On the occasion of Republic Day, author Rachna Bisht recalls for City
Express, memories of her meetings with the three surviving winners of
Param Veer Chakra who will be marching on Rajpath today, their medals
proudly pinned on their chests. On republic day, three soldiers in the Indian Army will wear the Param
Veer Chakra; a gallantry award that the President also gets up to
salute.
And he will do it this Republic Day too when Subedar Major (Honorary
Captain) Bana Singh, PVC; Subedar Sanjay Kumar, PVC; and Subedar
Yogender Yadav, PVC, lead the parade down Rajpath to the sound of
marching bands, stomping boots, fluttering paper flags and cheering
citizens of the world’s largest democracy.
Today also happens
to be the day when Shoorveer- Param Veer Chakra Vijetaon Ki Kahaniyan,
the Hindi translation of my book The Brave- hits the stands.
In
all the wars it has fought since independence; right from the marauding
Lashkars of 1947 to the tragic unprepared event of 1962 to the glorious
victory of 1965 to the heroics of the young officers of Kargil who
walked up treacherous mountains with Insas rifles, unflinching in the
face of flying enemy bullets; India has recognised 21 Param Veers - the
bravest of the brave.
Most of these heroes did not come back alive
from the battlefield but we still have with us three who did. Which
makes their presence at the parade even more special and the fact that
we know who they are and what they did even more important.
The bravest of the brave
Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, fought a battle at 21,153
feet in Siachen, where men find it difficult even to breathe, and pushed
back Pakistani intruders.
Subedar Yogender Yadav, defeated
death and crawled his way back to warn his battalion of Pakistani
presence, with 15 bullets lodged in his body, his mangled arm twisted
and tucked into his belt and Subedar Sanjay Kumar pulled out blazing
enemy machine guns with his bare hands so that his men could stage an
attack. And yet each time I expressed respect for their acts of bravery
all three told me the same thing: “It was our job; any soldier in our
place would have done the same.”
What I’d like to say about the 21
PVCs whose stories I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to
write, is that they were brave men; just as every soldier is who goes to
the battlefield knowing that he might not come back.
The danger seeker
But
if you ask me to pick one who came closest to my heart, it will have to
be Capt Manoj Pande, PVC, who died at 24 years of age outside the last
bunker of Khalubar with his khukhri still in his hand.
Manoj came
from a poor family. When I interviewed his mother, she told me (breaking
into tears so many times) how he would not ask for new copies till he
had used up every bit of space on his notebooks; how he would darn his
clothes and never demand new ones since he knew his father was poor; how
he begged her to buy him a flute at a fair when he was three and which
he played tunes on till the time he left for Kargil never to return. Yet
he always wanted to be a soldier. During his stint at Siachen, he asked
to be sent to the toughest post; during the Kargil war he performed one
act of bravery after another.
He was amongst the first troops to reach there and would often climb up icy mountains using socks as gloves. He
put his life at risk to retrieve the bodies of fellow soldiers. He
performed these unparalleled acts of bravery one after the other, not
because he was looking for a reward but because he was born brave.
His
story convinced me that heroes don’t become heroes on the battlefield;
they are heroes since childhood; the battlefield just becomes a place
where this is proved in the eyes of the world.
Children need to be
exposed to the stories of these brave soldiers so they can find role
models for sacrifice in a generation increasingly turning materialistic.
Colonel (retd) Hoshiar Singh Dahiya PVC (5 May 1936 - 6 December 1998), son of Chaudhary Hira Singh Dahiya, was born on 05 May 1936 in village Sisana, District Sonipat, Haryana.
Early life
Sisana, his birth place, is a big village on Rohtak - Sonipat road, about 25 km from Sonipat. This Jat dominated village has produced more than 250 soldiers for the Indian Army. His father was a respectable farmer and his mother Smt. Mathuri Devi, a kind-hearted housewife. Col Hoshiar Singh got married to Smt Dhanno when he was still studying in the 7th class. This illustrious couple has three sons.
Joined Indian Army
After his schooling and one year's study at the Jat College, Rohtak, he joined the Indian Army as a soldier. He was commissioned as an officer in the Grenadiers Regiment on 30 June 1963. His first assignment as an officer was in NEFA. In the 1965 Indo-Pak war, he saw some action in the Rajasthan sector. In the Indo-Pak war of 1971 (then a Major), he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on 17 December, 1971.
Colonel Hoshiar Singh was a man of simple habits. The great secret of his remarkable success had been a close rapport with his men. He grew with his company and being in the same battalion for a long period helped him establish close ties with the men under his command.
