New Delhi: Some soldiers become legends through their battlefield achievements, while others, like Brigadier Basant K. Ponwar, create a lasting legacy through the influence they have on future generations. Ponwar is renowned for transforming India’s understanding of jungle warfare.
In a time when vast areas of central India were under the sway of Maoists, and conventional tactics seemed ineffective, Brigadier Ponwar recognized the need for a new approach. He famously stated, “Fight a guerrilla like a guerrilla,” a philosophy that evolved into a vital doctrine.
This doctrine encouraged security forces to abandon predictable strategies and adopt the mindset and tactics of their adversaries, emphasizing the importance of agility, intelligence, and respect for the jungle. To Ponwar, the forest was not merely an obstacle but a complex battlefield that needed to be navigated with care.
His establishment of the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, was not just about creating another training facility; it marked the beginning of a new strategy for a war that had already claimed numerous lives.
In the unforgiving jungles of Bastar, mistakes can lead to dire consequences. Brigadier Ponwar understood this reality deeply and structured every exercise, patrol, and lesson around the single goal of ensuring the safety of those he trained.
For him, training transcended simply passing assessments; it was fundamentally about saving lives. Thousands of personnel from various security forces, including the CRPF, state police, and specialized units, benefited from the training at CTJWC. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they emerged united by the rigorous standards and principles instilled by Brigadier Ponwar.
Many officers who would later spearhead successful missions across states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and Jharkhand were likely unaware that the instincts guiding their actions were honed in Kanker.
Ponwar’s influence accompanied them in every silent patrol, successful ambush, and life-saving decision made by officers who recalled lessons from their training.
The narrative of India’s fight against Maoist insurgency often highlights major confrontations and key operations, but it is essential to recognize the unseen cadre of trainers who prepare soldiers for the realities of conflict. Brigadier Ponwar was a prominent figure among them.
He viewed realistic training as a compassionate act. If a trainee faltered during practice, they would learn; however, if they made the same error in an actual operation, it could cost lives. This philosophy demanded high standards, unwavering discipline, and physical endurance while reflecting a deep respect for the trainees’ lives.
A fitting tribute to an instructor is that generations of soldiers and police officers ventured into peril carrying with them the lessons imparted by him. As India gradually regained control over areas that had been marred by violence, numerous factors contributed to this success—improved intelligence, better inter-agency coordination, brave leadership, technological advancements, and the sacrifices of numerous personnel. However, a vital truth remained: victories are first forged on the training grounds, not just on the battlefield.
This was Brigadier Ponwar’s true battlefield. He seldom sought recognition; his fulfillment stemmed from witnessing the success of those he trained. The accolades earned by his trainees, the missions they undertook, and most importantly, the lives they saved, served as the quiet indicators of his success.
While history often honors commanders who lead from the front, it should also remember the educators who prepared them for battle. Brigadier Basant K. Ponwar not only trained men for warfare but also instilled in them the confidence to face fear, the wisdom to honor the jungle, and the discipline to navigate it. In doing so, he established a mindset—a doctrine, a generation of jungle warriors, and a legacy that will resonate in India’s forests long after the echoes of gunfire have ceased.
