Sepoy Sarwan Kumar

Sepoy Sarwan Kumar hailed from Rodwal village in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, a region known for its proud martial heritage and long tradition of service in the armed forces. Growing up in an environment where patriotism, courage, and honour were deeply valued, he developed a strong sense of duty towards the nation from an early age. Determined to serve his country, he joined the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. With a legacy dating back to the 18th century, the Kumaon Regiment has earned a reputation for exceptional bravery, discipline, and gallantry in numerous battles and operations.

Sepoy Sarwan Kumar was married to Mrs Bidya Devi, whose support and strength remained an important part of his life as he dedicated himself to the service of the nation. During his time in the Army, Sepoy Sarwan Kumar was known among his comrades and superiors for his sincerity, discipline, and unwavering devotion to duty. He served with pride and upheld the proud traditions of the Kumaon Regiment. In 1962, his battalion was stationed at Ambala and was later moved to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the confidence placed in the battalion’s operational readiness and fighting spirit.

Battle of Rezang La – Indo-China War (18 November 1962)

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, commanded by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra, moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir. As the situation along the Indo-China border deteriorated rapidly, the battalion received orders in September to redeploy to Leh at very short notice. Upon arrival in Ladakh, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational command of 114 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later serve as the Chief of the Army Staff. The brigade was entrusted with the formidable responsibility of defending nearly 400 kilometres of the frontier, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. Other units under the brigade included 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Sarwan Kumar was part of ‘C’ (Charlie) Company under Major Shaitan Singh. According to the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was assigned the crucial task of holding Rezang La — a dominating feature that overlooked the approaches to Chushul and safeguarded the important supply route from Leh via Dungti. By 26 October 1962, the company had thoroughly fortified its positions and prepared for any eventuality. The company’s deployment was tactically sound and carefully structured. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 occupied the forward slopes: 7 Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram secured the northern flank; 8 Platoon under Jemadar Hari Ram held the pass; and 9 Platoon under Jemadar Ram Chander defended the central sector, with Company Headquarters located nearby. The mortar detachment, commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was positioned on the reverse slope to provide essential fire support.

In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a major offensive against the Chushul defences. At around 2:00 AM, the first wave advanced toward the sector held by 8 Platoon. The movement was detected by a Listening Post, and Naik Hukam Chand promptly alerted his platoon commander. When the enemy closed to within approximately 50 yards, the defenders unleashed accurate and intense fire, catching the attackers off guard and forcing them to withdraw. A second assault followed around 4:00 AM, directed at 7 Platoon. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Jemadar Surja Ram repositioned his troops and delivered a determined counterattack using rifles, light machine guns, and grenades, successfully repelling the enemy once again. However, the attacks intensified, with successive waves striking at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, 6:30 AM, and 7:40 AM. Despite growing casualties and damaged weapons, the soldiers of Charlie Company refused to yield. By 8:40 AM, the enemy brought forward a 57 mm recoilless gun, escalating the bombardment, and launched yet another assault at 9:00 AM. Facing extreme cold, thin mountain air, and overwhelming enemy strength, Sepoy Sarwan Kumar and his comrades displayed extraordinary courage and resolve. Determined to hold their ground at all costs, they inflicted heavy losses on the advancing forces. During the fierce engagement, Sepoy Sarwan Kumar sustained grievous wounds and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

The soldiers of 13 Kumaon continued fighting to the last man and the last round, successfully preventing the enemy from advancing toward the crucial Chushul airfield. Following the ceasefire, Rezang La became a desolate and contested no-man’s land. For nearly three months, the bodies of the fallen heroes — including Sepoy Sarwan Kumar — remained frozen where they had fallen, until they were eventually discovered by a shepherd. The heroic stand of Charlie Company at Rezang La remains one of the most inspiring and gallant episodes in the annals of the Indian Army’s history.

Sepoy Sarwan Kumar is survived by his wife, Smt. Bidya Devi.