Major GHD Dulip Singh SM

Major GHD Dulip Singh hailed from Ceylon district in Sri Lanka and was born in a Christian family on 02 Feb 1954. His father, Mr. Gnanaraj Manuel, was a professor at Mahajana College, and his mother, Mrs. Chellam Manuel, was a devoted homemaker. Maj Dulip Singh began his educational journey at Sainik School Amaravathinagar, located in Udumalpet, Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu. This institution laid the foundation for his eventual military career. After completing his schooling in 1972, he was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, where he honed his leadership skills and prepared for the challenges ahead. Following his training at the NDA, he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun as a Gentleman Cadet in June 1974. Upon successfully completing his rigorous training, he was commissioned into the Indian Army on June 7, 1975, as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, an elite combat support arm of the Indian Army.

IPKF Operations : August 1987

As part of Indo-Sri Lanka accord signed on 29 July 1987, the militants of LTTE were supposed to surrender to the Indian Army. During that time Maj GHD Dulip Singh was serving with 8 Engr Regt which became one of the first units to join the IPKF. On 5^th Aug 1987, Maj GHD Dulip Singh was named the Officer-in-Charge to assist the Chief of Indian Peace Keeping Force, General Harkirat Singh in the formal surrender ceremony. The ceremony of laying down of arms by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was planned to be held at the Palaly Airfield. However the events that unfolded in the following days were totally unexpected and took the Indian Army by surprise. 

After signing of the accord, the civilian population started returning to their houses, but to their horror, most of them found their house premises mined and booby trapped. Indian Army decided to undertake operations for removal of mines/booby traps, in order to assist the civilian population for a safe return. Maj GHD Dulip Singh was tasked to undertake one such operation on 12 Aug 1987. The team led by Maj GHD Dulip Singh also included Lt Pankaj Vikram, Naib Subedar G Mukunda Rao and Naib Subedar Dhyalan. Maj GHD Dulip Singh along with his team swung into action and proceeded to a house near Jaffna Fort to clear it of any planted explosives. The team managed to successfully clear one house and then entered the compound where a booby trap was spotted.

Maj GHD Dulip Singh despite fully being aware of the danger involved, went ahead to clear that too. Maj GHD Dulip Singh briefed his team members for the actions and proceeded to clear the booby trap. However as the process of diffusing the trap was underway, the LTTE initiated another IED, resulting in a massive blast. The blast had a devastating effect severely injuring Maj Dulip Singh & Nb Sub G Mukunda Rao. They soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Lt Pankaj Vikram too succumbed to his injuries later on 14 August 1987. Maj GHD Dulip Singh was a valiant soldier and gritty officer, who led from the front like a true leader and laid down his life in the line of his duty. Maj GHD Dulip Singh was given the gallantry award, "Sena Medal" for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, leadership and  supreme sacrifice. 

Maj GHD Dulip Singh is survived by his wife Smt Jayakantha Dulipsingh, two daughters Dr Preethi Bascil & Smt Kavitha Vijay and brother Shri G Noble Sundersingh David.