Major Shaitan Singh was a brave and valiant soldier who led his troops to victory against a much larger enemy force during the 1962 Indo-China War. He was awarded the highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously, for his exceptional courage, leadership, and sacrifice.
Born on December 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Major Shaitan Singh was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1949. He was posted in the Rezang La area of Ladakh during the Indo-China war in 1962, where he and his men fought fiercely against the Chinese forces despite being outnumbered and outgunned.
In this article, Radiumbox Foundation will delve into the life and times of Major Shaitan Singh and his heroic actions in the battle.We will take a closer look at the life, achievements, and sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh, and how he continues to inspire generations of Indians.
Early Life and Education
Major Shaitan Singh was born into a Rajput family in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Born on December 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Shaitan Singh grew up in a family with a strong military background. His father, Amar Singh Rathore, was a Major in the Indian Army, and his uncle, Gurbir Singh, was a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force.
He was an intelligent and disciplined student, and after completing his schooling, he joined the Jodhpur University to pursue his higher education.
However, his desire to serve the nation led him to join the Indian Army, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Kumaon Regiment in 1949.
Military Career
After completing his training at the Indian Military Academy, Major Shaitan Singh was posted in various parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, and Punjab. He was known for his exceptional leadership skills, courage, and dedication to his duty.
In 1944, Shaitan Singh joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1949. He was later transferred to the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, which he would go on to command during the Indo-China War.
The Battle of Rezang La
The Battle of Rezang La was fought on November 18, 1962, in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese Army had launched a massive offensive in the area, and Major Shaitan Singh and his troops were tasked with holding the crucial Rezang La pass.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, Major Shaitan Singh and his 123 soldiers dug in and prepared for the battle. They knew that the Chinese Army would not give up the pass easily, and they were determined to hold their ground. He was commanding a company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment in the Rezang La area of Ladakh when his battalion came under attack from the Chinese forces.
The battle began at around 4:30 am, and the Chinese Army launched wave after wave of attacks on the Indian positions. However, Major Shaitan Singh and his troops held their ground and fought back fiercely.
Despite being severely outnumbered, the Indian soldiers were able to inflict heavy fatalities on the Chinese Army. Major Shaitan Singh himself was wounded multiple times but refused to leave the battlefield. He continued to lead his soldieries from the front and inspired them with his bravery and courage.
In the end, all 123 soldiers under Major Shaitan Singh’s command were killed in action.
Finally, as the Chinese forces closed in, Major Shaitan Singh massed meeting his men for one last stand, and they fought till their last breath, killing more than 1,300 Chinese soldiers. However, their sacrifice was not in vain. The Chinese Army suffered heavy losses, and the Indian Army was able to hold the crucial Rezang La pass.Major Shaitan Singh and all his men were martyred in the battle, but their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Indians.
The Legacy of Major Shaitan Singh
Major Shaitan Singh’s bravery and sacrifice in the Battle of Rezang La will always be remembered in Indian military history. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional courage and leadership during the Indo-China war
He was also awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his bravery in other operations.
Today, a memorial in honor of Major Shaitan Singh and his troops stands at Rezang La pass, where they made their last stand. The memorial serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh and his soldiers and inspires future generations of Indian soldiers.
In addition, Major Shaitan Singh’s regiment, the 13 Kumaon, was awarded the Battle Honour “Rezang La” in recognition of the exceptional valour and sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh and his men.
Awards and Recognition
He was also awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his bravery in other operations at war.In addition, Major Shaitan Singh’s regiment, the 13 Kumaon, was awarded the Battle Honour “Rezang La” in recognition of the exceptional heroism and forfeit of Major Shaitan Singh and his men.
Conclusion
Major Shaitan Singh, the braveheart who fought till his last breath, is an epitome of courage, leadership, and sacrifice. His life and achievements continue to inspire generations of Indians to serve the nation and make a difference in the world.
Radiumbox Foundation remembers Major Shaitan Singh on his birth anniversary, let us take a moment to pay our respects to all the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Let us also pledge to uphold their legacy and strive towards a better and brighter future for our country.
FAQs about Major Shaitan Singh
- What was Major Shaitan Singh’s role in the Indo-China war?
Major Shaitan Singh was commanding a company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment in the Rezang La area of Ladakh during the Indo-China war in 1962. He and his men fought fiercely against the Chinese forces despite being outnumbered and outgunned.
- What awards and recognition did Major Shaitan Singh receive?
Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry award, for his exceptional courage and leadership during the Indo-China war. He was also awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his bravery in other operations.
- How did Major Shaitan Singh inspire generations of Indians?
Major Shaitan Singh’s sacrifice and valour continue to inspire generations of Indians, especially the youth, to serve the nation and uphold its honour and dignity. His life and achievements are a testament to the spirit of selflessness, courage, and sacrifice, which are the hallmark of a true soldier.
- When was the Battle of Rezang La fought?
The Battle of Rezang La was fought on November 18, 1962.
- How many soldiers were under Major Shaitan Singh’s command during the battle?
Major Shaitan Singh commanded 123 soldiers during the Battle of Rezang La.
- What was the outcome of the battle?
The Indian Army was able to hold the crucial Rezang La pass, but all 123 soldiers under Major Shaitan Singh’s command
