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...