Combat stories of Indian Army's Special Forces: Focussed and Fearless feat. Col Shivender Singh

Jan 27, 2025

01:12:50

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In this interview, retired Indian Army officer Shivender Singh shares his profound experiences from over two decades of military service, focusing on the personal and emotional transformations he underwent.

Key Insights

🌟 Heritage and Identity: Coming from a family steeped in military tradition, Shivender’s identity is deeply intertwined with his service. This background informs his worldview and commitment to a life of purpose, showcasing how heritage can shape individual aspirations and responsibilities.

🛠️ Embracing Change: Shivender illustrates that transformation is often a product of hardship. His initial carefree attitude was replaced with a disciplined mindset through the challenges faced in the army, highlighting how adversity can foster personal growth and resilience.

🌌 The Power of Aspirational Thinking: By encouraging others to dream big, Shivender underlines the necessity of setting ambitious goals. He posits that without grand aspirations, individuals may not realize their full potential or invest the necessary effort to achieve greatness.

❤️ The Essence of Patriotism: The emotional weight of serving one’s country drives Shivender and many veterans. His belief that true fulfillment comes from protecting others emphasizes the profound impact of duty and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.

⚖️ Navigating Loss and Grief: The loss of comrades during combat has imparted a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life. Shivender’s reflections on grief highlight the importance of acknowledging pain while also finding joy in survival and continued service.

🛤️ Lifelong Learning and Adaptation: Transitioning from military life to civilian pursuits, Shivender advocates for continuous learning and adaptation. His journey emphasizes that personal and professional development should not cease after formal retirement; instead, individuals should seek new goals and passions.

🎓 Resilience Through Repetition: Shivender’s assertion that practice creates muscle memory can be applied broadly to life. Facing fears directly and repeatedly leads to mastery and confidence, illustrating that overcoming obstacles requires consistent effort and dedication.

👇 Timestamps

(00:00–01:03) Introduction

(01:03–02:24) The Legacy of a Soldier's Family

(02:24–03:44) Dreams of Cricket and the Path to the Army

(03:44–05:25) Transformative Lessons from Army Life

(07:40–08:55) Reflections on Patriotism

(08:55–10:03) The Weight of Responsibility in Combat

(10:03–12:44) Facing the Threats of Combat

(15:40–21:05) Loss in Battle: A Personal Story

(24:23–27:10) Gratitude Amidst Hardships

(27:49–34:21) Life-Threatening Close Calls

(35:47–38:01) The Role of Fear and Facing It