Colonel Lalit Rai, Vir Chakra, is an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys High School, Bangalore. Commissioned into the elite Eleven Gorkha Rifles in 1977, the colonel has been in operations in the jungles and rugged mountains of East and North, in the Deserts of the West and in the plains of Punjab.
Due to his ‘never say die’ attitude, versatility and willingness to take on dangerous operations, was handpicked by the Army to form and lead the first ‘Dangerous & High Risk Mission’ team, which is the precursor and genesis of today’s elite National Security Guards (NSG).
The Colonel was first exposed to the complex and dangerous world of terrorism & counter terrorism in the early 1990’s when terrorism had first raised its ugly head in J & K. He was later selected to command a RASHTRIYA RIFLES battalion that was specially designed to combat terrorism in Doda district of J & K. He was made responsible for maintaining the law and order in 4600 sq km of area, comprising over 500 villages. The local administration of this area had become totally defunct due to terrorist activities and foreign terrorists literally controlled this area. During his tenure with his battalion of 1500 men, he conducted over 200 operations and created a record in highest number of terrorists eliminated in the shortest span of time & also affected over a 100 terrorist surrenders, which helped bring back Law & Order to the area.
Col Lalit Rai, VrC, has held many prestigious command and staff appointments in his illustrious career span of 30 years. He was posted as an instructor at the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla and at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. He is a postgraduate from the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and from the prestigious Naval Postgraduate School, California, USA.
The real test in soldiering for the Colonel came during the Kargil war.In June 1999, Col Lalit Rai, VrC, took over the command of the elite GORKHA RIFLES in Operation VIJAY. He led his battalion into one of the fiercest battles of the Kargil war, on the formidable heights of Khalubar, in the Batalik sector, at altitudes of over 18000 feet and in freezing temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celcius and below.
Despite grave bullet and splinter injuries on the legs and bleeding profusely, the brave Commanding Officer led his men from the front to success. The battalion under his dynamic command, fought with sheer grit and raw courage and achieved victory after victory. For his conspicuous bravery of an exceptional order and inspirational leadership, the President of India awarded the prestigious VIR CHAKRA to Col Lalit Rai.
The Battalion under his command covered itself in glory by capturing as many as 11 formidable enemy positions and turned the tide of the battle in the BATALIK sector. The battalion besides bagging a large number of gallantry awards, was also awarded the highly coveted Chief Of Army Staff, Unit Citation and conferred the title of the ‘BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE’, by the Chief, for its sterling successes during OP VIJAY.
Besides J & K, he also faced the brunt of insurgency and terrorism in Assam. The Colonel’s fascination for the phenomenon of terrorism continued and led him to two years of research work on Global Terrorism from Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, Pune University. His research work was well received by both the Academicians and the Practitioners alike.
In addition to the prestigious award of Vir Chakra, he has also received a large number of Awards & Recognitions for his distinguished service. A few notable ones are felicitation by Prime Minister for exemplary and inspirational leadership, Chief of Army Staff commendation for devotion to duty and distinguished service, Sunil Dutt award for his selfless services, Rotary Club’s prestigious ‘Service Excellence Recognition Award’, Dr Kirtilal M Bhansali Memorial award for excellence in oration & RYLA Youth Inspiration
and Icon Award.
The Colonel is a National level sportsman in Soccer and Athletics. A keen
mountaineer, he has participated in major mountaineering expeditions to Kanchanjunga South, Kabru Dome and Rathong Peak in the Himalayas. He is an inspirational speaker and trainer and has trained and motivated a large number of Corporates and students. He has also given several psychological strengthening and inspiring sessions to the Indian Hockey Team in 2010. That year they created a record of winning medals in all the three prestigious tournaments that they participated in, like Azlan Shah Cup, Commonwealth
Games and the Asian Cup.
After his distinguished and meritorious military career spanning over three decades & after experiencing many close encounters with death on over 20 occasions during his stint in the Army, he finally decided to hang his uniform in early 2007. Since then he has been associated with major Indian corporates and continues to inspire and touch lives with his inspirational leadership and astute management insights in the Human Resources domain.
