Know Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar, the unsung legend who secured Siachen for India

Colonel Kumar`s contribution to India`s security has been immense, yet he remains relatively unknown to the general public

Colonel Narendra "Bull" Kumar is a legendary figure in the history of the Indian Army. He is known for his extraordinary feats in securing the Siachen Glacier for India. Born on 8 December 1933 in Rawalpindi, Kumar was commissioned into the Indian Army's 4th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment.

During his career, Colonel Kumar was involved in several operations, including the Kargil War of 1999. However, his most significant achievement came in April 1984, when he led a team of Indian soldiers to occupy the Siachen Glacier.

At the time, the Siachen Glacier was a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, and both countries had been vying for control of the area for years. Colonel Kumar and his team, consisting of only 120 soldiers, managed to climb up to the glacier and establish Indian control over it.

The operation was a huge success, and Colonel Kumar's leadership and bravery were critical to its success. He and his team had to face harsh weather conditions, such as sub-zero temperatures and blizzards, and climb steep, icy mountains to reach the glacier. Despite the challenges, Kumar and his team managed to outmaneuver the Pakistani forces and secure the glacier for India.

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Colonel Kumar's contribution to India's security has been immense, yet he remains relatively unknown to the general public. He retired from the army in 1999, and since then, he has been working to promote adventure sports and mountaineering in India. He has also authored several books on mountaineering and adventure sports.

In recognition of his service to the nation, Colonel Kumar has been awarded several awards and honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. Today, he is regarded as an unsung hero and a true legend of the Indian Army.

Colonel Kumar died in December 2020 at the age of 87.