Unknown Col. Shivender Kanwar: The Unyielding Spirit of India’s Elite Special Forces

In the shadowy world of India’s elite Special Forces, where missions are often shrouded in secrecy, Col. Shivender Kanwar emerges as a figure whose tales of valor and grit resonate deeply. His journey from a determined officer to a decorated Special Forces operative is marked by countless challenges, both physical and mental, that push the boundaries of human endurance. This article delves into the most sensational aspects of Col. Kanwar’s career, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a soldier who embodies the unyielding spirit of India’s defense forces.

The Glass-Eating Ritual: A Test of Invincibility One of the most sensational stories surrounding Col. Shivender Kanwar is his participation in the glass-eating ritual, a practice among some elite forces to demonstrate their invincibility and mental toughness. Col. Kanwar recounts this ritual as a symbolic act to prove that nothing can break them—not even the sharpest shards of glass. It’s not about bravado; it’s about conditioning the mind to overcome fear and pain, a necessary trait for those who operate in the most hostile environments.

Dangerous Missions in the High Himalayas Col. Kanwar’s most perilous missions often took place in the unforgiving terrains of the Himalayas. He vividly recalls a mission against Chinese forces where his team was tasked with isolating a strategic area, a mission so dangerous that he was uncertain they would return. Yet, the stakes were clear: a successful operation could tilt the strategic balance in India’s favor. The mission, which involved covert operations in extreme weather conditions and high altitudes, showcased not just the bravery but the sheer tactical brilliance of Col. Kanwar and his team.

The Unseen Battles: Mental and Physical Endurance The life of a Special Forces operative is not just about physical strength; it’s about enduring the mental strain of relentless training and combat. Col. Kanwar’s description of the ‘Hell Week’ during probation is a testament to this. For seven days, soldiers are deprived of sleep, pushed to their physical limits, and subjected to various mental tests. Col. Kanwar’s recollections of this week, where he and his comrades operated on just a few hours of sleep over several days, highlight the immense pressure these soldiers endure to earn their place in the elite forces.

A Soldier’s Sacrifice: The Reality of Loss Behind the heroic tales of battle lies a stark reality—the loss of comrades. Col. Kanwar speaks candidly about the emotional toll of losing fellow soldiers, men who had become brothers through shared hardships and sacrifices. He recalls moments where, after a successful mission, he would return to find that a comrade who had shared a meal with him just hours earlier was now gone. The bond among Special Forces soldiers is unlike any other, forged in the crucible of battle and tested by the constant threat of death.