New Delhi, July 18
On July 18, India solemnly remembers Company Havildar Major (CHM) Piru Singh, a soldier whose name is etched in the annals of military history for unmatched gallantry and sacrifice.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes on his ‘Balidan Diwas’, recalling his supreme bravery in the 1948 Battle of Tithwal, a defining moment in the first India-Pakistan war in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I pay my heartfelt tributes to Company Havildar Major Piru Singh on his ‘Balidan Diwas’. His unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice in the 1948 Battle of Tithwal reflect the finest traditions of the Indian Army. The nation will forever remain indebted to this brave son of our motherland,†said the Defence Minister on X.
Born in Rajasthan, Piru Singh was serving the Indian Army in the Rajputana Rifles in 1948. In the summer of 1948, as part of the 6th Rajputana Rifles, he was tasked with capturing a strategic position in Tithwal, Jammu and Kashmir — a mission critical to pushing back infiltrators supported by Pakistan.
According to official records and commemorative visuals earlier released by the Indian Army, Singh's platoon came under heavy enemy fire as they advanced. Casualties mounted, and the operation seemed on the verge of collapse. However, CHM Piru Singh, despite sustaining grave injuries, rallied his men and single-handedly destroyed two Medium Machine Gun positions of the enemy.
What followed was an act of legendary courage. Realising he was the sole survivor in the assault team, Singh continued the charge.
Bloodied and wounded, he crawled towards the final enemy bunker as grenades exploded around him. In his final act of valour, he neutralised the enemy position before succumbing to his injuries — making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
In recognition of his fearless leadership and heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
CHM Piru Singh’s story is more than a tale of war — it is the legacy of devotion, courage, and an unflinching sense of duty. As Minister Rajnath Singh aptly said, “The nation will forever remain indebted to this brave son of our motherland.â€
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone new to India, reading about such incredible bravery gives me goosebumps. The Param Vir Chakra stories should be known worldwide. Respect to all Indian soldiers protecting borders in harsh conditions.
My grandfather served in the same regiment! These stories were our bedtime stories. But why don't we have proper memorials for such heroes in every city? We build statues for politicians but forget real warriors.
While we rightly honor our martyrs, the government must also focus on improving conditions for current soldiers. Better equipment, timely promotions and housing facilities would be true respect for their sacrifice.
चमक उठी सन सतà¥à¤¤à¤¾à¤µà¤¨ में, वह तलवार पà¥à¤°à¤¾à¤¨à¥€ थी... These lines from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's poem come to mind. Piru Singh ji was that shining sword of India! We need movies on such real heroes instead of remakes.
The courage to keep fighting when you're the last man standing... that's beyond comprehension. As a veteran myself, I can say India produces some of the bravest soldiers in the world. Respect from USA.
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