India-Pak war 1971
The 3rd Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment was in the forefront of the advance of 54 Inf. Div. in Shakargarh sector on the western front on the night of December 5th. The 3 Grenadiers, under the dynamic command of Lt Col V P Airy, made quick gains in the first ten days of the war. On December 15th, it was assigned the task of establishing a bridge-head across the Basantar river. The river was covered with deep minefields on both sides and protected by well fortified defense by the enemy. Major Hoshiar Singh, Commander of 'C' (left forward) Company, launched an attack across the enemy minefield on Jarpal. As it was a well fortified enemy position, the company came under intense shelling and crossfire from medium machine guns and suffered heavy casualties.
The 3 Grenadiers bravely continued the assault and achieved the set objective. The enemy bunkers were cleared only after fierce hand-to-hand fighting. Pakistanis reacted to the loss of Jarpal by launching counter attacks, two of them supported by armour, to dislodge the 3 Grenadiers on December 16th. Major Singh, unmindful of the enemy shelling and tank fire, went from trench to trench, encouraging his men to remain steadfast and continue fight. Inspired by his courage and leadership, his company repulsed all attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. On December 17th, the enemy mounted yet another attack in battalion strength with heavy artillery in support. Though wounded seriously in enemy shelling, Major Singh again went alone from trench to trench, at times moving in the open too. When an enemy shell landed near his medium machine gun post, injuring the crew, Major Hoshiar Singh rushed to the enemy machine gun pit and operated the gun inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
Param Vir Chakra
Pakistanis beat a hasty retreat leaving behind 85 dead, including their Commanding Officer - Lt Colonel Mohammed Akram Raja and three other officers. Throughout this operation, Major Singh displayed the most conspicuous gallantry, grim determination and indomitable spirit. With grit, courage and complete disregard to his personal safety he inspired his command to perform outstanding acts of gallantry and defeated repeated enemy attempts to recapture the locality. The steadfastness and dauntless courage displayed by Major Hoshiar Singh were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army, and his refusal to be evacuated despite his serious wounds was an act beyond the call of duty. He was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal of India, the Param Vir Chakra.
Colonel (Retd) Hoshiar Singh, PVC passed away on 6th December, 1998. Click here to go to Bharat Rakshak bio of Colonel Hoshiar Singh.
A newspaper article on Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, Param Vir Chakra. Source - Major Hoshiyar Singh Facebook Page
DCC Gurbachan Singh Salaria (10th NDA ‘B’ Squadron) was commissioned into 3/1 Gorkha Rifles in December 1956. In 1961, the battalion formed part of UN troops stationed in Congo.
The UN Headquarters in Elizabethville was in imminent danger of encirclement and attack by the local gendarmerie.
A tactical roadblock had been established by the enemy. The task of clearing this roadblock was assigned to his battalion.
In the ensuing battle, Capt Salaria with two sections of Gorkhas and two Swedish APCs, led the assault against a well entrenched numerically superior enemy, supported by two armoured cars.
The final charge with bayonet and khukris completely unnerved the enemy who ran away leaving forty dead.
Hit by a burst of automatic fire in his neck and bleeding profusely, Capt Salaria continued leading the charge till he collapsed.
For this valiant act, the country’s highest war honour, the Param Vir Chakra, was bestowed upon him.
ARUN KHETARPAL
SCC Arun Khetarpal (38th NDA ‘F’ Squadron) was commissioned into 17 Horse in June 1971. In December 1971, the regiment was in the Western sector where Indian and Pakistani troops were in battle array.
On December 16, 17 Horse joined battle with the enemy’s 8 Armoured Brigade. During the course of battle, 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal, leading his troops overran the enemy, reorganised and launched a second attack with an armoured squardron.
Ten enemy tanks were destroyed in the fierce tank battle which followed, four of them by the determined young Lieutenant.
His tank then receive a direct hit and burst into flames. Though severely wounded, he refused to abandon his tank.
With grim resolve he set about the task of destroying the remaining enemy tanks. The last one he shot was barely a hundred metres away.
The Lieutenant and his tank erupted in a final blaze of glory after a second direct hit on the turret. Thus ended the glorious saga of a brave young warrior.
A grateful nation conferred upon him the nation’s supreme honour for gallantry and heroism beyond the call of duty.
MANOJ KUMAR PANDEY
Cdt Manoj Kumar Pandey (90th NDA ‘M’ Squadron) was commissioned into 1/11 Gorkha Rifles. On 2/3 July 1999, the battalion was involved in the Battle of Khalubar in the Kargil sector.
Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey led his men in exemplary fashion and displayed extraordinary valour and courage in recapturing the Juber Top from the enemy.
He accomplished the assigned task with a display of astute leadership and raw courage. He led his men from the front and surged ahead despite the hail of bullets and accurate enemy fire from a commanding position.
