Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna KC

Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna hailed from New Delhi, where he was born on 10 March 1966 to Shri Didar Singh Sarna and Smt Parkash Kaur. From a young age, he displayed qualities of discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose. He completed his schooling at Guru Harkrishan Public School (GHPS), Vasant Vihar, in Delhi, where he excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. His passion for the Armed Forces led him to appear for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, which he successfully qualified for in 1983. After three years of rigorous training at the NDA, Khadakwasla, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for advanced military training, where his potential as a future military leader was further honed. Upon completion of his training, he was commissioned into the 9 Grenadiers, one of the most distinguished units of the Grenadiers Regiment, renowned for its gallantry, traditions, and exemplary battle honours. During his illustrious service career, Col Gurbir Singh Sarna served in diverse operational environments across the country, gaining vast experience in varied terrains and challenging conditions. 

He served as an Instructor at the Infantry School, where he contributed to shaping young officers and soldiers with his professionalism, clarity of thought, and dedication to military excellence. His instructional tenures were marked by his ability to simplify complex tactical concepts and motivate trainees to perform beyond expectations. He later served as a Staff Officer at a Brigade Headquarters in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir, an area known for high operational volatility. In this important appointment, he played a key role in coordinating operations, intelligence inputs, and administrative functions—tasks that demanded sharp situational awareness and sound military judgment. Demonstrating leadership and on-ground tactical acumen, he went on to serve as the Second-in-Command of 13 Grenadiers in 1989. His performance in this role further solidified his reputation as a dependable and inspiring officer.

In June 2005, upon being promoted to the rank of Colonel, he assumed command of the 29 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Jammu & Kashmir. Commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in a counter-insurgency environment is one of the most challenging assignments for an infantry officer, and Col Sarna approached this responsibility with utmost commitment, courage, and leadership. Under his command, the battalion undertook numerous operations aimed at maintaining security, neutralising militant threats, and safeguarding local communities. Col Gurbir Singh Sarna was not only an exemplary soldier but also a man of varied talents. He was an outstanding sportsman, participating enthusiastically in multiple disciplines and encouraging fitness and sportsmanship among his troops. He was also known to be a skilled artist, with a keen eye for detail and creativity—qualities that added depth to his personality and endeared him to his peers and subordinates. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and compassionate leadership, Col Sarna embodied the highest ideals of the Indian Army. He was admired by his troops for leading from the front, understanding their challenges, and always placing the mission and the welfare of his men above all else.

Baramulla Operation: 23 Dec 2006

In 2006, Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna was the Commanding Officer of 29 Rashtriya Rifles unit and a leader known for his courage, resolve, and exemplary battlefield leadership. On 23 December 2006, during Operation Chak Behrampura in the Pattan district of Jammu & Kashmir, he once again led his troops from the front, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian Army. Acting on hard intelligence about the presence of four terrorists hiding in a village, Colonel Sarna swiftly mobilised a team of officers and troops and personally led them to the location. On reaching the area, he effectively cordoned off the targeted house and supervised the search operation. During the course of the search, it was Colonel Sarna himself who first sighted the terrorists concealed in a hideout. Displaying exceptional bravery and initiative, he personally broke open the hideout and challenged the terrorists, accompanied by his buddy. A fierce firefight ensued at extremely close range. In the intense exchange of fire, Colonel Sarna shot dead one terrorist and injured another. However, during this encounter, he was himself struck by multiple bullets and sustained grievous injuries. Despite bleeding profusely, he remained composed and focused on the mission. With complete disregard for his own safety, he instructed his men to leave him behind and continue the operation, ensuring that the terrorists were not allowed to escape.

Inspired by his resolute leadership and clear instructions, the troops pressed on with the operation and successfully eliminated the remaining terrorists. Colonel Sarna was subsequently evacuated from the site, but despite all medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna displayed conspicuous gallantry, outstanding leadership, and indomitable courage in the face of grave danger. He laid down his life in the line of duty, making the supreme sacrifice while fighting terrorists and leaving behind a legacy of valour and selfless service to the nation. He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. 

Colonel Sarna is survived by his father, Shri Didar Singh Sarna, mother, Smt Prakash Kaur, wife, Smt Jasleen Kaur, son, Shri Sehaj Preet; and his younger brother Col MS Sarna(Retd).

The citation for the ‘Kirti Chakra’ awarded to him reads :

Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna was the Commanding Officer of a Rashtriya Rifles unit. He led from the front during OP Chak Behrampura on 23rd December 2006. Based on hard intelligence regarding the presence of four terrorists in a village in the Pattan district of Jammu & Kashmir, Colonel Sarna quickly reached the spot along with his team of officers and cordoned the targeted house. While the search was on, the presence of terrorists in a hideout was first sighted by Colonel Sarna himself, who personally broke open the hideout and challenged the terrorists along with his buddy. A firefight between the officer and the terrorists ensued at very close range and resulted in the killing of one terrorist and the injury of another by the officer. However, in the process, Colonel Sarna himself received multiple bullet injuries. Though bleeding profusely, he shouted to his men to leave him and issued instructions to continue the operation, which led to the elimination of the remaining terrorists. He was evacuated from the site but later succumbed to his injuries.

Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna displayed conspicuous and outstanding leadership and indomitable courage, and made the supreme sacrifice while fighting the terrorists.