Naik Gulab Singh VrC

Naik Gulab Singh Yadav was born on January 1, 1935, in Manethi village, in the Rewari district of Haryana. He was the son of Shri Ramsukh Yadav and Smt Dhapa Devi, and his upbringing in a rural setting instilled in him resilience and a strong sense of duty. Fueled by a desire to serve the nation, he joined the Indian Army on July 18, 1953, at the age of 20. Naik Gulab Singh was recruited into the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Known for its indomitable spirit and illustrious history dating back to the 18th century, the Kumaon Regiment has participated in numerous battles and earned a revered place in the annals of military history.

Upon joining, Naik Gulab Singh immersed himself in military training, quickly mastering field craft and other critical skills essential for an infantryman. His dedication and commitment to his duties soon set him apart as a tough and reliable soldier. Over the years, he became an integral part of his battalion, earning the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. During his service, Naik Gulab Singh married Ms Saraswati Devi, a fellow Haryanvi, with whom he built a family. Balancing his responsibilities as a soldier and family man, he remained deeply committed to both his professional and personal life. By 1962, Naik Gulab Singh had completed over eleven years of distinguished service in the Indian Army. His battalion, 13 Kumaon, stationed in Ambala at the time, was tasked with crucial operational roles due to its reputation for exceptional combat capabilities. In 1962, as tensions mounted along India’s borders, 13 Kumaon was moved to Jammu & Kashmir, a region of immense strategic importance. 

Battle of Rezang La (Indo-China War): 18 Nov 1962

In June 1962, Naik Gulab Singh's 13 Kumaon battalion, under the command of Lt Col HS Dhingra, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in J&K. In Sep 1962, when the war clouds with China were on the horizon, the battalion was asked to move to Leh at short notice. The 13 Kumaon battalion was put under the operational control of 114 Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier TN Raina (who later became COAS). 114 Infantry Brigade was given the responsibility of defending about 400 km of the Indo-China border, including the Chushul area. Besides 13 Kumaon, 114 Infantry Brigade had four other battalions under its command, including 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Naik Gulab Singh's unit of 13 Kumaon was deployed at Rezang La.  Alpha Company under the command of Maj GN Sinha was the battalion reserve at the battalion HQs on high ground near Chushul. The Bravo and Delta companies were deployed on Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La Pass under the command of Capt RV Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Naik Gulab Singh and other troops had settled in and were busy strengthening their defences. Naik Gulab Singh at that time was functioning as Section-1 commander of the No 7 Platoon of Charlie Company under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. 

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed in such a way as to have optimum tactical advantage. The soldiers were placed on the forward slopes of the hill - the 7th Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram on the north flank; the 8th Platoon under Jem Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by the 9th Platoon under Jem Ram Chander, with the company HQ next to it. The mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was on the reverse slope. The Chinese offensive in this sector commenced on November 18th, coinciding with the attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). A two-pronged assault was launched against the Chushul defenses. The northern prong targeted Gurung Hill, while the second prong attacked the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, also known as the Ahir Company, at Rezang La. Rezang La was an isolated feature situated approximately 11 kilometers south of Spanggur Gap and dominated the lifeline of the Chushul garrison - the road connecting Leh via Dungti.

On November 18, 1962, the Chinese forces launched a ferocious attack on the Indian post at Rezang La in Ladakh. The attack commenced with heavy artillery and mortar fire, creating an intense and chaotic battlefield. The first wave of attack was launched from the direction of Platoon 8 at around 2:00 AM by a column of enemy soldiers. It was bravely repelled by the soldiers of Platoon 8 under the command of Jem Hari Ram. The second attack was launched at 4:00 AM from the direction of Platoon 7 by another column of enemy soldiers. Jem Surja Ram swiftly redeployed his 'Section-Three' to the planned alternate location to engage the enemy. 'Section-Three', under the command of Naik Sahi Ram, counterattacked the enemy with light machine guns, rifles, and grenades. Naik Gulab Singh's platoon, aided significantly by Naik Sahi Ram's section, successfully repelled the second enemy attack. The pattern continued with the enemy launching attacks at regular intervals with increasing intensity. Naik Gulab Singh and his comrades held on to their defences despite suffering losses of men and equipment until the fifth wave of attack, which came at 6:30 AM.

Amidst this relentless assault, the Chinese managed to establish a strategic machine gun position dangerously close to the Indian post, significantly escalating the threat level to the defending troops. In the midst of this dire situation, Naik Gulab Singh and Lance Naik Singh Ram, along with a handful of brave soldiers, received orders from their Platoon Commander Jem Surja Ram to counter this looming threat. Demonstrating remarkable courage and unwavering resolve, they launched a daring charge towards the enemy's machine gun position. Their advance was a testament to their valour, as they navigated the perilous terrain under heavy enemy fire. As they neared the enemy position, Naik Gulab Singh and Lance Naik Singh Ram were met with a sudden and devastating burst of machine gun fire from the Chinese soldiers. Both gallant soldiers were struck down, sacrificing their lives on the spot in their attempt to neutralize the enemy threat. The bravery displayed by Naik Gulab Singh and Lance Naik Singh Ram in this action was nothing short of extraordinary. Their decision to charge the enemy machine gun position, despite the overwhelming odds and the high risk involved, exemplified their dedication to their duty and their comrades. Their actions significantly disrupted the enemy's assault. Displaying outstanding courage and gallantry, Naik Gulab Singh laid down his life at the age of 27 years in the line of his duty. He was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra" for his exceptional courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

Naik Gulab Singh is survived by his wife Smt Saraswati Devi. 

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

On 18th November 1962, the Chinese forces attacked our post at Rezangla, Ladakh, with heavy artillery and mortar fire and established a machine gun position near the post. Naik Gulab Singh and Lance Naik Singh Ram, under orders from their Platoon Commander, charged this position with a handful of men and almost reached it when they were hit by a burst of enemy machine gun fire and killed on the spot.

In this action Naik Gulab Singh and Lance Naik Singh Ram displayed exemplary courage and devotion to duty, af the highest order.