Brigadier Rajeev Lowe joined the BSF on deputation in May 2019 and has since been the Deputy Inspector General/Commander of BSF Artillery. He is presently engaged in writing a Vision Document for BSF Artillery besides being actively involved in the process of shaping the modernization process and improving the technical and professional threshold levels of the force. He is a keen golfer and is currently posted in Punjab. A Biochemistry graduate from St Xaviers College, Mumbai, he was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1985. The officer has served in different capacities in challenging terrains such as high-altitude posts in Kargil and Siachen Glacier (including participation in the Kargil War), deserts, riverine terrain of North East, on the Line of Actual Control with China in Eastern Ladakh and Counter Terror Operations in Upper Assam. He is an Instructor in Gunnery and alumnus of Defence Services Staff College at Wellington and has attended the prestigious Higher Command Course at College of Combat, Mhow. He commanded a Bofors Artillery Regiment in the Semi Desert Sector & an Infantry Brigade in the North East and holds the unique distinction of being the first Commandant of a Computer War Gaming Establishment in the Western Sector. He was awarded an Army Commander’s Unit Citation for professional Excellence, by Gen Bipin Rawat, the present Chief of Defence Staff.
Q1. Why did you decide to join the Defence Forces?
My Aptitude-I have always enjoyed adventure, outdoor activities, team building, planning and executing an event or challenge and pushing myself to excel. The profession of arms is precisely this. The lifestyle offered by the Army (or defence forces) shapes a person’s personality and empowers him/her to grow as an individual, be it challenging operational tasks, ceremonial functions, social engagements, addressing troops; something I always looked forward to and subsequently cherished and enjoyed. Ethos and culture-Respect, discipline, turnout, character building, standard of living, physical fitness and leadership opportunities. Last, but not the least, what better way to serve the nation!
Q2. How is BSF different from the Army?
The BSF is the first line of defence and is entrusted with a border guarding role – from Kashmir to Gujarat in the West on Indo-Pak border and along with Indo-Bangladesh Border in the East, whereas the Army is tasked to defend the nation from external aggression and internal threat and to maintain and peace and security within its border (The BSF Artillery has the same role as Artillery of the Indian Army.)
Q 3. Can you state in brief some roles and tasks of BSF?
Role/Tasks of BSF- Border guarding, prevent smuggling, prevent infiltration of terrorists, apprehend drug traffickers & cattle smugglers on the border to name a few.
Q4. What does a BSF Artillery unit do specifically?
The same role and task as the Army Artillery Unit – Acquire targets, carry out their destruction by delivery of overwhelming, speedy and accurate fire power both in defensive & offensive operations under operational control of Army.
Q5. Please share a few memorable moments from your illustrious and glorious career.
There are so many, but let me share a few landmark moments. Climbing Bana Post in Siachen Glacier without any formal training, just by sheer will power and pride for the uniform, and izzat of the unit. Qualifying for Long Gunnery Staff Course, Defence Services Staff College and Higher Command Course-three prestigious and tough courses which enabled me in better understanding of Gunnery and higher defence strategy. Planning and participation in Operation Vijay, a memorable victory for the Indian Army. Conducting relentless and successful counter Insurgency operations in North East. Awarded & felicitated as the Best Computer War gaming centre in the Indian Army. Nominated for a deputation and leading BSF Artillery. Nominated as a Defence Expert in procurement of High value Security Systems for the Indian Army as part of Military Intelligence Planning infrastructure development in Eastern Ladakh and supervising efficient and speedy relief work in combating the fallout of the cloudburst in Ladakh.
Q6. What can children do to protect our Country?
Focus on acquiring good values and education. Stay healthy and fit. Read about our glorious history and our war heroes in 1947, ‘62, ‘65, ‘71 & Kargil wars. Gain encouragement and build a love for the Nation. Participate in Nation building when the time comes – either by joining the Armed Forces or CAPF. Always look for ways to show solidarity for the Armed Forces. Keep your eyes and ears open and develop an understanding of the needs of our defence forces.