The assault culminated in a hand-to-hand combat wherein he was grievously injured. With utter disregard for personal safety, he led his men by example and recaptured the post before succumbing to his injuries sustained during the operation.
He was awarded the nation’s highest martial honour for upholding cherished ideals and displaying raw courage under fire.
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest gallantry award for officers
and other enlisted personnel of all military branches of India for the
highest degree of valour in the presence of the enemy. Introduced on Republic Day of India - 26th January 1950 , this award may be given posthumously.
Literally, Param Vir Chakra means 'Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate
Brave'. In Sanskrit, 'Param means Ultimate, 'Vir (Pronounced veer) means
Brave and 'Chakra means Wheel.
If any recipient of the PVC shall again perform such and act of
bravery as would have made him or her eligible to be recorded by a Bar
to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended, and for
every such additional act of bravery, an additional Bar shall be added,
and any such Bar or Bars may also be awarded posthumously. For every Bar
awarded a replica of the 'Indra's Vajra' in miniature shall be added to
the riband when worn alone.
The PVC is the equivalent award of the Medal of Honour in the United States, and the Victoria Cross in the United Kingdom.
One amongst the luminous recipients of this honour was Flying Officer Nirmal Jiit Singh Sekhon,
who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously in the year 1971. He
is the lone Indian Air Force officer to have been honored with the
Param Vir Chakra till date.
Design of Param Vir Chakra
The medal symbolizes Rishi Dadhichi, who had donated his bones to the Gods for making Vajra. The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar who was married to an Indian Army officer. The medal is in the shape of a circular bronze disc with a diameter of 1.375 inches (3.49 cm). The national emblem lies in the center on a raised circle.
PARAM VIR CHAKRA IMAGES
Four replicas of Indra's Vajra surround it. The medal is suspended from a straight swiveling suspension bar. It is named on the edge. A purple ribbon, 32 millimeters (1.3 in) long, holds the Param Vir Chakra. On the rear, around a plain center, are two legends separated by lotus flowers. The words Param Vir Chakra are written in Hindi and English.
परम वीर चक्र
परम वीर चक्र सैन्य सेवा तथा उससे जुड़े हुए लोगों को दिया जाने वाला भारत का सर्वोच्च वीरता सम्मान है। यह पदक शत्रु के सामने अद्वितीय साहस तथा परम शूरता का परिचय देने पर दिया जाता है। 26 जनवरी 1950 से शुरू किया गया यह पदक मरणोपरांत भी दिया जाता है।
शाब्दिक तौर पर परम वीर चक्र का अर्थ है "वीरता का चक्र" संस्कृति के शब्द "परम", "वीर" एवं "चक्र" से मिलकर यह शब्द बना है।
यदि कोई परम वीर चक्र विजेता दोबारा शौर्यता का परिचय देता है और उसे परम वीर चक्र के लिए चुना जाता है तो इस स्थिति में उसका पहला चक्र निरस्त करके उसे रिबैंड दिया जाता है। इसके बाद हर बहादुरी पर उसके रिबैंड बार की संख्या बढ़ाई जाती है। इस प्रक्रिया को मरणोपरांत भी किया जाता है। प्रत्येक रिबैंड बार पर इंद्र के वज्र की प्रतिकृति बनी होती है, तथा इसे रिबैंड के साथ ही लगाया जाता है।
परम वीर चक्र को अमेरिका के सम्मान पदक तथा यूनाइटेड किंगडम के विक्टोरिया क्रॉस के बराबर का दर्जा हासिल है।
फ्लाईंग ऑफिसर निर्मलजीत सिंह सेखो यह प्रतिष्ठित सम्मान पाने वालों में से एक हैं। उन्हें 1971 में मरणोपरांत परम वीर चक्र से सम्मानित किया गया। वे भारतीय वायु सेना के एकमात्र ऐसे ऑफिसर है जिन्हें परम वीर चक्र से सम्मानित किया गया है।
Param Vir Chakra is an Indian serial portraying the real life of Param Vir Chakra gallantry award winners, India's highest military honour. The serial was directed by Chetan Anand and aired on Doordarshan channel in 1980's.
Major Somnath Sharma of the 4th Battalion, the Kumaon regiment, was the first soldier of Indian armed forces to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Though his left arm was in plaster he led his men to battle against
Pakistani raiders to secure Srinagar airfield on 3rd November1947.His
last message was:"The enemy is only 50 yards away from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under
devastating fire. I will fight to the last man and the last round."He was killed in an explosion shortly after sending the message, but his
soldiers fought like men possessed and held on till reinforcements
arrived, after which the enemy was beaten back. Major Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthomously in 1950, the year the award was instituted.
