Lance Naik Sohan Singh

Lance Naik Sohan Singh hailed from Rauwal village in Sidhwan Bet Tehsil of Ludhiana District in Punjab. Born into a humble agrarian family, he was the son of Shri Dhian Singh. From an early age, he was deeply inspired by the stories of valour and sacrifice passed down through generations, which fueled his aspiration to serve the nation in uniform. After completing his school education, he made a determined decision to join the Indian Army. His perseverance and commitment bore fruit when he was successfully recruited into the armed forces. He was inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, a distinguished infantry regiment known for its gallant soldiers and a proud legacy of service in various operations across the country. The Sikh Light Infantry is respected for its unwavering resolve, battle-hardened ethos, and contributions to national security in both wartime and peacetime.

As a soldier of this prestigious regiment, Lance Naik Sohan Singh embraced the rigorous demands of military life with unwavering dedication. He was known among his peers for his sense of duty, courage, and commitment to the regiment’s high standards. Through his service, he upheld the honour and tradition of the Indian Army, earning the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. In his personal life, Lance Naik Sohan Singh later married Ms Balwant Kaur, and the couple was blessed with two sons—Dalvir Singh and Lakhbir Singh.

Border Skirmish : 13 Oct 1965

The year 1965 was marked by heightened tensions and military confrontations between India and Pakistan, culminating in the Indo-Pak War. While the full-scale war officially began on 1 September 1965, the seeds of conflict had already been sown months earlier through a series of border skirmishes and ceasefire violations, especially in the Rann of Kutch and Jammu & Kashmir sectors. In the spring of 1965, the western front in the Rann of Kutch became particularly volatile. Pakistani forces began advancing into Indian territory with increasing frequency, targeting forward posts in the Kanjarkot sector. Among the most critical of these was Sardar Post, a strategically important Indian outpost located amidst the vast and unforgiving salt flats. 

On the night of 24 April 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Desert Hawk, aiming to capture key Indian positions, including Sardar Post. Lance Naik Sohan Singh, a battle-hardened and resolute soldier of the 2nd Battalion, Sikh Light Infantry, was deployed at this outpost with a small group of comrades. In the early hours of 25 April, a determined Pakistani attack was launched. Despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire, Lance Naik Sohan Singh and his fellow soldiers held their ground with remarkable courage. Reinforcements, including an Indian armoured column, arrived just in time to support the defenders. Their successful resistance proved pivotal in safeguarding the region. Had Sardar Post fallen, it could have enabled deeper enemy incursions into Indian territory. Following international mediation—primarily by the British government—a formal ceasefire was declared on 30 June 1965 in the Rann of Kutch sector. Though the immediate crisis subsided, the heroic defence of Sardar Post remained one of the most defining actions of that confrontation. 

Tensions soon reignited, and on 1 September 1965, Pakistan launched a massive armoured offensive in the Chhamb sector of Jammu & Kashmir, marking the beginning of the formal Indo-Pak War. India responded forcefully, and intense fighting spread across the western front. A UN-mandated ceasefire was declared on 23 September 1965, effectively ending the war. Despite the ceasefire, skirmishes continued in sensitive areas, where control of key locations remained contested. On 13 October 1965, during one such fierce gun battle, Lance Naik Sohan Singh laid down his life in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation he had served with distinction. Lance Naik Sohan Singh’s valour during both the Rann of Kutch confrontation and the later phases of the 1965 war exemplifies the selfless dedication of the Indian soldier. 

He is survived by his wife, Smt  Balwant Kaur, and two sons—Shri Dalvir Singh and Shri Lakhbir Singh, the latter of whom proudly followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the Indian Army.