Col Nayar’s legacy and India’s role in the Korean War
AMID the commemoration of 75 years of the Korean War, the city of Suseong, South Korea, held a deeply moving ceremony on the war memorial day (June 25), honouring Col MK Unni Nayar, an Indian hero who sacrificed his life defending the nation.
Col Nayar was a remarkable individual: a journalist, diplomat and military officer. Born in Kerala in 1911, he began his career in journalism before joining the Maratha Light Infantry during World War II. His public relations expertise led to diplomatic postings, including India’s First Secretary in Washington, DC, and later of the United Nations in 1950. On August 12, 1950, while reporting from the frontlines during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, his jeep struck a landmine, killing him instantly. His supreme sacrifice symbolises India’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and international solidarity.
For 75 years, the people of Korea have actively cherished Col Nayar’s memory. His memorial in Beomeo Park, raised in December 1950 and renovated by the Suseong district authorities in 1996, has become a sacred site. Every June 25, officials pay tributes to ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten. His story is frequently shared in local communities and schools, teaching younger generations about the crucial international support received during a pivotal period. The profound respect shown when his widow, Dr Vimala Nayar, visited in 1967 and again when her ashes were interred in 2012 shows Korea’s deep gratitude.
The atmosphere in Beomeo Park was heavy with emotion as Suseong Mayor Kim Dae-gwon welcomed Col Nayar’s direct descendants: his daughter, Dr Parvathi Mohan, her son, Aditya, and her cousin, Dr Nandini. Their presence created a living bridge, connecting the past to the present.
The ceremony drew Korean War veterans, Indian embassy officials, acclaimed artists, prominent CEOs and Suseong district officials.
The memorial in Beomeo Park has flourished into a must-visit destination for Indian visitors.
Dr Mohan expressed heartfelt thanks to the city for remembering her father, 75 years after his sacrifice, and for ensuring that in death, her parents were finally reunited. Her words affirmed that their love story, once a private sorrow, had now become a public testament to unwavering devotion. “My parents are finally together, and for that, my heart is eternally grateful to the people of Suseong,” she said.
Beyond the immediate combat zones, India played a pivotal role in charting the path to peace and facilitating prisoner of war repatriation.
The 60th Para Field Ambulance, led by the courageous Col AG Rangaraj (Maha Vir Chakra awardee), served as India’s primary medical contribution. This legendary unit provided critical humanitarian aid, treating tens of thousands of wounded soldiers from all sides, and even Korean civilians. Their selfless dedication and high professional standards earned them immense respect and demonstrated India’s profound commitment to alleviating suffering regardless of political alignment. Their efforts extended to performing countless surgeries and training local Korean medical personnel, leaving a lasting impact on public health infrastructure in the early days.
Even more significant, and often overlooked, was India’s crucial diplomatic and humanitarian leadership after the armistice. India had the complex and sensitive undertaking of chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC). This critical role was spearheaded by the venerable Gen KS Thimayya, whose exceptional diplomatic acumen and unwavering impartiality were instrumental in navigating the highly contentious issue of prisoner repatriation. Under his expert chairmanship, the NNRC ensured that prisoners of war (POWs) were given the choice to return home or settle elsewhere, effectively preventing further conflict over their fate.
Supporting Gen Thimayya and the NNRC was the formidable 6,000-strong Custodian Force of India (CFI), commanded by Lt Gen SPP Thorat. This dedicated force was entrusted with the custody and humane treatment of nearly 25,000 POWs who remained after President Syngman Rhee’s sudden release order (the “big and little switch”). The CFI’s mission was to maintain strict neutrality, provide for the prisoners’ wellbeing and facilitate their choices regarding their future. The CFI’s disciplined and impartial conduct in this delicate situation was widely lauded internationally.
These roles represent an often omitted chapter in the Korean War narrative showcasing India’s unique position as a neutral peacekeeper and a compassionate humanitarian actor on the global stage.
Speaking to this author after the ceremony, the Suseong Mayor revealed a deep affinity for the people of India, a connection forged through Col Nayar’s story. He expressed a heartfelt wish to forge a twin-city sister agreement with a city in India, envisioning a future where this shared history blossoms into mutual progress and deeper understanding.
He articulated a clear vision for a city-to-city arrangement to pick up where Col Nayar had left off, not just in peace-building, but in fostering collaborative growth and accelerating technological advancement for a future with shared possibilities, serving as a testament that true sacrifice can connect generations, just like the Buddha did for centuries.
Col DPK Pillay (retd) is Visiting Fellow, Korea Foundation.
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