There are plenty of heroes in Indian Armed Forces. This blog is to bring out the heroic act of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat during the 1962 Indo-China War. A salute to this braveheart!
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, MVC (19 August 1941 – 17 November 1962) was an Indian Army soldier serving in the Garhwal Rifles who was awarded the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra posthumously as a result of his actions during the battle of Nuranang in present-day Arunachal Pradesh, India, during the Sino-Indian War.[1]
Jaswant Singh Rawat was born on 19 August 1941 to Shri Guman Singh Rawat, at village Baryun in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Rifleman Jaswant Singh joined Indian Army on 19 Aug 1960 at the age of 19 years. He was recruited into 4 Garhwal Rifles of the famed Garhwal Rifles Regiment, known for its gallantry and many battle honours in various operations. .
Many Arunachalee old-timers recall the 1962 Indo-Chinese conflict with fear and anger. The Chinese forces entered deep into Arunachal Pradesh along many axis like Taksing-Limeking, Mechuka/Manigong-Tato, Gelling-Tuting, Kibithoo-Walong aies, and the main Tawang-Bomdila-Rupa axis.
During the war, the 4 Garhwal Rifles was ordered to prepare delaying position at Nuranang (now called Jaswant Garh) in the role of covering troops for the main defenses at Sela. ‘A’ Company was deployed left of the Sela-Jang road, and was led by Second Lieutenant SN Tandon.
On 17 November, 1962, the Chinese attacked with about two infantry battalions in three waves, but were beaten back due to good defensive preparation and support weapons like light machine guns (LMG). However, during the fourth attack, the Chinese deployed a medium machine gun (MMG) within 30mts of the Indian bunkers. As their MMG started firing, Chinese attacks commenced again. Within seconds, the situation became desperate.
When the troops of Garhwal Rifles were given the command to return back from Battle of Nuranang, a 21-year-old Sepoy from the unit refused to leave the battleground. In a display of rare courage, he held the post and gave a tough time to the Chinese soldiers with his dare-devilry.
He was helped by two local Monpa girls – Sela and Nura who set up weapons at different places, creating an illusion that Indian soldiers were massive in numbers. Jaswant Singh Rawat along with Sela and Nura used to run at different spots and fire at the enemies. The attack of Jaswant was proving fatal for Chinese. They were clueless about the size of Indian army.
But the MMG had to be neutralized. Rawat and Gusain, aided by covering fire from Negi closed within a grenade-throwing distance of the machine gun position and neutralized the Chinese detachment of five sentries, seizing the MMG in the process. However, while returning, Gusain and Negi lost their lives and Rawat was seriously injured, although he managed to return with the captured weapon.
With a vengeance, the Chinese army retaliated in which Sela was killed in a grenade burst. Legends also says that Sela died by jumping off from the cliff to avoid getting captured by Chinese. In this battle for nation, even Nura was killed by the Chinese.
Rfn Jaswant Singh was martyred but his daredevil action silenced the MMG and a major threat was neutralized. This turned the course of the battle and eventually the Chinese retreated, suffering a loss of 300 soldiers.
Rfn Jaswant Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exceptional bravery, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice. Rfn Jaswant Singh’s unit, 4 Garhwal Rifles was awarded the battle honour Nuranang, the only battle honour awarded to an Army unit in the Sino-Indian war of 1962.
The post where Jaswant fought his last battle is now named as Jaswant Garh. His personal belongings are still kept safe even today at Jaswant Garh. Five soldiers are specially assigned to take care of Jaswant Singh’s room. Though the room is empty, soldiers place the morning bed tea at 4.30 AM, prepare breakfast at 9 am and dinner at 7 pm. According to army sources, it is discovered that bed sheets of his room are found crumpled and his clothes lay scattered in the room. The people of army still believe that Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat still guards the post as a spirit and is been guiding Indian soldiers in dreams. He is the only soldier who is promoted to post of Major general after his death. His salary is credited every month and most strange of all, he is even granted official leaves.
His popularity has rose to such enormity that countless people come to Jaswant Garh to pay their respects to this Braveheart who had single handedly taken on massive Chinese army. There are several versions connected to story of Jaswant Singh Rawat. Whatever may be versions of his story, one cannot doubt his courage and sacrifice he made for India and still continues to safeguard Indian post even as a spirit.
A movie has been made on Jaswant Singh named 72 Hours: Martyr who never died by Avinash Dhyani. Though it has never been publicized as much, it is a must watch!
A SALUTE TO THIS BRAVEHEART who even believed that he could alone stand guard our border!
#jawantsinghrawat #indianarmy #garhwalrifles #arunachal #indochinawar #India #history #braveheart #72hours
https://prashantb.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/the-unsung-hero-of-1962-war-rifleman-jaswant-singh-rawat/
https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/rifleman-jashwant-singh-rawat-mvc/
https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2019/12/22/heroes-of-1962-war-in-arunachal-battle-of-nuranang/
https://www.scrolldroll.com/the-story-of-rifleman-jaswant-singh-rawat/
Thanks for writing about this brave Martyr- who was fearless & selfless at such a young age.
Salute to him & many such martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country
I was stunned when I heard that one man could do so much!
He was an amazing soldier! Such tales are an inspiration to lead an inspiring life ourselves!