Param Vir Chakra TV serial Episode
Naik Jadunath Singh
Naik Jadunath Singh was in command of a forward post in Kashmir during the 1947-48 operation there. The enemy attacked early one Feb morning. Jadunath and his men beat back the attack but four of them were wounded. The second attack came shortly afterwards. The nine men in the picket were heavily outnumbered and soon all of them were bleeding from variuos wounds but Jadunath spurred them on with words of encouragement. When his gunner was hit he took over the gun himself and the accuracy of his fire power and his daring forced the enemy to withdraw. Jadunath Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. When the third attack came, Jadunath rushed out firing from his sten gun. The enemy was taken back in surprise and fled in disorder. However two bullets hit Jadunath, one in the head and other in the chest. He died of his wounds but he had saved his picket from being overrun by the enemy.
Param Vir Chakra TV serial Episode
Lt RAMA RAGHOBA RANE
In April 1948 at the height of the Jammu and Kashmir Operations, the Indian advance towards Rajauri was held up by several enemy road blocks and mine fields. But over a period of two days, by the 10th of April, 2nd Lt. Ramaa Raghoba Rane and his men of the corps of Engineers had cleared the area of mine fields despite losing two sappers in the operation. Despite the injuries sustained by Rane and five others, they worked through all the night of 8-9th April preparing a safe lane for the armour advance. Next morning braving incessant enemy machine gun fire they cleared a huge road block surrounded by mines within two hours.When the Indian progress was held up by another roadblock 13 kms ahead, an unfazed Rane drove up to it in a tank and blasted the obstructions away. A day later he again worked for seventeen hours to open up the road to Chingas and beyond. Without the Herculean efforts, the Indian advances to Rajuari might never have happened. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his ' grim determination and tireless diligence.
Lance Naik Karam Singh was in command of a forward post in the Tithwal sector during the Jammu & Kashmir operations in 1948. The enemy attacked the outpost again and again, eight times in all but
despite being heavily outnumbered Karam Singh and his men beat back
every attack. Though wounded Karam Singh crawled from place to place encouraging his
men to fight on. He refused to be evacuated even when wounded a second
time. At one stage whe it looked as if the enemy would break through, he
drove him back with hand grenades. During one attack two enemy soldiers almost reached the trenches. If
Karam Singh had fired he might have hit his own men so he leaped out of
the trench and
bayoneted the two men. Awed by his fury the other enemy soldiers turned
and fled
abandoning all the ideas of capturing the post. Lance Naik Karam Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic defence of his post.
Param Vir Chakra TV serial Episode
Company Havildar Major Piru Singh
During an Indian offensive in the Tithwal sector in July 1948, a Company of 6 Rajputana Rifles came under heavy fire while traversing a mountainous path. Seeing his comrades mowed down by machine guns, Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was filled with rage. Shouting his battle cry"Raja Ramchandra ki Jai" he charged the enemy by post. Grenade splinters pierced several parts of his body but that could not stop him. He bayoneted the crew of the machine gun and occupied the post. Bleeding profusely he crawled to the next enemy gun post and on reaching it, leaped into the enemy trench and then fell down dead. On the night of 14/15 April ,1948, he marched his men 13 kms to launch a drawn attack on the enemy at Kopra which was defended by two companies with more in reserve. The surprise attack however evened the odds in favour of the outnumbered Indians. The enemy was routed. Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for the extraordinary courage he had shown while confronting the enemy.
Param Vir Chakra TV serial Episode
CAPTAIN GURBACHAN SINGH SALARIA
Captain Salaria was posthumously honoured with the Param Vir Chakra for his inspiring leadership and courage. In 1961,Captain Gurubachan Singh Salaria was part of a 3000-strong Indian Contingent, Deployed by the UN in Congo to end the Civil war. On 5 th December, a company of the Gorkha Rifles established a road block at a strategic roundabout. Captain Salaria leading a platoon that sought to establish a link up with the company, encountered heavy firing from well-entrenched rebel forces. The Captain and his men charged at the enemy with bayonets, Khukris and hand grenades. In the sharp and swift operation, 40 enemy soldiers were killed and two of their armored cars destroyed. The demoralized enemy fled from the scene of the battle. Captain Salaria, who was wounded in the neck a burst of enemy automatic fire, continued to fight till the very end. He succumbed to his injuries soon after but his gallant action had prevented the enemy from encircling the UN positions.
Icy wings chilled the soldiers to their bone but they could not relax their guard. The enemy was coming. Then just before the dawn the Chinese attacked. Platoons 7 and 8 of C company of a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, led by Major Shaitan Singh took the brunt of the attack.7 Platoon was encircled and wiped out. 8 Platoon too fought to the last man. The company Commander, Major Singh, unmindful of his personal safety moved from platoon to platoon to encourage his men even after he was hit by bullets.Two soldiers tried to move him to a safer place but when he sensed danger to them to leave him. They kept him behind a boulder on the slope of a hill. His body was found there after the war. Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage and leadership.
