Hav Bachittar Singh AC

Havildar Bachittar Singh was born on 10 January 1917 in Lopo village of Moga district in Punjab as the only child of Shri Sardar Rur Singh. Though his formal education extended only up to the eighth standard, he stood out for his exceptional physical abilities, particularly in swimming and wrestling, which earned him admiration in his village. Even as a young boy, Hav Bachittar Singh displayed a strong sense of national pride and patriotism, often expressing his desire to join the armed forces and dedicate his life to the service of the nation. At just 17 years of age, he fulfilled this dream by enlisting in the Sikh Regiment on 10 January 1937, the very day he turned seventeen. Following his basic military training, Hav Bachittar Singh quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. His dedication, discipline, and physical prowess made him a dependable member of his unit.

During his early years of service, he was deployed to various international fronts, including Africa and Greece, as part of the British Indian Army during World War II. He saw active combat in South Africa, where he faced formidable enemy forces, gaining valuable battlefield experience and a reputation for courage under fire. However, it was in the years following India’s independence in 1947 that Hav Bachittar Singh’s bravery and leadership truly came to the fore. His wartime experience, combined with his unwavering commitment to duty, set the stage for him to distinguish himself as a soldier of exceptional calibre, embodying the spirit and tenacity of the Sikh Regiment in independent India.

Operation Polo : 13 Sep 1948

After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam, refused to accede to the Indian Union despite the overwhelming will of its people. To integrate Hyderabad and uphold the sovereignty of the new republic, the Government of India launched “Operation Polo” on 13 September 1948, a swift military action to restore law and order. In this operation, 2 Sikh, the renowned “kill force” of the Sikh Regiment’s second battalion, was entrusted with a crucial mission in the Naldurg area. Among the valiant soldiers was Havildar Bachittar Singh, who was tasked with leading a platoon in this high-stakes assignment. At approximately 4:00 a.m., B Company of his platoon set up road blockades to intercept enemy movements. Soon, two vehicles were spotted approaching their position. Assessing the threat instantly, Hav Bachittar Singh ordered his men to open fire. A fierce exchange of gunfire followed, but demonstrating exceptional bravery, tactical skill, and leadership, he successfully captured both vehicles along with their armed escorts.

Later that same day, enemy soldiers regrouped, took up secure positions, and launched a counter-attack on his platoon. Undeterred, Hav Bachittar Singh rallied his men and personally led a counter-assault, advancing steadily in the face of intense enemy fire. As he closed to within 30 yards of the enemy’s light machine gun (LMG) post, he was struck in the thigh by a burst of fire and fell to the ground. Despite the grievous wound, he refused to yield—crawling forward under fire, he hurled two grenades at the LMG position, silencing it completely. Even in critical condition, Hav Bachittar Singh refused evacuation, urging his men to continue their advance. His unwavering determination and courage inspired his platoon, which pressed on and successfully achieved their objective. Tragically, Hav Bachittar Singh succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice during peacetime operations, Hav Bachittar Singh was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, becoming the first recipient of India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His heroism remains a shining example of the Sikh Regiment’s proud tradition of courage and selfless service to the nation.

The Citation of Ashok Chakra  awarded to him reads:

On 13th September 1948 Havaldar Bachittar Singh was commanding the leading platoon.When two vehicles were seen approaching his position from Naldrug. He ordered a rifleman to fire on the approaching vehicles and himself with one man ran forward to capture the vehicles and their escort.Disregarding the fire opened on him,he continued his charge and captured both the vehicles and their escort. The same day fire was opened on the leading platoon from a strong point with a Bren Gun. Hav Bachittar Singh with great skill and determination led the attack on the position. When about 30 yards from the objective he got a LMG burst in his thigh and fell.In spite of his wounds,he crawled forward and threw two grenades on the LMG post,thus silencing it. Hav Bachittar Singh although mortally wounded refused to allow any one to dress his wounds and kept on encouraging his men to advance and capture the objective,which they did.

His personal example of unsurpassed valour, grim determination devotion to duty and leadership was an inspiration to all who saw it.

• A college in Punjab has been named after Hav Bachittar Singh as Mahant Bachittar Singh College Of Engineering And Technology
• An area in Ludhiana has been named as Bachittar Singh nagar on , Gill Road, Ludhiana to honour the first recipient of Ashok Chakra.