New Delhi/Jhunjhunu, 18 July
2025 – There are many names recorded in the history of the Indian Army who
protected the motherland with their amazing courage, bravery and sacrifice. One
of them is Major Piru Singh Shekhawat, who fought till his last breath in the
Indo-Pak war of 1947-48 and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.On 20 May 1918, Rampura Beri
village of Veerbhoomi Jhunjhunu of Rajasthan gave birth to a son, whose veins
were running with the blood of patriotism, courage and sacrifice since
childhood. He was no ordinary child—he was a prophetic warrior, whose eyes were
determined to protect Mother India.
This move gradually became an
immortal saga in the pages of history when his name was included among the
bravest soldiers of India—a name that will continue to teach the lessons of
duty and bravery to generations to come. On 18 July 1948, it was
necessary for the Indian Army to capture a strategic hill in the Tithwal sector
of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Army and tribal infiltrators had occupied this
area. Major Piru Singh led his battalion and took charge. He launched a direct attack to
destroy the medium machine gun post of the Pakistani Army. Despite fierce
firing and heavy losses, he did not lose courage. Even when his comrades started
retreating, he stood firm and faced the enemy single-handedly and remained
steadfast on the front. In this battle, a grenade
exploded on his face, causing blood to flow from his eyes. But he neither
accepted retreat nor was afraid of death. Despite being seriously injured, he
did not lose courage and bravely attacked the second post of the enemy.
Eventually, he was martyred on the battlefield after being hit by a bullet, but
due to his indomitable courage and struggle, the Indian Army conquered that strategic
hill. For his incomparable bravery,
the Government of India posthumously awarded him the "Param Vir
Chakra", India's highest military honor. His name still burns as a flame
of inspiration in the heart of every soldier.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Major Piru Singh,
tweeting: "Veer Piru Singh ji, who
made a significant contribution to the defense of the nation by displaying
unparalleled courage and bravery in the 1948 war, proved through his sacrifice
that for a true warrior, nothing is greater than patriotism and sacrifice. The
bravery he displayed while leading his battalion is still a source of
inspiration for every soldier. I pay my respectful tribute to him on his
Balidan Diwas." Major Piru Singh Shekhawat was
not only a warrior, but also a true son of the soil of India. The tale of his
sacrifice and valour inspires the youth to serve the nation even today. His life is a living lesson -
"Nation comes first, life comes later."