During the 1965 Indo -Pak conflict the 4 Grenadiers occupied the vital position near China on the Khem Karan Bhikhiwind road. Its two-fold plan was to capture Pak, territory east of Icchogil Canal and repulse a possible enemy attack on Kasur-Khem Karan area. On the night of September 8 Pakistan repeatedly attacked the grenadiers position but was repelled. On September 10 an enemy regiment of Patton tanks attacked preceded by intense artillery shelling. Soon the Indian forward company positions had been penetrated. Seeing the precarious condition they were in Havildar Abdul Hamid moved out to a flank with his gun mounted on a jeep. Braving intense shelling he knocked out the leading enemy tank. Changing his position he knocked out another. Though spotted by the enemy who trained their guns on him, he kept up relentless firing. As he hit yet another enemy tank, he was mortally wounded by an exploding shell. His action inspired his comrades who fought hard and repelled the attack. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his defiant valour.
Deployed on India's western front in December 1965, the 3 Grenadiers led the advance into Shakargarh. Their task was to establish a bridgehead on the Basantar river. Commandeered by Major Hoshiar Singh, the Grenadiers attacked Jarpal, an enemy stronghold across the river. The Grenadiers came under intense artillery fire but the enemy was finally dislodged from jarpal after a fierce hand to hand struggle. The Pakistani retaliated with a strong armored attack. As the battle raged , Major Singh moved among his men , within the trenches, putting his life into risk.In second enemy Attack that followed the next day, Major singh was wounded as he moved in the trenches. When his crew manning the machine-gun fire, Major Singh took over the gun and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Though In deep pain, Major Singh refused to be evacuated and held on till the cease-fire was declared. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry
2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, son of Brigadier M L Khetarpal, was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra. He was commissioned in the 17 Poona Horse on June 13, 1971. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 47 Infantry Brigade, with the 17 Poona Horse under command, was ordered to establish a bridge-head across the Basantar River in Shakargarh sector. Khetarpal fiercely attacked the enemy strong points and captured many enemy soldiers and recoilless guns at gunpoint. He destroyed several enemy tanks. In the thick of the battle, Khetarpal's tank also received a shot and burst into flames. But realising the useful role of his tank in preventing a breakthrough, he set about destroying the remaining enemy tanks. At this stage his tank received a second hit. The brave Officer met his death denying the enemy the intended breakthrough. For his conspicuous gallantry, Khetarpal was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Major Dhan Singh Thapa , 1/8 Gorkha Rifles
Major Dhan Singh Thapa Major Dhan Singh Thapa, born on April 10, 1928 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, was commissioned in the 8 Gorkha Rifles on August 28, 1949. The Sirijap valley, north of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, was considered vital for the defence of Chushul airfield. The 1/8 Gorkha Rifles had outposts there to thwart any enemy encroachment in the area. One of these outposts named Sirijap-1 was held by a platoon of 'D' Company under the command of Major Dhan Singh Thapa when the Chinese attack came on October 21, 1962. Major Thapa repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. For his gallant act, Major Dhan Singh Thapa was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra.
We will add Remaining Episodes of Param Vir Chakra As soon As Possible ...
Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award of India for officers and other
enlisted personnel of all military branches for the highest
degree of valour in the presence of the enemy.Param vir Chakra is the post-Independence
equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir Operations
Major Somnath Sharma, 4 Kumaon, posthumous
Major Somnath Sharma Major Somnath Sharma son of Major General Amarnath
Sharma, was born on January 31, 1923, in Himachal Pradesh. He was
commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment on February 22, 1942. On October 22,
1947, Pakistan launched the tribal invasion of Jammu & Kashmir.
Major Somnath Sharma laid down his life for the country on November 3,
1947 in Badgam, Kashmir in a brave fight against Pakistan troops. Major
General Amarnath Sharma received India's first and highest wartime
gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, on behalf of his son.
2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane, Corps of Engineers
Second
Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane was
born on June 26, 1918 at Chendia, Karnataka. He was commissioned in the
Corps of Engineers on December 15, 1947. He served with distinction
during the 1947-48 Jammu & Kashmir operations. On March 18, 1948,
the Indian Army recaptured Jhangar, which was lost to the enemy in
December 1947. Indian troops then planned an advance from Naushahra to
Rajouri. Rane made a substantial contribution in facilitating the Indian
advance on Rajouri. The gallant effort made by Rane during this
critical advance earned him the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param
Vir Chakra.
