2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana VrC

Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana hailed from Jawali village in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh and was born on 05 August 1949. He was the son of Shri Kharak Singh Kasana and grew up in a humble rural setting, where stories of courage, sacrifice, and military life often inspired the youth. Like many boys from his village, he was deeply drawn towards the life of a soldier. Over the years, this admiration evolved into a determined dream—to wear the Indian Army uniform and serve the nation. With perseverance and dedicated effort, he cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination, earning his place at the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. He joined the SS-10 Course and underwent rigorous physical, mental, and leadership training—training that moulds young men into officers of the Indian Army. On 14 March 1971, at the age of just 21, he passed out from OTA along with 337 fellow cadets, proudly earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant.

He was commissioned into the 9 Dogra Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, an infantry regiment celebrated for its rich traditions, battle honours, and unmatched gallantry in numerous operations and wars fought by the Indian Army. Barely months into his military career, the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan escalated rapidly. War clouds gathered over the nation, and 2nd Lt Bharat Singh—still new to service—was thrust straight into operational duties. His unit was deployed along the eastern front, where intense military action was expected as the 1971 Indo-Pak War became inevitable. Despite being among the youngest officers, he carried out his duties with utmost dedication, courage, and professionalism, fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the olive green uniform.

Battle of Suadih (Eastern Sector: Indo-Pak War): 04 Dec 1971

During Dec 1971, 2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana's unit, 9 Dogra Battalion, was deployed in the Eastern Sector. The unit was functioning under the operational control of 41 Mountain Brigade. This Mountain Brigade was functioning under the 4 Mountain Division, with overall operational control being exercised by 2 Corps. Though the war with Pakistan actually commenced on 03 Dec 1971, when the Pakistani Air Force attacked Air Bases of India, the border skirmishes were going on much before that and 2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana's unit was involved in several operations as early as November 1971. After the declaration of the war, as part of the operational plan, it was decided to capture Suadih village on the way to Kot Chandpur. The overall plan of the Indian Army was to move toward Kaliganj and Jhenida to cut off the Pakistani escape routes to Dacca, the East Pakistani capital. In order to tackle the enemy defences at Suadih, it was necessary to capture the enemy positions at Madurbere. The 9 Dogra battalion was tasked to capture the border town of Madurbere. 

2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana was functioning as platoon commander of one of the Companies of the 9 Dogra Battalion. His Company was tasked with capturing the strategic location of Madurbere, a mission that would prove to be both challenging and perilous. As dawn broke, the company launched an attack to seize the railway bridge north of Madurbere. The enemy, however, was well-prepared, and intense automatic fire from bunkers overlooking the bridge halted their advance. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the smell of gunpowder, as the soldiers fought valiantly to neutralise the enemy positions. After successfully silencing one bunker, the Company faced another deadly threat. A second bunker, positioned about 150-200 yards away, unleashed a barrage of fire, stopping the company in its tracks. It was at this critical juncture that 2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana’s leadership shone through. Despite the heavy artillery and automatic fire raining down on them, he rallied his platoon and led a daring assault on the enemy bunkers.

Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana displayed exemplary courage in the face of fierce enemy fire. Even when a burst from a medium machine gun struck his leg, he refused to slow down or seek cover. Ignoring the intense pain and his grievous injury, he continued to advance with unwavering resolve, fully committed to the mission and to leading his men from the front. As he closed in on the enemy position, another burst of automatic fire struck him on the forehead. Despite his valiant efforts, he succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield, laying down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His sacrifice, however, was not in vain. Inspired by his leadership and determination, his company pressed forward, neutralised the enemy defences, and successfully achieved the assigned objective. Along with Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana, thirteen other brave soldiers of 9 Dogra laid down their lives during the operation. These fallen heroes included Subedar Onkar Singh, Lance Naik Deputy Singh, SM, Sepoy Harnam Dass, Sepoy Sher Singh, Sepoy Bharat Singh, Sepoy Diwan Chand, Sepoy Roshan Lal, Sepoy Janak Raj, Sepoy Jagdish Chand, Sepoy Janak Singh, Sepoy Ram Chander SM, Sepoy Paras Ram and Sepoy Janak Singh.

This victory by the 9th Dogra Battalion was responsible for the eventual fall of Suadih, which was a strong bastion of the Pakistan Army's most fortified position in the country. This facilitated the Indian Army's advance toward Dacca as per the overall operational plan. For this task, the 9 Dogra Battalion was awarded the battle honour of Suadih. During this operation, 2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana showed remarkable gallantry in the face of the enemy beyond the call of his duty and made the supreme sacrifice. He was posthumously given the nation's 3rd highest gallantry award, "Vir Chakra" on 15 Aug 1972 for his outstanding courage, determination, and supreme sacrifice.

2nd Lt Bharat Singh Kasana is survived by his wife, Smt Nirmal Kasana.

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana was a platoon commander with a Battalion of the Dogra Regiment which was given the task of capturing Madurbere in the Eastern Sector. An attack was launched by a company of the Bat- talion to capture the railway bridge north of Madurbere but it was held up by intense automatic fire from enemy bunkers overlooking the bridge. After the company had neutralised one bunker, another one opened up at a distance of about 150-200 yards which halted the company's advance. At this stage, Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana mustered his platoon and though under very heavy artillery and auto- matic fre, he led the assault on the enemy bunkers. In the process, he was hit by a burst of medium machine gun fire in the leg but unmindful of his injury, he pressed home the assault. He was again hit by a burst of automatic fire on his forehead, and he succumbed to his injuries.

In this action, Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order.

• In honour of his exceptional service and supreme sacrifice, a memorial park in Ghaziabad has been named after Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana. This park stands as a permanent reminder of his courage and devotion to the nation, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

• Further preserving his memory, a road was also named after Second Lieutenant Bharat Singh Kasana in Meerut. In 1972, the Meerut district administration in UP officially designated the road in his honour — a gesture that reflects the deep respect and gratitude of the community and the nation he served.