They called him ‘Baba’, writes Gen Lachhman Singh, in his classic, Victory in Bangladesh. Soldier- Saint Brig Sant Singh Gill, MVC* won his second MVC for capturing Mymensingh and Basantpur in northeast Bangladesh…They saw a father-figure in him, the Bangladeshis he trained and led. Unsurprisingly, the Sikhs he led in the post-ceasefire operation of OP Hill, 1965, saw him similarly. That battle won him his first MVC, setting amazing standards of courage under fire. Read his story of infectious, ‘follow me’ courage, thinking on-one’s-feet and jugaad to convert fleeting battlefield opportunities into classic attack/pursuit operations. Sant is one of only six officers awarded a Bar to the MVC.
Humble beginnings
Physically of modest stature, Sant was born on July 12, 1921 to a marginal Jat Sikh farming family in Panjgrain Kalan village, Faridkot Princely State. Post-Matriculation and Intermediate as a boarder, Sant enlisted in July 1941 as a clerk in the Faridkot State Forces Engineer Field Company when World War II was raging.
During the Japanese siege of Imphal in March-June 1944, his CO, Lt Col B A E Maude, recommended him for an Officers Commission. After display of fortitude and persistence of a rare order, Sant was commissioned on February 16, 1947 in 1/14 Punjab Regiment then deployed in NWFP; gaining firsthand guerilla warfare experience.
On partition, with the Regiment allotted to Pakistan, Sant reported to 2 SIKH LI at Rajkot, Gujarat in November 1947 in time for the Junagadh State operations. He then reported to 1 SIKH LI, participating in operations in Naushehra-Jhanger Sector from January 1948-April 1953 and being awarded a M-in-D (Gallantry) though recommended for a Maha Vir Chakra (MVC).
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Geopolitics.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Geopolitics.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