Company
Havildar Major Piru Singh Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was born on
May 20, 1918 in Rajasthan. He was enrolled in the 6 Rajputana Rifles on
May 20, 1936. During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in summer of
1948, Pakistani raiders mounted a strong counter offensive in the
Tithwal sector. The enemy also forced the Indian Army to vacate their
forward positions across river Kishanganga. After the setback, Indian
troops took position on the Tithwal ridge. Havilder Major Piru Singh
laid down his life, in a brave fight against the enemies, leaving for
the rest of his comrades a unique example of single-handed bravery and
determined courage. He was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry
medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Naik Jadunath Singh , 1 Rajput, posthumous
Naik Jadunath Singh Naik Jadunath Singh was born on November 21, 1916 in
Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was enrolled in the 1 Rajput Regiment
on November 21, 1941. During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in the
winter of 1947, the capture of Jhangar on December 24th, by the
Pakistani raiders, placed them in an advantageous position in the
Naushahra sector. At a most critical stage in the battle for the defence
of Naushahra, he saved his picket from being overrun by the enemy. Naik
Jadunath Singh was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal,
Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
• Lance Naik Karam Singh, 1 Sikh
Lance
Naik Karam Singh Lance Naik Karam Singh was born on September 15, 1915,
in Barnala, Punjab. He was enrolled in 1 Sikh Regiment on September 15,
1941. He had earned a Military Medal in World War II. During the Jammu
& Kashmir operations in 1948, the Indian Army made substantial gains
in the Tithwal sector. Karam Singh was honoured with the highest
wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, for his outstanding role in
the battle of Tithwal.
1962 Indo-China War
Major Shaitan Singh , 13 Kumaon, posthumous
Major
Shaitan Singh Major Shaitan Singh, son of Lieutenant Colonel Hem
Singhji, was commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment on August 01, 1949.
During the 1962 Indo-China conflict, 13 Kumaon was deployed in Chusul
sector. The battalion led by Major Shaitan Singh held a crucial position
at Rezang La, at a height of 5000 metres. The expected Chinese attack
on Rezang La came on November 18. Unmindful of his personal safety,
Major Shaitan Singh moved from one platoon post to another and
encouraged his men to fight. He was mortally wounded. Shaitan Singh was
awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal,
posthumously, for his leadership and devotion to duty.
Major Dhan Singh Thapa , 1/8 Gorkha Rifles
Major
Dhan Singh Thapa Major Dhan Singh Thapa, born on April 10, 1928 in
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, was commissioned in the 8 Gorkha Rifles on
August 28, 1949. The Sirijap valley, north of the Pangong Lake in
Ladakh, was considered vital for the defence of Chushul airfield. The
1/8 Gorkha Rifles had outposts there to thwart any enemy encroachment in
the area. One of these outposts named Sirijap-1 was held by a platoon
of 'D' Company under the command of Major Dhan Singh Thapa when the
Chinese attack came on October 21, 1962. Major Thapa repulsed the
attack, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. For his gallant act, Major
Dhan Singh Thapa was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal,
Param Vir Chakra.
Subedar Joginder Singh , 1 Sikh, posthumous
Subedar
Joginder Singh Subedar Joginder Singh was born on September 26, 1921,
in Faridkot, Punjab. On September 28, 1936, he was enrolled in the 1
Sikh Regiment. During the 1962 Indo-China War, Subedar Joginder Singh
commanded a platoon in the Tawang sector of North East Frontier Agency.
On October 23, the Chinese launched an attack on the Bum La axis.
Subedar Joginder Singh and his platoon stood firm like a rock. Singh,
despite a wound in the thigh, refused evacuation. He manned a light
machine gun and killed a large number of enemies. By now all ammunition
with the platoon had been exhausted. Subedar Joginder Singh and his men
fell upon the advancing enemy and bayoneted many to death. Subedar Singh
was killed in this epic battle. For his inspiring leadership, courage
and devotion to duty, he was awarded the highest wartime gallantry
medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Lieutenant
Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji
Tarapore was born on August 18, 1923 in Mumbai. He joined the Hyderabad
State Force in 1942 and saw active service in West Asia during World
War-II. He was commissioned in Poona Horse on April 01, 1951. The
biggest tank battle of the 1965 Indo-Pak War took place at Phillora in
the Sialkot sector. Lt. Col. A B Tarapore defied the enemy's charge,
held his ground and gallantly attacked Phillora with one of his
squadrons supported by an Infantry battalion. When wounded, he refused
to be evacuated. On September 14, 1965, he led his regiment to capture
Wazirali. Unmindful of his injury, he again led his regiment and
captured Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on September 16, 1965. In this
battle his own tank was hit several times. Lt. Colonel A B Tarapore tank
was in flames and he died a hero's death. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir
Burzarji Tarapore was awarded with the highest war-time gallantry medal,
Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
CQMH Abdul Hamid , 4 Grenadiers, posthumous
Company
Quarter-Master Havildar Abdul Hamid Company Quarter-Master Havildar
Abdul Hamid was born on July 1, 1933, in Uttar Pradesh. He was enrolled
in the 4 Grenadiers on December 27, 1954. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, 4
Indian Division was entrusted with the responsibility of capturing Pak
territory East of Lchhogil Canal and contain possible enemy attack on
Kasur-Khem Karan axis. The enemy tanks had penetrated the forward
company positions. Hamid was commanding a recoilless gun detachment. He
knocked out two enemy tanks. By this time the enemy brought down
concentrated machine gun and high explosive fire on him. But he kept on
firing. He was mortally wounded by a high explosive shell. Hamid was
honoured with the highest war time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra,
posthumously.
