Salam Fauji:Col. Victor Rebello

 The Spirit of a Ganpat: The Distinguished Career of Col Victor  Rebello

By John Aguiar

In the storied annals of the Indian Army, few regiments command as much reverence as the Maratha Light Infantry. Known for their legendary agility and the thunderous war cry, "Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai," the Marathas have produced leaders who embody the "Ganpat" spirit—resilient, humble, and fiercely loyal. Among these leaders stands Col Victor Robert Rebello, a man whose 33-year career is a testament to the ethos of the "Men in Cords." 

The combination of a  military career with deep roots in Kothamni (Quepem) and Guirdolim (Salcete), now settled in Margao. 

Commissioned in 1974 as a Second Lieutenant, Col Rebello’s journey began in an era of transition for the Indian military. Over three decades, he navigated the diverse terrains of India, leaving an indelible mark on the units he served and the soldiers he led. 

Col Rebello’s regimental heart beat within three distinct battalions of the Marathas: the 6th, 18th, and 26th Maratha LI. It was here that he earned his reputation for "bonding with the Ganpats"—the affectionate term for the Maratha soldiers. His leadership was defined by a deep-rooted connection to his men, ensuring that the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remained the guiding light of their service.

His versatility was further proven during a challenging tenure with a VIKAS Battalion in the high-altitude, rugged landscapes of Ladakh. Beyond the front lines, Col Rebello was a strategic asset to the Army’s brain trust. Serving four tenures as an Intelligence Staff Officer, he mastered the art of gaining, collating, and interpreting adversary information—a role where precision and foresight are the only lines of defense.

As he neared the conclusion of his uniformed service, he transitioned to nurturing the next generation, commanding a Girls Unit of the NCC in Pune, where he instilled discipline and leadership in young cadets.

Continuing the Mission in Civil Life Retirement for a soldier is rarely an end to service; it is merely a change in uniform. Upon settling in his home state of Goa, Col Rebello took charge as the Officer in Charge of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in Panjim.

In this vital role, he became the primary advocate for the health and well-being of veterans and their dependents, ensuring that those who served the nation received the care and dignity they earned.

A Vision for Goa: Building the Warriors of Tomorrow

Col Rebello remains a passionate advocate for Goan youth, believing that a career in the Armed Forces offers unparalleled growth. He observes that while the talent exists, the bridge to the services needs strengthening.

To bridge this gap, he offers four strategic recommendations for the Goan government and educational institutions:

 * Institutional Motivation: School and college Principals must take an active role in guiding and motivating students toward defense careers.

 * The NCC Pathway: Students aspiring to serve should join the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to gain early exposure to military life.

 * Specialized Guidance: The state should establish a Service Selection Guidance Centre, staffed by retired officers who have served on Service Selection Boards (SSB), to prepare candidates for the rigors of the interview process.

 * A Sainik School for Goa: Perhaps his most vital suggestion is the establishment of a Sainik School in Goa. This would act as a primary "feeder" institution for the National Defence Academy (NDA), IMA, and other prestigious academies, ensuring Goan youth are represented in the officer cadres of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Conclusion

Col Rebello’s life reflects the very best of the Maratha Regiment—bravery in the field, wisdom in the staff office, and a lifelong commitment to the welfare of his community. His call to action for the youth of Goa is not just a suggestion, but a roadmap for a more robust Goan contribution to India’s national security.