Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat VrC

Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat hailed from Sarna village in Pauri Tehsil of Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. Born to Shri Dewan Singh and Smt Gauri Devi, he grew up amidst the simplicity of rural life, deeply influenced by the Garhwali values of hard work, discipline, and patriotism. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for the path he would later choose. A defining moment in his life came on 22 December 1943, when he was recruited into the 3rd Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles—one of the most esteemed infantry regiments of the Indian Army. His enlistment during the height of the Second World War was not just a career decision but a courageous commitment to serve the nation in a time of great global upheaval.

The Garhwal Rifles, renowned for their bravery, discipline, and indomitable spirit, offered Rfn Sangram Singh Rawat the rigorous training needed to transform him from a civilian into a soldier. These early military years were likely marked by intense physical and mental challenges that tested his endurance, refined his skills, and instilled in him the core military values of courage, loyalty, and camaraderie.

Indo–Pak War : 14/15 July 1948

In the aftermath of India’s independence, the fledgling nation faced a formidable challenge in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Jammu & Kashmir during the first Indo-Pak war. It was July 1948, a crucial time in the historic Battle of Tithwal, where the fate of Kashmir’s northern frontier hung in the balance. Among the brave hearts who etched their names into history was Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Garhwal Rifles (3 Garh Rif).  At that time, the battalion was under the command of the resolute Lt Col Kaman Singh, a leader known for his bold tactics and indomitable spirit. Under his leadership, 3 Garh Rif was assigned some of the most perilous objectives in the region. Their first significant achievement came with the daring capture of the Trehgam Ridge, a strategic height that formed the backbone of the enemy's defenses near Tithwal. The Trehgam Ridge operation was only a prelude to a series of audacious missions. On 17 June 1948, the battalion, though operating at reduced strength (less two companies), was tasked with a bold raid on the Buni Ridge, another fiercely held position beyond Tithwal. Despite being numerically inferior and facing an entrenched enemy supported by heavy and accurate fire, the battalion launched a swift uphill assault. The sudden momentum and ferocity of the attack shattered the enemy lines, forcing them to flee and abandon their dead and wounded in panic. However, the enemy soon regrouped and launched three successive counterattacks. These were intense and bloody, testing the limits of the Garhwal soldiers’ endurance and courage. Yet, the battalion held firm, repulsing each attack with unyielding resolve. The battle continued to rage across the rugged mountainous terrain.

On the night of 14/15 July 1948, ‘D’ Company of 3 Garh Rif was tasked with advancing toward another key objective. At the tip of this daring move were two of the unit’s finest: Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat and Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki—the leading scouts of the platoon. As the platoon crept toward their objective under the cover of darkness, the leading scouts suddenly encountered enemy-laid mines and booby traps, a lethal obstacle meant to halt any further progress. In that critical moment, any delay or hesitation could have endangered the entire operation and cost countless lives. Fully aware of the danger, Rifleman Rawat and Lance Naik Pataki displayed supreme gallantry. Without a second thought for their safety, they surged forward into the mined zone, deliberately risking their lives to clear a path for their comrades. They successfully neutralized several mines, but during the process, both were tragically blown up while trying to dismantle more traps. The sacrifice of Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat and Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki stands as a fine example of courage, duty, and devotion. Their actions not only demonstrated the highest traditions of the Garhwal Rifles but also played a pivotal role in India’s military success at Tithwal. Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat was given the gallantry award “Vir Chakra” for his raw courage, fighting spirit, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

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

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat were the leading scouts of the leading Platoon of ‘D’ Company. On night 14/15 July when they reached near their objective, they came across enemy mines and booby traps. Lance Naik Pataki and Rifleman Rawat realising the danger of delay rushed forward through the mine swept area and blew up a number of them but while thus clearing the way they themselves were blown up. Their action gave an opportunity for the unit to move forward the gap made in the mine field and to capture the objective.

Lance Naik Jaman Singh Pataki and Rifleman Sangram Singh Rawat’s sacrifice was of the highest order.