These families stand for valour & sacrifice
As India celebrates Army Day on January 15, some families stand out as extraordinary symbols of dedication and sacrifice, with their service to the nation spanning over multiple generations.
The Tribune spoke to a few of these exceptional families, legacies of which are deeply intertwined with the history of the Army, the British Indian Army and even the army of the Sikh Empire, showcasing their courage that has stood the test of time.
Col Sandeep Singh Sandhu (retd) of the illustrious Padhana family traces his family’s lineage to the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in whose army his forefather Wazir Singh had served. Continuing this proud tradition, his great-great-grandfather Honorary Captain Sardar Bahadur Sher Singh Sandhu joined the 4th Punjab Infantry in 1849 and retired after nearly four decades of service.
His great-grandfather Honorary Captain Sardar Bahadur Bishen Singh served in the 57th Wilde’s Rifles and later became ADC to the Lt-Gov of Punjab. Bishen Singh’s son Dewa Singh followed his father footsteps and joined the same regiment, but was tragically killed in action in Waziristan in 1920.
Reflecting on this incredible legacy, Col Sandhu said, “The courage and devotion of my forefathers remind us that serving the nation is not just a duty, but a privilege. Their sacrifices inspire me to carry this legacy forward.”
Col KS Talwar (retd) of Chandigarh is part of another extraordinary legacy. His great-great-grandfather Risaldar Kahn Singh served in the Cavalry of British Indian Army in the 1850s. His great-grandfather Honorary Captain Sardar Bahadur Diwan Singh fought valiantly in World War I with the 24th Punjabis. “My grandfather, Col Waryam Singh played a crucial role during World War II in the Army Service Corps,” he said proudly.
The family’s courage shines through his father late Maj-Gen HS Talwar, who was taken as a prisoner of war during the 1962 Indo-China conflict. “He stood unyielding even in solitary confinement, breaking the enemy’s resolve,” says Colonel Dhillon. His own career in 12 Guards included a gallantry award in Sopore (1994), while his son Major Gurvir Singh carries the torch forward as the sixth generation decorated officer in the 6/11 Grenadiers.
For Col Avtar Singh Dhillon (retd), the connection with the Indian Army stretches across five generations. His great-grandfather Sohail Singh served in the Central India Horse. His grandfather Sowar Dasaundha Singh died in action during the Battle of Cambrai in France in 1917. “His name is immortalised at the Neuve Chapelle War Memorial,” shares Colonel Dhillon. His father, late Lt Col SS Dhillon, served in the Burma Campaign during World War II. Today, Col Dhillon’s son, Lt Col APS Dhillon, continues this proud heritage in the 86 Armoured Regiment.
Col LS Sobti’s (retd) family epitomises a shared commitment to the armed forces, with four members of the family — father and three sons — serving together at one point of time. Commissioned in 1972, Col Sobti followed in the footsteps of his father, late Lt Col BS Sobti, who joined the British Indian Army in 1943. His two brothers, late Lt Col KJS Sobti and Lt Col TS Sobti (retd), were commissioned in 1968 and 1969, respectively. “The Army has profoundly shaped our identity,” reflects Colonel Sobti, now residing in Panchkula.
These families symbolise an unwavering commitment to the nation, their stories a tribute to resilience and courage. On this Army Day, they remind us that valour runs deep in their veins, inspiring generations to uphold the nation’s honour.
