The Sentinel of Goa: The Inspiring Saga of Lt Col Austin Collaco
By John Aguiar
The story of the Indian Army is written in the snow of the Himalayas and the sweat of the training grounds, but its soul resides in the men who lead from the front. Among these guardians of the nation stands Lt Col Austin Collaco (Retd), a distinguished veteran of the Bihar Regiment whose career spans the freezing heights of Kargil to the dense jungles of the Northeast.
Today, as a prominent voice in Goa’s veteran community, he continues to serve by shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
From the Banks of the Mandovi to the Gates of the IMA:
Though originally hailing from Chorao, Goa, Lt Col Collaco’s path to the olive greens was shaped by a pan-Indian upbringing. Due to family compulsions, his academic journey took him through Punjab and Bombay.
It was during his college years that his military inclination surfaced; as a dedicated NCC Naval Cadet, he represented his Directorate at the Republic Day (RD) Camp in 1981—a precursor to his future leadership.
After successfully clearing the UPSC examination and the rigorous Services Selection Board (SSB) at Allahabad, he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, in December 1985. Commissioned into the 77th Regular Course, he joined the Bihar Regiment. This unit, drawing inspiration from the legendary tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda, is famed for its "fearsome" reputation and unwavering resilience.
A Career Defined by Valor: Kargil and Beyond:
Lt Col Collaco’s military tenure reads like a map of India’s most volatile conflict zones. His expertise was forged in the crucible of high-intensity warfare:
* The Kargil War (1999): As a mountain warfare expert, he played a vital role in reclaiming strategic heights from infiltrators. His firsthand experience in high-altitude combat remains a testament to the tactical grit required to win at 18,000 feet.
* Counter-Insurgency Operations: He faced live fire from ULFA insurgents during intelligence operations in Assam and served extensively along the Indo-Myanmar border and in Arunachal Pradesh.
* Master of the Heights: His mastery of the terrain led to his appointment as an instructor at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg. He also served as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) at the Siachen Base Camp, where he was responsible for the grueling induction training of every soldier entering the world's highest battlefield.
For his exceptional leadership and professional contributions, he was honored with the GOC-in-C Commendation Card three times, representing the Eastern, Northern, and ARTRAC commands.
Building Foundations in Goa:
Upon retiring in 2011, Lt Col Collaco did not choose a quiet life. Instead, he channeled his administrative acumen into civil service. He was one of the founding officers of the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation (GHRDC) under the visionary leadership of the late Mr. Manohar Parrikar. The corporation’s current success is built upon the solid foundation of policies, training modules, and regulations he established during its inception.
A "Forgotten Hero" with a Modern Mission:
Residing today in Panjim, Lt Col Collaco has earned the title of a "forgotten hero of Goa"—a title he answers by ensuring the sacrifices of the military are never truly forgotten. He is a fixture at Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremonies and a frequent guest at colleges across the state.
Through his lectures, he bridges the gap between civilian life and the Armed Forces, motivating Goan youth to look beyond conventional careers and embrace the life of an officer. His life serves as a powerful reminder that while a soldier may hang up the uniform, their mission to serve the nation never truly ends.
> "His journey from a young NCC cadet to a Kargil veteran and a foundational architect of Goa's HRDC serves as a blueprint for service, discipline, and dedication."
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