20 January 1993: Remembering Param Vir Chakra Awardee Hon. Captain Karam Singh for his heroics in the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48 on his death anniversary

 

 

 

Honorary Captain Karam Singh(PVC) was an Indian Military War Hero who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime military award in 1948 for his heroics in the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48. He received the award from first President of India, Dr. Rajindra Prasad.

 

Born in Barnala Punjab on September 15,1915, he was enrolled in the 1st battalion of Sikh regiment on 15 September 1941. He also fought for India in World War 2 and was awarded the Military Medal on 14 March 1944. Singh retired from the army as Honorary Captain. He was the first non-posthumous and first Sikh PVC awardee.

 

 

During the J & K operations in the summer of 1948, Indian Army seized control of the Tithwal sector. The Battle of Tithwal went on for months with the Pakistani army constantly vying for its capture. They could not, however, make a dent on the Indian defences.

 

On 13th October 1948, the Pakistan Army launched an attack with a Brigade strength to evict the Indian Army from their strongly held positions. The attack saw immense fighting in the Richmar Gali region and heavy shelling of guns and mortar. The enemy fire took out the communication lines. During this time, the then Lance Naik Karam Singh was commanding a forward outpost in the area. The enemy troops heavily outnumbered the Sikh Regiment and launched no less than 8 attacks on their post. The Indian troops fought fiercely and Lance Naik Singh went around helping his troops and battling the enemy.

 

Lance Naik Singh was wounded but did not lose hope and helped save two of his comrades. The enemy fire rained upon them and it was near impossible for them to break out. But the then Lance Naik Singh did not falter and went from place to place, encouraging his men to fight and charged the enemy with his grenades. Though grievously wounded, he refused evacuation. During the fifth enemy attack, he fought hand to hand with two enemies and bayoneted them to death. His actions inspired his men and demoralized the enemy. Finally, they fought off the last attack on the night of 13th October. The Sikh regiment had lost 15 men while the enemy forces lost nearly 300. The enemy could not capture a single bunker.

 

For his absolute bravery and disregard for his own life in lieu of his nation, Lance Naik Karam Singh was awarded the revered Param Vir Chakra (PVC). His bravery and leadership saved the coveted position of Tithwal and inevitably changed the course of war.

 

He became the only Indian to receive the highest gallantry award from both Indian and British governments. He retired from the army as Subedar and Honorary Captain and left for his heavenly abode on 20th January 1993 at the age of 77. We salute you Honorary Captain Karam Singh, the true Hero of 1948 war, the leader, the man of steel.