Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki VrC

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki hailed from a rugged village of Balan, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled amidst the towering peaks and pristine valleys of the Himalayas,  Balan was a place that instilled in its people a strong sense of community and connection to nature. Born to Shri Pan Singh Pataki, L/Nk Jaman Singh's early life was undoubtedly shaped by the simplicity of village life and the values of hard work, discipline, and patriotism that are deeply rooted in the Garhwali culture. A pivotal moment in his life came on 14th November 1941, when he was recruited into the 3rd Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, one of the most revered infantry regiments of the Indian Army. This step marked not just the beginning of a military career but the forging of a lifelong commitment to serve the nation. The timing of his recruitment—during the height of the Second World War—meant that he was entering the armed forces at a time of great global turmoil and uncertainty.

The Garhwal Rifles, known for their fearlessness, exceptional discipline, and unwavering dedication, provided L/Nk Jaman Singh with the rigorous military training necessary to transform him from a civilian into a soldier. These formative years tested his endurance, sharpened his skills, and instilled in him the martial values of courage, loyalty, and camaraderie. Given the timing of his enlistment, it is highly likely that Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki participated in operations related to World War II, possibly serving in theaters where Indian troops were deployed in support of the Allied forces. While detailed records of his wartime service remain to be uncovered, his association with the 3rd Battalion during this period places him within an important chapter of military history—where Indian soldiers fought with valour across continents, from Burma to North Africa and beyond.

Indo–Pak War : 14/15 July 1948

In the aftermath of India’s independence, the fledgling nation faced a formidable challenge in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Jammu & Kashmir during the first Indo-Pak war. It was July 1948, a crucial time in the historic Battle of Tithwal, where the fate of Kashmir’s northern frontier hung in the balance. Among the brave hearts who etched their names into history was Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Garhwal Rifles (3 Garh Rif). At that time, the battalion was under the command of the resolute Lt Col Kaman Singh, a leader known for his bold tactics and indomitable spirit. Under his leadership, 3 Garh Rif was assigned some of the most perilous objectives in the region. Their first significant achievement came with the daring capture of the Trehgam Ridge, a strategic height that formed the backbone of the enemy's defenses near Tithwal. The Trehgam Ridge operation was only a prelude to a series of audacious missions. On 17 June 1948, the battalion, though operating at reduced strength (less two companies), was tasked with a bold raid on the Buni Ridge, another fiercely held position beyond Tithwal.  Despite being numerically inferior and facing an entrenched enemy supported by heavy and accurate fire, the battalion launched a swift uphill assault. The sudden momentum and ferocity of the attack shattered the enemy lines, forcing them to flee and abandon their dead and wounded in panic. However, the enemy soon regrouped and launched three successive counter-attacks. These were intense and bloody, testing the limits of the Garhwal soldiers’ endurance and courage. Yet, the battalion held firm, repulsing each attack with unyielding resolve. The battle continued to rage across the rugged mountainous terrain.

On the night of 14/15 July 1948, ‘D’ Company of 3 Garh Rif was tasked with advancing toward another key objective. At the tip of this daring move were two of the unit’s finest: Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat—the leading scouts of the platoon. As the platoon crept toward their objective under the cover of darkness, the leading scouts suddenly encountered enemy-laid mines and booby traps, a lethal obstacle meant to halt any further progress. In that critical moment, any delay or hesitation could have endangered the entire operation and cost countless lives. Fully aware of the danger, Lance Naik Pataki and Rifleman Rawat displayed supreme gallantry. Without a second thought for their safety, they surged forward into the mined zone, deliberately risking their lives to clear a path for their comrades. They successfully neutralized several mines, but during the process, both were tragically blown up while trying to dismantle more traps. The sacrifice of Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat stands as a fine example of courage, duty, and devotion. Their actions not only demonstrated the highest traditions of the Garhwal Rifles but also played a pivotal role in India’s military success at Tithwal. Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki was given the gallantry award “Vir Chakra” for his raw courage, fighting spirit, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki is survived by his wife, Smt Ganga Devi.

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

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat were the leading scouts of the leading Platoon of ‘D’ Company. On night 14/15 July when they reached near their objective, they came across enemy mines and hooby traps. Lance Naik Pataki and Rifleman Rawat realizing the danger of delay rushed forward through the mine swept area and blew up a number of them but while thus clearing the way they themselves were blown up. Their action gave an opportunity for the unit to move forward the gap made in the mine field and to capture the objective.

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat’s sacrifice was of the highest order.