Grenadier Surender Singh Mann SC

Grenadier Surender Singh Maan hailed from Bhirr village located in Buhana tehsil of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the ideals of patriotism and had a strong desire to serve the nation. His passion for the olive-green uniform and dedication to the country were evident from his early years. Determined to turn his dream into reality, he joined the Indian Army after completing his initial education. Grenadier Surender Singh Maan was enrolled into the 2 Grenadiers Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, one of the most prestigious infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Grenadiers Regiment is renowned for its rich legacy of bravery, battle honours, and gallant soldiers who have served with distinction in various military operations.

During his service, Grenadier Maan quickly adapted to military life, displaying discipline, commitment, and a keen willingness to learn. He honed his skills through rigorous training and field experience, evolving into a dependable and professionally competent soldier. By the year 1995, Grenadier Surender Singh Maan had rendered several years of dedicated service to the Indian Army. 

Operation Rakshak (J&K): 22 Jul 1995

In the year 1995, Grenadier Surender Singh Maan was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, a unit known for its courage and dedication in high-risk operations. During this period, the battalion was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Rakshak, an ongoing counter-insurgency mission aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats in the region. On the night of 22 July 1995, based on credible intelligence inputs received around 11:50 p.m., the Delta and Charlie Companies of 2 Grenadiers were assigned a critical operation in Soibugh village, located in the Budgam district. The information indicated the presence of heavily armed foreign terrorists hiding within a residential structure in the village. As the troops moved to cordon off the suspected area, the gravity of the situation became apparent. The possibility of a fierce encounter with well-trained and battle-hardened terrorists loomed large. Amidst the growing tension, Grenadier Surender Singh Maan displayed exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to duty. Voluntarily stepping forward, he offered to lead the initial assault team tasked with entering the potentially hostile building—fully aware of the immense personal risk involved.

Upon breaching the house, Grenadier Maan swiftly conducted a room-to-room search of the ground floor, but no enemy presence was detected. Without hesitation and fully cognizant of the danger ahead, he proceeded to advance to the first floor, which could be accessed only via a narrow staircase—a choke point often exploited by militants to inflict casualties. As Grenadier Maan began ascending the stairs, the terrorists suddenly opened fire in an attempt to halt his approach. Despite coming under intense and direct enemy fire, he held his ground with remarkable composure. Demonstrating exceptional battlefield skill and bravery, he retaliated with precision and determination, continuing his advance in the face of grave peril. In the fierce close-quarters combat that ensued, Grenadier Maan successfully neutralized one terrorist at point-blank range. Although severely injured during the encounter, his spirit remained unshaken. Drawing on his last reserves of strength and courage, he continued the assault and eliminated a second terrorist, thereby averting a major threat to his comrades and preventing the terrorists from executing a deadly counterattack.

Tragically, Grenadier Surender Singh Maan succumbed to his injuries sustained during the intense firefight. His actions, however, had a decisive impact on the outcome of the operation, reflecting his unparalleled bravery, selflessness, and sense of duty. In recognition of his extraordinary gallantry and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Grenadier Surender Singh Maan was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 15 August 1996.

Grenadier Surender Singh Maan is survived by his wife Smt Sushila Devi. 

The Citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

On 22nd July 1995, the 'Delta' and 'Charlie' companies of the 2 Grenadiers Battalion were tasked with conducting an operation in Soibugh village, located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. At around 11:50 a.m., intelligence was received that foreign mercenary terrorists were hiding in a house within the village. Grenadier Surendra Singh of 2 Grenadiers voluntarily stepped forward to be the first to enter the house. Upon entry, he found no terrorists on the ground floor. He then swiftly moved towards the first floor, accessible via a narrow staircase. As he approached the stairs, the terrorists opened fire on him. Undeterred, he continued to advance while returning fire. He immediately shot and killed one foreign mercenary terrorist and, despite being seriously wounded by bullets, reached the second terrorist and killed him with deadly blows before succumbing to his injuries.

In this way, Grenadier Surendra Singh faced terrorist fire with exceptional bravery and made the supreme sacrifice.