Major Apraant Raunaq Singh SM

Major Apraant Raunaq Singh hailed from Banaras—also known as Varanasi or Kashi—the ancient spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh. Growing up along the timeless ghats of the Ganges and amid the city’s vibrant traditions, he was deeply influenced by its ethos of devotion, resilience, and service. The stories of courage that echoed through Kashi’s narrow lanes, together with its centuries-old heritage of selfless duty, instilled in him a strong sense of purpose from an early age. After completing his schooling, Major Apraant felt a powerful calling to serve the nation. Inspired by the heroic legacy of India’s soldiers and driven by unwavering patriotism, he chose to pursue a career in the armed forces. In 2014, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 20th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment—one of the Army’s oldest and most decorated infantry regiments. Renowned for its indomitable spirit and illustrious battle honours, the Rajputana Rifles was a fitting home for a young officer determined to uphold the highest ideals of duty and valour.

By 2021, Major Apraant’s professionalism and leadership had earned him a reputation for exceptional operational skill. During this period, he was attached to the 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. That year, in Kulgam, a region plagued by militancy and unrest, he played a pivotal role in a high-stakes encounter. Leading his team with precision and courage, Major Apraant spearheaded an operation that successfully neutralized two high-profile terrorists who posed a grave threat to regional stability and civilian safety. His tactical brilliance and calm under fire ensured not only the mission’s success but also the protection of countless innocent lives.In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and operational excellence, Major Apraant Raunaq Singh was awarded the prestigious Sena Medal in 2022. This honour stood as a testament to his unwavering dedication, tactical ingenuity, and the fearless spirit with which he served the nation.

Kupwara Deployment (J&K): 19 Sep 2025

In 2025, Major Apraant Raunaq Singh’s unit, the 20th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (20 Raj Rif), was deployed in the Nowgam sector of Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir—a region that has long been marked by militant activity and infiltration attempts across the Line of Control. The area demanded exceptional endurance, vigilance, and composure from soldiers, who operated under the constant shadow of danger. The battalion, functioning under the operational control of XV Corps (Chinar Corps) headquartered in Srinagar, carried out a range of missions—independent raids, patrols, and coordinated operations with other security forces—to maintain security and stability across the Kashmir Valley. Life in this rugged and volatile Area of Responsibility (AOR) meant that every patrol, every movement, and every mission carried the risk of ambushes, sudden firefights, and infiltration attempts.

It was while serving under these demanding conditions of high-altitude deployment, where soldiers face not only militant threats but also the harsh challenges of terrain and climate, that Major Apraant Raunaq Singh’s health deteriorated. On 19th September 2025, while still on duty in this forward area, he was admitted to a military hospital. Despite the best medical efforts, he tragically lost his life the same day. Major Apraant Raunaq Singh thus made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, standing steadfast at the nation’s border under some of the most difficult conditions of military service. His loss is a poignant reminder of the silent battles fought daily by soldiers, far from the public eye, to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security.

Major Apraant Raunaq Singh is survived by his wife, Dr. Archita Singh.