Villagers recall Chandpuri as ace footballer

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

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Tribune News Service

Nawanshahr, November 17

The residents of Chandpur Rurki and Saroya villages in Nawanshahr district mourned the death of Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. Chandpur Rurki was his ancestral village, while he had spent his childhood at Saroya, which is 4 km away.

Chandpuri’s close relative Gurwinder Singh (37), who looks after his house, remembered him as a lively person who exuded positivity despite being afflicted with cancer.

Chandpuri’s passion for football prompted him to take admission at Khalsa College, Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur), considered a hub of the sport. He did matriculation from Government High School, Saroya, and graduation from Government College, Hoshiarpur. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also an alumnus of this college.

The Brigadier used to motivate village youngsters to join the Army and involve themselves in sports. He had visited Chandpur Rurki village in February and inaugurated a sports tournament.

“I had met him a week ago in Chandigarh. He seemed to be going strong. His death has shaken us,” he said.

Shiv Dev Singh (64), another relative of the Brigadier, said Chandpuri was the bravest man he had known in his life. Harsimran Singh, former chairman, Saroya block samiti, said, “Despite being a senior Army officer, he never lost contact with people from the village. This is an irreparable loss.”

CM: Illustrious Army officer

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday condoled the death of Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled Chandpuri's remarkable services as an astute and illustrious Army officer who handled several military operations immaculately, besides a prolific writer on defence preparedness and military warfare strategies. He said Chandpuri's exemplary and heroic leadership in the Battle of Laungewala would be ever remembered by one and all. Finance Minister Manpreet Badal also mourned the death.

College ‘forgets’ alumnus 

Hoshiarpur: Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri did graduation from Government College, Hoshiarpur, but the institution seems to have forgotten one of its most distinguished alumni. The flex hoardings on the campus and in the Principal’s room carry the pictures and names of its renowned alumni, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, there is no mention of Brig Chandpuri. Acknowledging the omission, Principal Dr Paramjit Singh said it had happened inadvertently, even as he mourned Brig Chandpuri’s death. OC