Defence and strategic studies

  Major Shaitan Singh: The Hero of Rezang La Introduction Major Shaitan Singh, an embodiment of bravery and sacrifice, played a pivotal role in the Indo-China War of 1962. Commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment on August 1, 1949, he led his men with unmatched courage in the Battle of Rezang La, an engagement that remains one of the most heroic last stands in military history.  His unwavering dedication to duty earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, posthumously. The Battle of Rezang La (November 18, 1962) During the Sino-Indian War, the 13 Kumaon Regiment was deployed in the Chushul sector, a strategically crucial area. Charlie Company (C Coy), led by Major Shaitan Singh, was positioned at Rezang La, at an altitude of 5000 meters.  The terrain was harsh, and the company was is olated from the rest of the battalion, making it a prime target for the Chinese forces. On the morning of November 18, 1962, the Chinese Army launched a massiv...

 2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane: The Brave Engineer of the 1947-48 War 2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, born on 26 June 1918 in Chendia, Karnataka, was a fearless officer of the Corps of Engineers in the Indian Army. Commissioned on 15 December 1947, he played a pivotal role in the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48, leading minefield clearance and road-opening operations that enabled the Indian Army’s advance. His exceptional bravery and dedication earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award. Heroic Actions in the 1947-48 War During the Jammu & Kashmir operations, the Indian Army recaptured Jhangar on 18 March 1948, lost earlier to Pakistani forces. To liberate Rajouri and protect civilians, Indian troops advanced from Naushahra, facing intense enemy resistance.  The 4 Dogra Regiment commenced their push on 8 April 1948, capturing Barwali Ridge. However, beyond this, heavy roadblocks and extensive minefields halted progress. Clearing the Path Under Fi...

 CHM Piru Singh: The Lone Warrior of the Battle of Tithwal (1947-48 Indo-Pak War) Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, born on May 20, 1918, in Rajasthan, was a fearless soldier of the 6 Rajputana Rifles in the Indian Army. Known for his unwavering courage and indomitable spirit, he sacrificed his life during the Battle of Tithwal in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48. His heroic actions earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, posthumously. The Battle of Tithwal: A One-Man Army Against the Enemy During the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48, Pakistani forces launched a counter-offensive in the Tithwal sector, forcing Indian troops to retreat across the Kishanganga River. To regain lost ground, the 6 Rajputana Rifles was moved to Tithwal to strengthen 163 Brigade in its offensive operations. The Indian assault began on July 11, 1948, making steady gains until July 15, when it was discovered that two key enemy-held hill features needed to be captured for further pr...

 Naik Jadunath Singh: The Param Vir Chakra Hero Who Defended Naushahra Naik Jadunath Singh, born on November 21, 1916, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was an extraordinary soldier of the 1 Rajput Regiment in the Indian Army. His unmatched bravery and sacrifice during the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48 in the Battle of Tain Dhar (Naushahra sector, Jammu & Kashmir) made him one of India's greatest war heroes. His fearless stand against repeated Pakistani raider attacks earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award, posthumously. The Battle of Tain Dhar: Defending Naushahra Against All Odds During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in 1947, Pakistani raiders captured Jhangar on December 24, gaining a strategic advantage in the Naushahra sector. Anticipating an attack, Brigadier Usman of the 50 Para Brigade reinforced key defensive positions, including Tain Dhar, a crucial entry point. On February 6, 1948, at 0640 hours, the enemy launched a massive attack, ...

  Major Hoshiar Singh: The Param Vir Chakra Hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War Major Hoshiar Singh, born on May 5, 1936, in Haryana, was an exemplary officer of the 3 Grenadiers Regiment in the Indian Army. Commissioned on June 30, 1963, he was known for his exceptional leadership and bravery His most defining moment came during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where he played a crucial role in India’s victory on the Western Front. For his outstanding valor, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. Battle of Basantar: Defining Bravery in 1971 War During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the 3 Grenadiers Regiment spearheaded the 54 Infantry Division's advance in the Shakargarh sector. On December 15, they were tasked with securing a bridgehead across the Basantar River, a heavily defended enemy position covered by deep minefields. Leading ‘C’ Company, Major Hoshiar Singh launched an aggressive attack on Jarpal, facing intense artillery sh...

 Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore: The Tank Hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak War Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzoji Tarapore, fondly known as Adi, was born on August 18, 1923, in Bombay. His military heritage traced back to General Ratanjiba, a commander under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Enrolled in Sardar Dastur Boys School, Poona, he excelled in athletics, gymnastics, and sports. Driven by a passion for armored warfare, he joined the Hyderabad State Forces in 1942, later transferring to the prestigious Poona Horse regiment after Hyderabad's merger with India. Military Achievements and the 1965 Indo-Pak War The Poona Horse regiment, raised in 1817, played a pivotal role in India's military history, fighting in both World Wars and later in India's post-independence conflicts.  On 11 September 1965, the Poona Horse Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore, was assigned the critical task of leading the main armored thrust to capture Phillora in the Sialko...

