During his time in Kupwara, there was a discernible change in the public perception of the Army, say men who served under the Colonel. ‘Separatists from the Hurriyat would often attack Col. Mahadik through the local media or through statements issued in public,’ recalls a jawan of the 41 Rashtriya Rifles. ‘They didn’t like how he was reaching out to the locals and having an impact on their lives. They warned him to simply do his work and get out. All that never bothered him.’ Col. Mahadik’s leadership by example would become legend well beyond his unit, and has already become a touchstone of
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