Naik Jadunath Singh

 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, using machine-gun and mortar fire to suppress Indian defenses. Naik Jadunath Singh, commanding a forward post at Picket No.2, led nine men against thousands of raiders attacking in successive waves. Despite being outnumbered, he used strategic positioning and sheer courage to force the enemy into retreat and confusion.

When four of his men were wounded, he reorganized the remaining soldiers and continued fighting. As the enemy renewed their assault, Naik Jadunath Singh took control of a Bren gun from a wounded soldier and delivered devastating fire, repelling the second attack.

By now, every soldier at the post was either dead or wounded, and the enemy launched a final all-out attack. Wounded and alone, Naik Jadunath Singh refused to surrender. 

He emerged from his defensive position, grabbed a Sten gun, and charged at the advancing enemy, forcing them to flee in panic. However, in this final act of heroism, he was struck by two bullets—one in the chest and another in the head—sacrificing his life to defend his post. His actions saved Naushahra from falling into enemy hands, marking a turning point in the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48.

Legacy and the Param Vir Chakra Award

For his exceptional courage, fearless leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Naik Jadunath Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. His heroic stand at Tain Dhar remains one of the greatest examples of individual bravery in Indian military history. Today, his name is honored in military memorials, war literature, and regimental history, inspiring future generations of soldiers.