 DySP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat: A Hero's Sacrifice DySP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, a name etched in the annals of Indian policing history, epitomized courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty. His ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, earned him the prestigious Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Born into a family with a legacy of service, Bhat followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Jammu and Kashmir Police. His career was marked by exceptional professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility towards his nation. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and a keen understanding of counter-terrorism operations. The fateful encounter in Anantnag unfolded on September 11, 2023, when a group of heavily armed terrorists launched an attack. Undeterred by the grave danger, Bhat fearlessly led his team from the front, displaying extraordinary ...

 Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria: The Fearless Hero of the Congo Crisis Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, born on November 29, 1935, in Jamwal village, Shakargarh (now in Pakistan), was an officer of the 1 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. He is remembered for his extraordinary bravery during the United Nations Operation in the Congo (1961), where he became the only UN peacekeeper to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military gallantry award. Heroic Actions in the Congo Crisis  He displayed unparalleled bravery during the 1961 United Nations Operation in the Congo, where he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award. In response to escalating violence following Belgium's exit from Congo, the United Nations deployed a military intervention force, with India contributing a brigade of 3,000 soldiers.  On December 5, 1961, Captain Salaria's platoon was tasked with reinforcing a vital UN roadblock established by the 3/1...

Lance Naik Albert Ekka:  Lance Naik Albert Ekka, a brave soldier of the 14 Guards Regiment, was born on December 27, 1942, in Jari, Ranchi, Jharkhand. He is remembered for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, where he played a crucial role in the Battle of Gangasagar, ultimately earning the nation's highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.   During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, his battalion was tasked with capturing a heavily fortified Pakistani position at Gangasagar, 6 km west of Agartala, a key objective for the capture of Akhaura in the eastern sector.  On December 4, 1971, at 0400 hours, the 14 Guards launched an attack, facing intense enemy shelling and small arms fire. Lance Naik Ekka displayed exceptional bravery by charging an enemy bunker that was causing heavy casualties, bayoneting two enemy soldiers, and silencing the light machine gun despite being seriously injured. Undeterred, he continued clearing...

  Sub Joginder Singh Subedar Joginder Singh: The Braveheart of the Indian Army Introduction Subedar Joginder Singh is an iconic figure in Indian military history, known for his extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War. His fearless leadership and determination in the face of overwhelming odds earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award. Early Life and Military Career Subedar Joginder Singh was born on September 26, 1921, in the village of Mahla Kalan, Punjab. From a young age, he displayed a deep sense of patriotism and discipline. In 1936, he joined the Sikh Regiment, one of the most distinguished regiments of the Indian Army. Throughout his military career, he was known for his discipline, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty. Battle of Bum La (1962 Indo-China War)   During the 1962 Indo-China War, he commanded a platoon in the Tawang sector of NEFA (North East Frontier Agency). On October 20, his platoon obser...

  Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been the interim leader of Burkina Faso since the coup d'état in September 2022 that ousted interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. At 36 years old, Traoré is currently the world's youngest serving president. Early Life and Education Born on March 14, 1988, in Kéra, Bondokuy, Mouhoun Province, Traoré completed his primary education in Bondokuy and attended high school in Bobo-Dioulasso, where he was recognized as a quiet and talented student. In 2006, he enrolled at the University of Ouagadougou to study geology.  During his time there, he was active in the Association of Muslim Students and the Marxist-oriented Association Nationale des Étudiants du Burkina (ANEB), eventually becoming a delegate known for advocating on behalf of his peers. He graduated with honors. Military Career Traoré joined the Burkina Faso Army in 2009 and graduated from the Georges-Namoano Military Academy. He received anti-aircraft training in Morocco before being...

Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran:  A Gallant Hero of the Indian Army Introduction Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran, a revered officer of the Indian Army, is celebrated for his unwavering bravery and supreme sacrifice during India’s peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka. His exemplary leadership and selfless service earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, posthumously. Early Life and Military Career Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran was born on September 13, 1946, in Bombay (now Mumbai). After completing his education, he joined the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. He was commissioned into the 15th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, where he displayed outstanding leadership and tactical skills. Operation Pawan and the Sri Lanka Mission Major Parameshwaran played a pivotal role during Operation Pawan, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission in Sri Lanka aimed at disarming the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On November 25, 1987, wh...

 Real Heroes  Major Mukund Varadarajan, Major Mukund Varadarajan, born on April 12, 1983, in Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, was an exemplary officer of the Indian Army. He hailed from a Tamil  family and was inspired by his grandfather and uncles who had served in the army. Mukund completed his Bachelor of Commerce from Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya in Kanchipuram and a diploma in journalism from Madras Christian College, Chennai. He married his college mate, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, on August 28, 2009, and they were blessed with a daughter, Arshea Mukund, born on March 17, 2011.  Commissioned into the 22nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment on March 18, 2006, Major Mukund showcased exceptional leadership and bravery throughout his service. He served at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, and participated in a United Nations Mission in Lebanon. In December 2012, he was deputed to the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles, operating in the ...