CHM Piru Singh, PVC

“He is a soldier, he will fight where ever told to and will win wherever he fights”- George Patton

Born in the pre-independence era in a small village Rampura of Rajasthan, to a great Rajput military family on 20th May 1918. CHM Piru singh was youngest in his family and his family had a long tradition to serve in his military and without fail, Piru Singh without any doubt continued to do so.

On 20th  May 1936 he joined 6^th Rajputana Rifles and later into the British Indian Army. He was rejected twice to be enrolled into the Army because he was young to join, and after two attempts he was made to join the Army. Piru Singh always interested and attracted to outdoor activities who hated going to school and loved to play local sports.

Independence was fresh into the people’s mind and we were enjoying the freedom. But it was not the same in the Kashmir region. During the summer of 1948, Pakistanis captured the village of Tithwal and were in pursuit of capturing the area of Kishanganga river. The British Army tried to push back the intruders and for this the deployed 6^th Rajputana Rifle over the area. The fight began on 11^th of July and Piru Singh was leading the ‘D’ company for the assault among the two companies. Leading the way through narrow ridges and rough roads in order to secure the area, they reached the enemy point. On reaching they were overshadowed by enemy presence and their bunkers. In direct range of the enemy machine guns, they did not lose their hope and crying ‘Raja Ramchandra ki Jai’ they moved forward and assaulted the enemy post. With half of their strength within early hours of battle, Piru Singh leading the team was heavily fired by the enemy and one of the grenades ripped off his clothes and injured his body parts. Bleeding from his parts and still leading ahead with the attack, killing the enemy and capturing the machine gun post by his bayonet and hand combat skill.

By this time his company had almost lost all their men. Alone at the battle field and beading heavy, he threw his grenade, which landed into the second machine gun post, clearing the post and killing few enemies by his bullets ensuring to capture the second point. While emerging from the second post he was struck by a bullet into his head and was down to ground. Within splits of seconds throwing a grenade and the explosion into the third post making it sure the main objective was completed he later succumbed to his injuries. In his selfless service to his nation and ensuring the objective was completed, and showing his bravery and commendable leadership, CHM Piri Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously. His story inspires millions of youth and will be always remembered for his sacrifice to the nation.