1971 Indo-Pak War
Major Hoshiar Singh , 3 Grenadiers - 1971 War
Major
Hoshiar Singh Major Hoshiar Singh was born on May 05, 1936 in Haryana.
He was commissioned in the Grenadiers Regiment on June 30, 1963. He was
also Mentioned-in-Despatches. On December 17th, during the 1971 Indo-Pak
war, though wounded seriously in enemy shelling, Major Singh again went
alone from trench to trench, moving in the open. Major Singh, realising
the importance of fire support at this juncture, rushed to the machine
gun pit and operated the gun inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
The enemy attack was repulsed, and they beat a hasty retreat. Throughout
this operation, Major Singh displayed the most conspicuous gallantry in
the face of the enemy, grim determination and indomitable spirit. He
was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra.
Second
Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, son of Brigadier M L Khetarpal, was born on
October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra. He was commissioned in the 17
Poona Horse on June 13, 1971. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 47
Infantry Brigade, with the 17 Poona Horse under command, was ordered to
establish a bridge-head across the Basantar River in Shakargarh sector.
Khetarpal fiercely attacked the enemy strong points and captured many
enemy soldiers and recoilless guns at gunpoint. He destroyed several
enemy tanks. In the thick of the battle, Khetarpal's tank also received a
shot and burst into flames. But realising the useful role of his tank
in preventing a breakthrough, he set about destroying the remaining
enemy tanks. At this stage his tank received a second hit. The brave
Officer met his death denying the enemy the intended breakthrough. For
his conspicuous gallantry, Khetarpal was honoured with the highest
wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Flying
Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon
was born on July 17, 1943 in Ludhiana, Punjab. He was commissioned into
the Indian Air Force on June 4, 1967. During the 1971 operations, Sekhon
was with No. 18 "Flying Bullets" Squadron flying the Folland Gnat
fighter based at Srinagar. He and his colleagues fought successive waves
of intruding Pakistani aircraft with valour and determination. On the
14th of December 1971, Srinagar Airfield was attacked by a wave of six
enemy Sabre aircraft. Sekhon took off and immediately engaged a pair of
the attacking Sabres. He succeeded in damaging two of the enemy
aircraft. His aircraft crashed and he was killed. For his sublime
heroism, supreme gallantry, he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest
wartime gallantry medal, posthumously.
Lance Naik Albert Ekka , 14 Guards, posthumous
Lance
Naik Albert Ekka Lance Naik Albert Ekka was born on December 27, 1942
in Ranchi, Bihar. He was enrolled in the 14 Guards on December 27, 1962.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 14 Guards was asked to capture a
Pakistani position at Gangasagar, 6½ km west of Agartala in the eastern
sector. Ekka went with the left forward company of the battalion in the
attack. He charged the enemy bunker, bayoneted two enemy soldiers and
silenced the light machine gun. Though seriously injured in this
encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades with courage,
securing bunker after bunker. He hurled a grenade into the enemy bunker.
Ekka died of the injuries suffered during this battle. Lance Naik
Albert Ekka was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry
medal, posthumously.
1999 Kargil Operations
Four Kargil war heroes were awarded the highest gallantry award on
January 26, 2000 for displaying the valour of the highest order during
operation Vijay. While Caption Vikram Batra and Lt. Manoj Pandey were
awarded PVC posthumously, Grenadier Yogendra Singh and Riflemen Sanjay
Kumar received the award from the President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan in
person.
Captain
Vikram Batra Captain Vikram Batra, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and his
Delta Company were given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Captain
Batra single-handedly engaged three enemy soldiers in close combat and
killed them. He was seriously injured during this combat, but insisted
on regrouping his men to continue with the given task at hand. Inspired
by the extraordinary courage displayed by Captain Batra, the soldiers of
13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at
3:30 a.m. on June 20, 1999. Captain Batra led his men to even more
glorious victories with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. He
was tragically killed, when he tried to rescue an injured officer during
an enemy counterattack. For his sustained display of the most
conspicuous personal bravery, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param
Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously.
