Dharamsala: Six decades on, a hero remembered with honour, pride

On the 60th anniversary of the martyrdom of Capt Chander Narain Singh, MVC, a solemn and heartfelt military ceremony was organised by the 16 Garhwal Rifles at Dharamsala to honour the gallant officer’s legacy.

In a symbolic and emotional gesture, Sukhdev Singh Sambyal, the brother of Captain Singh, presented the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and other medals of the late officer to The Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The medals were received with reverence by Lt Gen DS Rana, Colonel of The Garhwal Rifles & Garhwal Scouts, and the Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).

The ceremony was attended by an array of senior officers, including Lt Gen Rajan Sharawat, Brig Vinod Singh Negi, Commandant of The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, and Col Vishal Kumar Singh, CO, 2 Garhwal Rifles. Esteemed veterans, serving officers, troops and the family of Captain Singh also paid tribute to the hero.

In his address, Lt Gen DS Rana paid glowing tributes to Capt Chander Narain Singh, describing him as a true embodiment of courage, leadership and sacrifice. He said: “These medals, now to be displayed in our regimental museum, will serve as a living reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by our brave officer and inspire future generations.”

The medals presented by the family members of the braveheart will be preserved and displayed at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre Museum in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. The medals will act as a lasting tribute to Captain Singh’s heroism and a reminder of the selfless service of personnel from Indian Army,’ elaborates the Army communique/release.

On August 5, 1965, during the Indo-Pak War, Captain Singh, a young officer of the 2nd Battalion, Garhwal Rifles, laid down his life while fighting Pakistani infiltrators. For his extraordinary bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. A native of Ramnagar, Dharamsala, and an alumnus of Government College, Dharamsala, Captain Singh’s legacy lives on through his family and regiment.