed one of the most violent phases post-Operation Bluestar in 1984. The following year, miraculously, however, was one of the quietest years between 1984 and 1993, the prime period of insurgency. Despite all the odds against the security apparatus of the state, the government of Punjab, under two successive Governors of Punjab—Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala and Arjun Singh—was able to turn the tide in the year 1985. Apart from the stellar role played by the paramilitary forces, Punjab Police, the Indian Army under Lieutenant General Krishnaswami Gowri Shankar played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the state. Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar, MVC a 1971 war hero, was donning two hats at that time. He held dual responsibility as Corps Commander, XI Corps, and Security Advisor to the Governor of Punjab. Immediately, after the Op Bluestar, he replaced General RS Dayal, PVSM, MVC another Maha Vir Chakra Awardee and a fellow Gentleman Cadet from the Third Course IMA, who was in charge of the Army operations in Punjab and was the Chief of Staff, Western Command.
Once General Gowrishankar took over the role of Security Adviser to the Governor of Punjab, except a few isolated incidents, there were large-scale cutting down on the Army day-to-day engagement in civil administration while maintaining a low profile, which led to better coordination with the state administration as well as restoring the faith of the civilians in the Armed Forces. It was under his watch that Punjab was able to conduct a relatively safe and free legislative assembly election in 1985.
Lt Gen K Gowri Shankar, MVC with the President of India Giani Zail Singh
Source: Gallantry Awards Portal
Weeks after conducting the election, he went to his hometown Chennai on 06 October 1985 on leave preparatory to retirement but could never return. During his stay in Chennai, he breathed his last, bringing an end to one of the most illustrious careers of a general who in high life handled both the internal and external security challenges with great finesse, imperturbability, but firm determination.
Lieutenant General Krishnaswami Gowri Shankar was born on 16 October 1927, to Shri Pinayur Krishnaswami Shastri and Kamakshi Shastri, at Chingleput, Tamil Nadu. He completed his education from St Joseph’s High School, Chingleput, Tamil Nadu, Madras Christian College, Chennai and graduated from Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai.
He was commissioned in the Corps of Signals on 12 September 1948 as part of Third Course of the Indian Military Academy. He had acquired unique perspective of the Indian Army as part of the third course Indian Military Academy which witnessed the process of ‘Indianisation’ of the Army. It was the smallest batch ever to graduate from IMA. Its uniqueness is also seen in the truncated duration: it was cut short from two years to 21 months in response to the urgent military needs. Trouble on the Northern borders and a shortfall of Army officers resulted in the Indian government pushing for the Third Course to be commissioned even earlier than December 1948.
Lieutenant General Krishnaswami Gowri Shankar was among the very few Signals officers who went into the General Cadre and held very significant positions in the Indian Army. He held several Regimental and Instructional appointments in the Corps of Signals.
He had displayed his finest leadership skills, operational art, and originality of planning during the battle of Dera Baba Nanak in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The battle is remembered for his ingenious, improvised planning and execution, along with gallantry shown by the brave Dogras and the Gorkhas. As a Brigadier, General Gowrishankar was commanding 86 Infantry Brigade as part of 15 Infantry Division, which was responsible for the defence of Dera Baba Nanak.
On 05 December, 1971, the 86 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier Gowri Shankar, received orders to eliminate the Pakistani Bridgehead across the River Ravi, North of Dera Baba Nanak. Dera Baba Nanak, situated approximately 40 kilometers North of Amritsar, holds strategic significance due to Indian and Pakistani enclaves located North and South of River Ravi. The Indian Enclave is called Kasowal and the Pakistani Enclave is called Jassar.
Brigadier K Gowri Shankar with his Officers
Source: Gallantry Awards Portal
Pakistan launched a preemptive strike on 03 December, and India decided to launch Operation Akal to eliminate the Pak enclave there. 86 Infantry Brigade, under Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar (then Brigadier), planned to attack the enemy from the rear with infantry and armour. The sheer tactical surprise India was able to impose on the Pakistani forces crumbled the morale of the Pakistani forces, which could not defend the enclave despite having upper hands due to the several fortified positions with concrete defences. He was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his action during the battle of Dera Baba Nanak. It was first time in the history of Indian Military Operations that the entire Brigade was awarded the Battle Honour. 06 December is celebrated as DBN day by all formations who participated in the war.
Brigadier KG Shankar receiving Maha Vir Chakra
Source: Gallantry Awards Portal
Two years after the war, he commanded the 31st Infantry Brigade in Jamnagar. He was then promoted to Major General in 1975 and took over command of the 39 Infantry Division. Later, he became the Chief of Staff, Northern Command. In 1978, he took over as Director of Military Intelligence and was one of the longest-serving Director Generals of Military Intelligence until 1983. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding of the prestigious XI Corps.
He died of a heart attack on the morning of 10 October 1985, at the Military Hospital, St Thomas Mount, Chennai, three weeks before his retirement. He was due to retire on October 31, 1985. At the time of his passing, he was the Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps. He was cremated with full military honours in Chennai.
He was survived by his wife Radha Gowri Shankar, his son the Late Lieutenant General Gautam Ravindranath, PVSM, VSM, SM and daughter Ms Matangi Gowrishankar. Throughout his professional career he showed exemplary leadership qualities, unmatched professionalism, and above all, never faltered in his service to the nation. To honour his hero, the Indian Army named a road leading to the 9 Infantry Division Signal Regiment in Meerut after him. There is also a bust of Lieutenant Genenal K GowriShankar in the Heroes Corner in the Signals Museum in Jabalpur.
Gaurav Kumar is the Project Leader for the Gallantry Awards Project at the USI of India. He has been associated with National Security Council Secretariat as a Researcher. He is co-editor of two books: India-Uzbekistan Partnership in Regional Peace and Stability: Challenges & Prospects, and India’s Emerging Challenges and Way Forward and contributes regularly to journals.