Lieutenant Manoj K. Pandey , 1/11 GR, posthumous
Lieutenant
Manoj Kumar Pandey Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles,
forced back the intruders from the Batalik sector on June 11, 1999. He
led his men to recapture the Jaubar Top, a feature of great operational
importance. But his finest hour was in the capture of Khalubar in the
early morning hours of July 3, 1999. On the night of July 2-3, 1999 the
battalion's progress on to its final objective, was halted by a
determined enemy firmly entrenched on commanding heights. The young
officer led his platoon along a narrow, treacherous ridge that led to
the enemy position. He surged ahead of his troops and charged at the
enemy with a full-throated battle cry through a hail of bullets.
Although wounded in the shoulder and leg, he pressed on his solitary
charge with grim determination. Critically bleeding, he collapsed at the
final bunker and finally succumbed to his injuries, but not before the
last of the enemy had been annihilated. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey
was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry,
posthumously.
Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers
Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav of 18
Grenadiers, was part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon tasked to capture
three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill during the Kargil war on the night
of July 3-4, 1999. In spite of having been hit by three bullets in his
groin and shoulder, displaying great strength and resolve, he climbed
the remaining 60 feet, all by himself and reached the top. With rare
grit and courage, he crawled up to the bunker critically injured and
lobbed a grenade killing four Pakistani soldiers and neutralising enemy
fire. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery
and gallantry of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Grenadier
Yogender Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest
medal for gallantry.
Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles
Rifleman
Sanjay Kumar Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, was
the leading Scout of a team tasked to capturing Area Flat Top of Point
4875 in the Mushkoh Valley on July 4, 1999, being held by
Pakistani-backed militants. Without concern for personal safety, Kumar
crawled alone up the ledge and charged towards the enemy bunker, through
a hail of automatic fire. Bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds, he
continued the charge towards the bunker. He then picked up the enemy
machine gun and crept towards the second enemy bunker. Three enemy
soldiers, taken completely by surprise were killed by him on the spot.
For his sustained display of bravery, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was awarded
the Param Vir Chakra.
UN Operations
Captain G.S. Salaria , 3/1 GR, posthumous
Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria was
born on November 29, 1935, in Gurdaspur, Punjab. He was commissioned in
the 1 Gorkha Rifles on 9 June 1957. After the Belgians quit Congo, a
civil war situation developed in that country. When the United Nations
decided upon military intervention to retrieve the situation, India
contributed a brigade of around 3000 men to the UN Force. Captain
Salaria prevented the enemy from going to the roundabout thereby saving
the UN Headquarters in Elizabethville from encirclement. For his
extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Gurbachan Singh
Salaria was awarded the highest wartime medal, Param Vir Chakra,
posthumously.
Saichen Operations
Naib Subedar Bana Singh , 8 JAK LI
Naib Subedar Bana Singh Naib Subedar Bana Singh, born in Kadyal, Jammu
on January 6, 1949, was enrolled in the Indian Army on January 6, 1969
into the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI). During June 1987,
the 8 JAK LI, was deployed in the Siachen area. Naib Subedar Singh
volunteered to join the special task force formed to root out Pakistani
infiltrators. Naib Subedar Bana Singh led his men through an extremely
difficult and hazardous route. Lobbing hand-grenades, charging with a
bayonet and moving from trench to trench, he cleared the post of all
intruders. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime
gallantry medal, for conspicuous bravery and leadership under most
adverse conditions.
IPFK Operations
Major R. Parameswaran , 8 Mahar, posthumous - IPKF Operations
Major
Ramaswamy Parameswaran Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was born on
September 13, 1946, in Mumbai. He was granted Short Service Commission
in the Mahar Regiment on January 16, 1972. He took part in a number of
operations undertaken by the Indian Army. Under the Indo-Sri Lanka
Agreement many Indian Army units were dispatched to Sri Lanka to
maintain law and order there. On November 25, 1987, Major Parameswaran
and his column were ambushed by a group of militants. With great
presence of mind he encircled the militants from the rear and boldly
charged them. During the hand-to-hand combat that followed, one militant
shot him in the chest. Undaunted by his grave injury, he snatched the
rifle from a militant and shot him dead. Though critically wounded he
continued to give orders and inspire his command till he breathed his
last. For the most conspicuous bravery & supreme sacrifice,
Parameswa
Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award of India for officers and other
enlisted personnel of all military branches for the highest
degree of valour in the presence of the enemy.Param vir Chakra is the post-Independence
equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
