Gajender Singh Bisht Biography 
Gajender Singh Best was an NSG commando and Havildar (Sergeant) who was posthumously honoured with the Ashoka Chakra award in 2009. He died during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and received the honour for his bravery in this mission. He led his squad in the operation to rescue hostages from the terrorists at Nariman House, Mumbai, and succumbed to injuries caused by a grenade explosion. According to army, his death was due to live broadcasting of operation on television which gave away surprise element and alerted terrorists.
Singh hailed from Ganeshpur in Uttarakhand. He studied at the Janata Inter College in Naya Gaon and was a well-disciplined student during his academic years. He was also very active in sports and cultural events, which made him a favourite of students as well as teachers. Teachers liked him for his discipline. He was also interested in boxing then.
He was a member of the National Security Guard’s 51 Special Action Group. He was one among the NSG commandos who were fast-roped on the roof of Nariman House in an operation to rescue the people held as hostage in November 2008. Singh was leading one of the teams that entered the building. In the attempt to dominate the situation, there were firings from both ends.
Terrorists hurled a few grenades at the commandos, and one of them caused the death of Gajender Singh Best. Though suffered with injuries, he never moved back, and fought till his end. Giving a supreme sacrifice for a noble cause, he became an inspiration to many, who wish to choose the same path for social service and service of the nation.
Published: October 04, 2018
Updated: October 04, 2018
