Major Puran Singh Rathore
Major Puran Singh Rathore, VrC (Posthumous) (d. 30 November 1965) was an Indian Army officer of the 13 Grenadiers regiment, known for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award.
Early Life and Background
Major Puran Singh was a Bika Rathore Rajput, hailing from the proud martial lineage of Rathores of Bikaner. Known for their service to the motherland, this clan produced many valiant warriors, and Major Puran Singh carried that legacy forward with unwavering patriotism.
Role in the 1965 War
Command at Tanot and Operations
Major Puran Singh was the Officer Commanding Charlie Squadron and Commander of the Tanot post, a strategically important location near the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan. During the 1965 war, he played a stellar role in the capture of Shahgarh and participated in operations at Sadhewala and Tanot, which were significant in pushing back enemy advances.
His leadership helped secure critical positions in the Rajasthan sector, and his troops frequently overcame Pakistani forces with superior tactics, morale, and sheer bravery.
Ambush and Martyrdom
On 30 November 1965, while traveling for a liaison visit to the Sadhewala post, Major Puran Singh and his men were ambushed west of Sadrau village. Enemy machine guns opened fire from both sides of the track. All other occupants of the jeep were killed instantly.
Despite sustaining more than 20 bullet wounds on his right leg and a severe skull injury, Major Puran Singh managed to crawl nearly 30 yards to reach cover. A patrol sent from Tanot in response to the firing reached him and retrieved him alive. However, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
For his gallant leadership, self-sacrifice, and battlefield courage, he was awarded the Vir Chakra (Posthumous) by the Government of India.
Last Letter to His Father
In a deeply moving and courageous letter written to his father shortly before his death, Major Puran Singh described the fierce battles, the hardships endured by his men, and their unyielding morale. He proudly wrote about the capture of Sadhewala, the defence of Tanot, and the devotion of his troops, despite a lack of food and water. He ended the letter by stating:
"यह राठौड़ बच्चा बीका जी की औलाद कहा डरने वाला था डॅटा रहा..."
(“This Rathore child, a descendant of Bika Ji, does not know fear—he stood his ground.”)
Legacy
Major Puran Singh remains a symbol of bravery and selfless service in the Indian Army. His defence of Tanot, now home to the famous Tanot Mata Temple, is regarded as legendary. He exemplified the Rajput warrior ethos and left behind a legacy of valor that continues to inspire generations of soldiers.
Awards and Honours
- Vir Chakra (Posthumous) – for gallantry in action.
- Remembered as a war hero of the Western Sector during the 1965 India-Pakistan War.