Template:Infobox military person
Major General Hardev Singh Kler, Template:Post-nominals (3 September 1924 – 27 May 2016) was an Indian Army officer, known for leading India's first brigade which secured vital inroads to Dacca during the liberation of Bangladesh in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 for which he was awarded with Maha Vir Chakra.[1]
Early life
Kler was born on 3 September 1924 in Kakrala Kalan village near Ludhiana, Punjab, India into a military family. His father Chhajja Singh was a Honorary Captain, his elder brother Shamsher Singh also served in Indian Army, his younger brother Gurdev Singh Kler retired as a Lieutenant General, and Kler's son Devender Jeet was a decorated Indian Air Force veteran.[2][3]
Army career
Kler was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1943, and in 1965 he was deployed as the General Staff Officer 1 of the 19th Infantry Division.[4] Serving as a Brigadier, Kler played a major role in the India–Pakistan war of 1971.[5][6] Kler led the 95 Mountain Brigade in the war.[7]
1965
Template:Main Lt. Col. Kler did not lead the assault column at Haji Pir Pass, but as GSO-I of 19 Infantry Division, he was centrally involved in the operational planning and control of the sector, including actions linked to the capture and holding of Haji Pir Pass.[8]
1971
Among the architects of the 1971 victory, is known for his battlefield leadership and iron resolve. Commanding 95 Mountain Brigade, he spearheaded a lightning advance through Kamalpur, Jamalpur and Mymensingh, breaking fortified Pakistani defences and reaching the outskirts of Dacca in barely ten days. His handling of the Jamalpur battle reflected both martial honour and ruthless clarity of purpose.
Maha Vir Chakra
Kler was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, in 1972.[9][10]
Death
Kler died in Walnut, California on 27 May 2016, at the age of 91.[2]
In popular culture
- The surname Kaler of the lead character in the Hindi movie "Border 2" portrayed by Sunny Deol appears to be inspired by him.[11]
References
- ↑ BORN TO LEAD. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Major General Hardev Singh Kler MVC. Honourpoint. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ↑ MVCs for senior commanders: Brig Hardev Singh Kler and Brig Anand Sarup. The Tribune(4 July 2021). Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ↑ A general who wasn’t the ‘chosen one’, but became the man of the hour in 1965. ThePrint(28 December 2018). Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ↑ Hero of Jamalpur war also had son fighting | The Daily Star. The Daily Star(25 December 2014). Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ↑ Defenders of India: Victory of Peace & Liberty{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Indian School Supply Depot, Publication Division(1972)
- ↑ Indian Defence Review{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Lancer International(1995)
- ↑ MVCs for senior commanders: Brig Hardev Singh Kler and Brig Anand Sarup. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
- ↑ Indira's India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Indian School Supply Depot(1972)
- ↑ Gallantry Awards | Ministry of Defence, Government of India. www.gallantryawards.gov.in.
- ↑ Border 2 True Story: Who was Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler, played by Sunny Deol?. Retrieved 18 January 2026.