Ranchordas Pagi


Ranchordas Rabari, also known as Ranchordas Pagi, worked as a scout on behalf of the Indian Army.

Early life

Ranchhod Rabari was born in Banaskantha district in Gujarat. He belonged to a family of nomads.

Career

He was recruited by the Indian Army. The Pakistani army captured many villages in the Kutch area just before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Ranchhod Rabari went into the captured areas to gather information from both villagers and his own relatives. This greatly assisted the Indian army. In one of his most remarkable achievements, Ranchhod Rabari traced the location of 1200 enemy soldiers hiding in the wilderness in utter darkness. He also helped the Indian army capture several key posts during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. His efforts during the wars of 1965 and 1971 are said to have saved thousands of soldiers.
Ranchhod Rabari passed away in 2013 at the age of 112.

Honours

India's Border Security Force has named a border outpost after Ranchhod Pagi. He had been honoured by both the police and the BSF. He received several awards including Sangram Medal, Police Medal and Samar Seva Star - for his role in the 1965 and 1971 wars. In 2007, He was felicitated by chief minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat in Independence day celebration held at Palanpur.