Jaswant Singh Rawat by Arvind Tiwari

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat is considered the hero of Sino-India War in 1962. Words fall short when it comes to telling this brave man’s story. Hero of the 1962 Indo-China war, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4th Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment. The only soldier in the history of the Indian Army who has risen through the ranks after his death. He was promoted to the rank of Major General 40 years after his death, and is still believed to command troops guarding India’s eastern frontiers with China.

During the 1962 war, soldiers were ordered to vacate their posts as soon as possible due to heavy casualties against the Chinese at the Battle of Nuranang. But Jaswant did not leave his position and continued to fight even after the other soldiers had left. Rawat was helped by two Monpa tribal girls named Sela and Nura.

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The trio set up weapons at separate points and maintained a volume of fire to make the Chinese believe they were facing a huge battalion. He successfully managed to fool them for three days. But the Chinese found out about the set up through a man who used to supply rations to Rawat and the two girls. At this point, Rawat chose to shoot himself rather than be captured by the Chinese forces. The Chinese forces cutoff Jaswant Singh’s head and took it back to China as a war souvenir.

The post that Rawat held to repulse the Chinese troops has been renamed Jaswant Garh in recognition of his courage. A small shrine to Rawat has also come up at the battle spot. All army personnel who pass by this route make sure to pay their respects to him here.

He was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery. Jaswant Singh’s display of valor. His love for his nation has proved to be a great source of inspiration to Indian soldiers.

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