Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh SM

Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh was born on 12 January 1966 in Panpura village of Bhojpur district, Bihar. He was the son of Shri Chandradeep Singh and was raised in a region renowned for its rich tradition of courage, patriotism, and military service, which instilled in him a deep sense of duty towards the nation from an early age. Inspired by the values of discipline and selfless service, he chose a career in the Indian Army at a young age. On 29 February 1984, he was enrolled in the Indian Army and was recruited into the 1 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, one of the Army's most distinguished infantry regiments. The Bihar Regiment traces its origins to 1941, when it was raised by regularising the 11 (Territorial) Battalion and the 19 Hyderabad Regiment, along with the raising of new battalions. Since its inception, the regiment has earned an enviable reputation for its courage, professionalism, and battlefield excellence. It rendered exemplary service during the Second World War and subsequently distinguished itself in the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971, as well as in numerous counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country. Its soldiers have consistently upheld the regiment's proud traditions of valour and sacrifice.

After completing his military training, he served in several operational and field areas, where he consistently displayed professionalism, courage, and dedication to duty. During his military service, he actively participated in Operations Orchid, Trident, and Rakshak, gaining valuable operational experience in diverse and challenging environments. Before his deployment for Operation Vijay during the Kargil War, he was posted in Nagaland, where he served in counter-insurgency operations under demanding conditions. His unwavering commitment, professional competence, and exemplary conduct earned him the respect and admiration of both his superiors and fellow soldiers. By 1999, he had completed more than fourteen years of distinguished military service and had risen to the rank of Lance Naik. During this period, his battalion was stationed in Assam. However, following the large-scale intrusion by Pakistani regulars and militants across the Line of Control in the Kargil sector, the Indian Army mobilised formations from different parts of the country for Operation Vijay.

As part of this mobilisation, 1 Bihar Battalion was redeployed from Assam to Jammu & Kashmir to participate in the Kargil operations. Along with his fellow soldiers, Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh responded to the call of duty with unwavering resolve, prepared to defend the nation's sovereignty under some of the most challenging combat conditions in the world. His journey from a humble village in Bihar to the icy heights of Kargil reflected the dedication, courage, and selfless spirit that define the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

Operation Vijay (Kargil War): 29 May 1999

 With the outbreak of the Kargil War in May 1999, 1 Bihar Battalion, under the command of Colonel O. P. Yadav, was inducted into the Batalik sub-sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay. Following the launch of the operation on 26 May 1999, the battalion was assigned the challenging task of capturing the enemy's forward observation post on the Jubar Complex, known as Jubar Observation Post (Jubar OP), situated at an altitude of approximately 16,400 feet. The first assault on the objective was launched soon after the battalion's induction. However, owing to the limited time available for acclimatisation to the high-altitude conditions, the attack could not achieve its objective. Undeterred by the setback, the battalion reorganised and, within a week, launched another determined assault on the Jubar Hill complex. Despite heavy enemy resistance, the troops succeeded in capturing a strategic position near Jubar Hill by dawn, paving the way for subsequent operations in the sector.

As part of these operations, Charlie Company of 1 Bihar, commanded by the courageous Major M. Saravanan, was entrusted with the mission of capturing Point 4268 on the Jubar Ridge, a heavily fortified enemy position at an altitude of around 14,000 feet overlooking the Batalik sector. The objective was of immense tactical importance, as it provided the enemy with a commanding view of the surrounding area and posed a serious threat to Indian forces advancing in the region. In the early hours of 29 May 1999, Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh, serving as a member of Charlie Company, took part in the daring assault on Point 4268. After an arduous four-hour approach march over steep, rocky, and snow-covered terrain, the assault commenced at approximately 0400 hours. As the Indian troops closed in on the objective, they came under intense enemy artillery, machine-gun, and small-arms fire from well-prepared defensive positions. Displaying exceptional courage and unwavering determination, Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh pressed forward alongside his comrades under the inspiring leadership of Major M. Saravanan. Ignoring the relentless enemy fire, the assaulting troops continued their advance towards the enemy sangars with remarkable grit and determination. During the fierce exchange of fire, Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh fought with exceptional courage and sustained grievous injuries while engaging the enemy.

The operation demanded a heavy price. During the course of the operation, Major M. Saravanan, Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav, Sepoy Pramod Kumar, Sepoy Hardeo Prasad, and Sepoy SSP Gupta made the supreme sacrifice on 29 May 1999 while displaying extraordinary gallantry in battle. Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh, who had been critically wounded during the same operation, continued to battle his injuries before succumbing to them on 7 July 1999. The courage, determination, and supreme sacrifice of these brave soldiers played a significant role in the success of the operations in the Batalik sector during the Kargil War. For his conspicuous bravery, unwavering devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal, one of the Indian Army's distinguished gallantry awards. 

Lance Naik Bidyanand Singh is survived by his wife, Smt Prabato Devi, and daughter Ms Tanvi Singh.