Naik Sugan Singh MVC

Naik Sugan Singh was born on 6th March 1942 in Ishar Navra village, located in Kheenvsar Tehsil of Nagaur district in Rajasthan. He came from a humble and culturally rooted Rajput family and was the son of Shri Abey Singh and Smt Kishna Kanwar. Growing up in the rugged environment of rural Rajasthan, he imbibed values of discipline, courage, and responsibility early in life—qualities that later shaped his journey as a soldier. Motivated by a strong desire to serve the nation, he joined the Indian Army on 6th March 1962, coincidentally on his 20th birthday. He was enrolled into the 7 Rajputana Rifles (7 Raj Rif) battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment—one of the oldest and most battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its unmatched valour and heroic legacy on the battlefield.

Over the next several years, Sugan Singh underwent rigorous military training and actively participated in field duties across challenging terrains. His dedication, discipline, and steady performance earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. By 1971, after nearly a decade of military service, he had been promoted to the rank of Naik. During this period, he had already served in demanding operational environments and honed his field-craft, leadership skills, weapons training, and tactical knowledge required to operate as a battle-ready infantry leader.

Battle of Mynamati (Indo-Pak War)- 09 Dec 1971

Prior to the outbreak of full-scale war on 03 December 1971, 7 Rajputana Rifles had already been deployed along the eastern border and were actively engaged in operational tasks as tensions with Pakistan escalated. The battalion formed part of the 61 Mountain Brigade, which operated under the command of 4 Corps during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. As the war intensified, 7 Raj Rif was assigned a critical objective—the capture of Mynamati, a strategically vital military garrison protecting the politically significant town of Comilla (in present-day Bangladesh). The defensive layout of Mynamati was formidable, consisting of well-prepared, reinforced concrete bunkers armed with Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) whose overlapping fields of fire dominated all possible approaches. On 09 December 1971, during one of the decisive operations, Naik Sugan Singh’s company was tasked to assault the enemy’s defensive positions at Mynamati. As a section commander, he led his men from the front with courage and unwavering determination.

As the assaulting troops advanced towards the objective, the enemy opened intense fire from two MMG positions, temporarily halting the attack and endangering the mission. Realizing the urgency of neutralizing the enemy's firepower to ensure the success of the assault, Naik Sugan Singh made a bold decision. With total disregard for personal safety, he charged forward toward one of the firing bunkers. During this daring move, he was struck by a burst of machine gun fire in the shoulder. Despite severe injuries and profuse bleeding, he continued to advance. Crawling through the heavy fire, he reached the bunker and lobbed a grenade inside, killing two enemy soldiers and silencing the weapon. Even in his weakened state, his fighting spirit remained undiminished. Without hesitation, he turned toward the second MMG position and once again charged forward. With every ounce of remaining strength, he pushed a grenade into the bunker, eliminating three more enemy soldiers and destroying the second threat that had stalled the assault. His act cleared the way for his company to continue the offensive. Moments later, having fulfilled his duty with extraordinary courage, Naik Sugan Singh succumbed to his grave injuries on the battlefield.

Naik Sugan Singh’s gallantry was an embodiment of the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His fearless leadership, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice not only ensured the success of the mission but also demonstrated unparalleled devotion to duty and the nation. Naik Sugan Singh was given the nation’s second highest gallantry award, “Maha Vir Chakra” for his exceptional bravery, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifice.

Naik Sugan Singh is survived by his son Shri Mangu Singh. 

The Citation for the Maha Vir Chakra awarded to him reads :

On the 09^th December 1971 a Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles were ordered to attack the enemy defences at Maynamati, which comprised well prepared concrete bunkers housing medium machine guns whose crossfire covered every possible approach. Naik Sugan Singh was commanding one of the assaulting sections. When the assaulting troops closed on the objective, two medium machine guns opened fire and held up the assault. Naik Sugan Singh charged at one of them. He received a burst in his shoulder. Although bleeding profusely, he crawled up to the bunker and lobbed a hand grenade killing two men. Although he had bled profusely, he charged at the second medium machine gun; he could not carry himself far and fell down. But undeterred, he pushed a grenade into the bunker killing three of the enemy. He himself was also killed.

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