His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur
Friday, September 8th, 2006
His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur
His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur is the eldest son of late H.H. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Born on 22nd October 1931, H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh received education in Kashmir, Dehradun and then in United Kingdom.
In 1951, His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur was commissioned into Indian Army in the 3rd Cavalry regiments as a Second Lieutenant. In 1954, he was selected for the Presidents bodyguard. In 1963 he was posted to HQ 50(Indep) Para Brid. From January 1964-1967, he was selected and posted as Adjutant, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. In June 1967, he volunteered for the new Para Commando Unit and was posted to 10 Para Commando as 2nd-in-command. The following year he became the commanding officer. In 1970, he helped in training the “Mukti Vahini” before the commencement of the Bangladesh war. In 1971, in Indo-Pak war he led his Battalion into action as a result of his gallantry and exploits he was awarded the second highest gallantry award “Mahavir Chakra”. His Battalion also got 10 gallantry awards for their action in these operations. He took voluntary retirement in 1974.
When Indian Army was in action in Sri Lanka under “Operation Pawan” at the request of then President and Prime minister ,Mr. Rajiv Gandhi requested Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh to go to Sri Lanka and boost the morale of his old unit (10 Para). He was successful in boosting the morale of the unit and for his success, the President of India bestowed upon him the rank of Brigadier for life. This is a rare offer when a retired Army personnel has been given a promotion in rank. Besides, Brig Sawai Bhawani Singh has also served as the first Resident High Commissioner to the State of Brunei from July 1993 to January 1997.