Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it; it flies with the breath of each soldier who protects it. Hailing from the Services background, joining the Indian Armed Forces came naturally to Gen KMS Shergill. His father had served an illustrious innings with the Royal Indian Air Force which prodded Gen Shergill to join the National Defence Academy in 1968 after passing out from the renowned St Columba’s School, New Delhi.
After four years of rigorous training, he was commissioned into 17 Horse also known as Poona Horse of the Indian Army in November, 1971 which marked the initiation of a distinguished Defence career for Gen Shergill. He had the distinction of commanding two elite Regiments – The Poona Horse and The President’s Bodyguard, a horse mounted cavalry Regiment, which is also among the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. He had the singular honour of serving directly under two Presidents, Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma & Shri KR Narayanan. Gen Shergill fondly recalls having led his Regiment to participate in the ceremonial parades and Guards of Honour for the various global heads during the protocol driven services at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. His other notable achievements include commanding an Infantry Brigade in the counter insurgency operations against ULFA and NDFB militants during his assignment at Nalbari in Assam. For his distinguished services he was awarded the prestigious Vishisht Sewa Medal (VSM) in 2001.
He also served as a Divisional Commander in a critical sector on the Western front. Being an avid sports person, he represented the Services in the All India Golf Championship during the period 1976-80. He also captained the Indian Army Polo team on their England tour. He was the Honorary Secretary of the Indian Polo Association, a National sports body.
His remarkable career with the Army came to an end in November, 2008. As they say, the most important shot in Golf is the next one. Taking this cue from his favourite sport, Gen Shergill started the next chapter of his vocation post his superannuation from the army in the corporate world by working as Consultant in three reputed companies, Pernod Ricard, LS Cables & Hysong Power Company. He finally hung up his spurs on his work life in April, 2022. He however still follows his passion for Golf and has served as the Captain of Delhi Golf Club around five years back.
He is a resident of GK-2 since his retirement from the Indian Army. Gen Shergill is blessed with two boys who are both based in Delhi. While his elder son is a successful corporate lawyer, the younger one shares his father’s passion for sports and is a professional Polo Player. He is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award.
Mandeep Shergill, his wife, has done her PhD in Psychotherapy and Counseling and is currently associated with an NGO.
Team Samvada wishes Gen KMS Shergill all the best for his future life.
