Garhwal Rifles Honours MVC Hero Captain C.N. Singh on 60th Death Anniversary

In a heartfelt tribute that echoed with pride, honour, and remembrance, a solemn ceremony was held on August 5, 2025, at Dharamshala to mark the 60th death anniversary of Captain Chander Narain Singh, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous), a gallant officer of the 2nd Battalion, The Garhwal Rifles, who laid down his life during the India-Pakistan War of 1965.

The occasion was made all the more poignant by a touching gesture from the Braveheart’s family, who handed over his gallantry and service medals, including the Maha Vir Chakra, to the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, ensuring that his legacy lives on within the heart of the institution he served with unmatched bravery.

A Legacy Preserved: Medals Handed Over to the Regiment

In an emotional moment, Shri Sukhdev Singh, younger brother of the late officer, presented the medals to the Regiment. They were received by Lieutenant General D.S. Rana, Colonel of The Garhwal Rifles & Garhwal Scouts and the current Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the family for their generous and patriotic gesture.

Lt Gen Rana assured that the medals would be preserved with the highest honour and would find a proud place at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre Museum in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand, where they will serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of soldiers.

Remembering a True Hero: Captain Chander Narain Singh

Born on 7th July 1939 in Shikarpur village, Garhwal (now in Uttarakhand), Captain Chander Narain Singh joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, a regiment known for its bravery, discipline, and dedication.

On 5th August 1965, just weeks before open hostilities erupted in the India-Pakistan War, he was attached to Headquarters 120 Infantry Brigade when reports emerged of over 100 enemy infiltrators in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. Despite the overwhelming odds, Captain Singh volunteered to lead a combat reconnaissance patrol into the high-altitude region at 4000 feet, fully aware of the dangers involved.

During the operation, the patrol came under intense enemy fire and grenade attack. Demonstrating exceptional courage, Captain Singh led a night assault with his small team, neutralising six enemy soldiers, injuring several more, and forcing the rest into retreat. In the ensuing counterattack, he was shot in the head, yet refused evacuation, continuing to lead his men until he succumbed to his injuries—displaying extraordinary leadership and commitment to the mission and his men.

Maha Vir Chakra: India’s Tribute to Supreme Bravery

For his supreme courage, indomitable spirit, and inspiring leadership, Captain Chander Narain Singh was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. His sacrifice is remembered as one of the finest examples of battlefield heroism in the history of the Indian Army.

A Ceremony Steeped in Respect and Reverence

The ceremony was attended by serving officers, veterans of the Garhwal Rifles, and members of the armed forces, who paid their respects to the fallen hero. Lt Gen D.S. Rana, in his address, said:

“Captain Chander Narain Singh symbolises the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His story of bravery, grit, and self-sacrifice continues to inspire not only the Garhwal Rifles but the entire armed forces. We are honoured to preserve his legacy.”

He also commended the family’s gesture of presenting the medals, acknowledging it as an act of patriotism and remembrance that reflects the values of service, sacrifice, and nation above all.

Medals to Be Displayed at Lansdowne Museum

The family’s donation will be curated and displayed at the Regimental Museum in Lansdowne, a historical and cultural hub that celebrates the legacy of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The medals will serve as a living testament to the bravery of Captain Singh and stand among those of other legendary heroes from the regiment.

Such artefacts play a vital role in educating the public and the armed forces community, reinforcing the ethos of honour, courage, and duty.

Honouring the Fallen, Inspiring the Future

The 60th death anniversary of Captain Chander Narain Singh is not only a moment of remembrance but also one of national reflection and gratitude. His story is one among many that form the bedrock of India’s freedom, security, and pride. In honouring him, the nation reinforces its commitment to preserving the memory of its brave soldiers.

As the ceremony concluded, it left behind a powerful message: that the spirit of sacrifice endures, and heroes like Captain Singh continue to live on—not just in medals and monuments—but in the hearts of a grateful nation and the courage of every Indian soldier who walks in his footsteps.