Sep Dewan Singh MVC

Sepoy Dewan Singh was born on 4 March 1923 in Purdam village, located in the scenic and mountainous Munsiari tehsil of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. This region, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has long been known for its tradition of bravery, patriotism, and a proud legacy of military service. The valorous spirit of the hills, combined with a deep-rooted cultural ethos of national service, shaped the upbringing of many young men from the region, including Sep Dewan Singh. He was born to Shri Udai Singh and Smt Ramuli and grew up alongside his brother Shri Shyam Singh. Raised in a humble and disciplined environment, Sep Dewan Singh imbibed the values of hard work, loyalty, and service from a young age. The stories of courageous soldiers and their sacrifices for the nation left a profound impression on him. Even as a young boy, he displayed a strong sense of patriotism and harbored a deep desire to serve the motherland in uniform.

Determined to turn this dream into reality, he focused on his early education while nurturing his goal of joining the armed forces. On 4 March 1943, coinciding with his 20th birthday, Sep Dewan Singh achieved this aspiration when he was successfully recruited into the Indian Army. He was enrolled in the 4 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most celebrated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Known for its legendary history of valour, sacrifice, and professionalism, the Kumaon Regiment has produced countless warriors who have left indelible marks on the battlefield. Once fully trained, Sepoy Dewan Singh was posted to various operational areas, where he consistently displayed grit, reliability, and discipline. Whether it was manning difficult terrain or responding to tactical demands, he approached every assignment with sincerity and courage. His dedication to duty and his strong work ethic earned him the respect of his seniors and the trust of his comrades.

Indo-Pak War (1947-48) : 03 Nov 1947

During November 1947, Sepoy Dewan Singh's unit 4 Kumaon was deployed at Badgam, near Srinagar. At the time, Sepoy Dewan Singh was serving as the No. 1 Bren gunner in his platoon, which had been tasked with holding a defensive position against a rapidly advancing enemy force. The attacking tribesmen, heavily armed and in overwhelming numbers, launched a fierce assault aimed at breaking through the Indian defensive lines. As the battle intensified, the situation became increasingly critical for the Indian troops. With the enemy closing in and outnumbering them heavily, the platoon commander, recognizing the impossibility of holding the position without suffering total loss, gave the order to withdraw. However, the enemy had by then approached dangerously close, threatening to overrun the entire platoon. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the imminent danger to his comrades, Sepoy Dewan Singh took a decisive and heroic stand. Without regard for his own safety, he picked up his Bren gun and, instead of retreating, advanced slightly to provide covering fire. Bracing the gun against his hip, he began firing with remarkable speed and deadly accuracy at the approaching enemy.

In the face of overwhelming odds, Sepoy Dewan Singh’s suppressive fire inflicted significant casualties on the enemy — at least 15 were killed due to his fearless action. His daring stand held the enemy at bay long enough for the rest of the platoon to withdraw safely from the exposed position. In the course of this courageous effort, Sepoy Dewan Singh was struck by enemy fire and sustained a severe wound to his shoulder. Yet, driven by sheer determination and unshakable resolve, he continued firing until he succumbed to his injuries, still clutching his weapon. Sepoy Dewan Singh’s final stand exemplified supreme bravery, steadfastness under fire, and an unflinching commitment to duty. His self-sacrifice not only saved his section but arguably the entire platoon from being annihilated. His gallant action delayed the enemy's advance and gave his comrades a vital opportunity to regroup and reorganize. His ultimate sacrifice stands as a shining example of the highest traditions of the Indian Army, where the call of duty and the safety of fellow soldiers come before one’s own life.

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, unwavering commitment, and ultimate sacrifice, Sep Dewan Singh was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra", India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award on 26 Jan 1950. 

The citation of "Maha Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 3 November 1947, at Srinagar in Kashmir during an action against the tribesmen at Badgam, Sepoy Dewan Singh was No. 1 Bren gunner of a platoon. The tribesmen were advancing in overwhelming numbers and the odds were such that the platoon commander was ordered to withdraw. The enemy by now had reached very near. On seeing this, Sepoy Dewan Singh picked up his Bren gun and commenced firing from his hip with great accuracy and speed. He was responsible for inflicting at least 15 casualties on the enemy, thereby allowing the other personnel of his platoon to withdraw. While firing at the enemy he was severely wounded in the shoulder but Sepoy Dewan Singh would not leave his Bren gun till he himself was killed. This Sepoy, incomplete disregard of his own life and through his example of determined and heroic offensive action, undoubtedly saved not only his section but the whole of the remaining platoon from being completely over-run.
His courage, gallantry and devotion to duty are examples to other soldiers.