NSG Black Cat Commando
Col. Rajeev Bagga (Retd.)
| NSG Black Cat Commando| Veteran, Jungle & Mountain Survival Expert | TEDx Speaker | Youth Mentor | Ultra-Marathoner
Military Service & Operational Expertise
Col. Rajeev Bagga (Retd.) is a decorated veteran of the Indian Army, having completed 32.5 years of distinguished service. A Jungle and Mountain Survival Expert, he has operated extensively in hostile terrains—especially in Jammu & Kashmir, where he spent over two decades combating terrorism. Several of his operations have been documented as case studies due to their strategic brilliance and execution.
A former NSG Black Cat Commando, he commanded the elite unit that was later deployed during the Akshardham Temple and 26/11 Mumbai Taj hostage rescue operations. Prior to joining the NSG, he led the mission against the infamous forest brigand Veerappan and was involved in securing sensitive national assets, including satellite launch bases (Sriharikota) and nuclear installations (Karwar).
He also supervised the deployment of Sky Marshals along India’s western coastal aviation routes and introduced mission-oriented shooting skills to sharpen operational readiness.
Training, Exercises & International Engagements
Col. Bagga has conducted heliborne exercises with foreign delegations and led trials on arms and equipment integration. His ability to design and execute high-stakes rescue and intervention missions in urban and jungle environments is widely respected within defense circles.
Administrative & Leadership Roles
In addition to his combat experience, he played key roles in managing military-civil administrative coordination. This included resolving land-related issues, enforcing discipline within garrisons, and working closely with the Army Legal Cell on defense cases.
Youth Empowerment & Mentorship
Col. Bagga is deeply committed to youth development. He has mentored NCC cadets who have excelled at the national level—one of whom won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Baton. He led a cadet delegation to Vietnam and has served as a motivational speaker across top institutions in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
He also runs SSB coaching and online counseling workshops, consistently achieving a 70–80% success rate.
Corporate Engagements & Rustic Living Advocacy
Drawing from his survival training, Col. Bagga works with corporate professionals to instill resilience, leadership, and team-building. He actively promotes a return to a rustic, outdoor-based lifestyle, encouraging people of all age groups to reconnect with nature for mental and physical wellness.
Endurance Athlete & Ultra-Marathoner
A committed ultra-marathoner, Col. Bagga regularly participates in endurance runs ranging from 30 to 60 kilometers, across diverse terrains. He averages a 10-kilometer run daily and completes a 20-kilometer mountain run every month. He strongly believes that true endurance is developed in outdoor environments—not within four walls.
TEDx Speaker
In 2024, Col. Bagga was invited to speak at TEDx KIET, where he addressed the theme #FutureFossilsAsheshRemains. His session was a powerful reflection on legacy, resilience, and the mindset required to overcome personal and professional battles.
