Subedar Joginder Singh PVC

Subedar Joginder Singh was born on 26th September 1921 in Mahakalan village, located in the Moga district of Punjab, into an agricultural Saini Sikh family. He was the son of Shri Sher Singh Saini and Smt Bibi Krishnan Kaur. From a young age, he displayed qualities of sincerity, determination, and an eagerness to learn. He went to primary school in village Nathu Ala and to village Daroli for his middle school. He was unable to pursue further studies due to the modest financial condition of his family. Determined to build a meaningful life through service to the nation, he joined the British Indian Army on 28th September 1936 and was enrolled in the 1 Sikh battalion of the Sikh Regiment  — a renowned regiment of the Indian Army known for its valour, discipline, and glorious battle traditions. As a young soldier, he saw active combat during World War II on the Burma front, where Indian troops played a decisive role in halting the Japanese advance. Later, following India’s independence, he also participated in the Indo-Pak War of 1947–48, fighting bravely in the defence of Srinagar. His battlefield experiences during these operations shaped him into a seasoned and composed soldier, known for his courage under fire.

In his personal life, Subedar Joginder Singh married Ms Bibi Gurdyal Kaur Banga, who hailed from a Saini family of Kothay Rara Singh village near Kot Kapura. The couple was blessed with a son and two daughters, and he remained a devoted husband and father, deeply rooted in family values even while serving in demanding field conditions.A man of perseverance, Subedar Joginder Singh continued his education within the Army by passing several professional examinations and qualifying as a unit instructor — a role that required deep knowledge, leadership, and dedication. His commitment to excellence, uncompromising discipline, and genuine concern for the welfare of his men earned him immense respect among both his peers and subordinates. Known for his integrity and unwavering sense of duty, he became a role model within his regiment — embodying the true spirit of a soldier who lived and served with honour.

Indo-China War: 23 Oct 1962

A fierce and historic battle was fought at Tongpen La, near Bum La, in the Tawang sector during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. This region, known then as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), is today the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. As tensions with China escalated and the possibility of war became inevitable, 1 Sikh battalion was urgently mobilized from its peacetime location in Jaipur to the eastern front. The movement to the forward area was arduous and physically demanding. The soldiers had to traverse dense jungles en route to Tenga Valley, negotiate the treacherous mountain paths of Bomdila, descend into Dirang, and climb again towards the frozen expanse of Sela Lake before finally reaching Tawang. Amidst the freezing temperatures and harsh terrain, Subedar Joginder Singh, who was then a platoon commander, stood out for his strength, composure, and unshakeable resolve. A veteran of World War II and the 1947–48 war in Kashmir, he was deeply respected in the battalion for his discipline, tactical skill, and exemplary leadership in combat. Subedar Joginder Singh’s platoon was tasked with defending a strategic ridge in the Tongpen La area along the Bum La axis in Tawang.

On 20 October 1962, the Chinese launched their first major offensive at Namka Chu against the 7th Infantry Brigade. Having prepared meticulously for years and equipped with superior weapons and logistics, the Chinese forces swiftly overran the Indian positions and advanced toward Tawang, where Subedar Joginder Singh and his men were holding their ground. As the enemy began to gather across the stream and dig defensive trenches, it became evident that an attack on his post was imminent. Anticipating the confrontation, Subedar Joginder Singh prepared his men for the battle that lay ahead. At dawn on 23 October 1962, around 5:30 a.m., while the soldiers were preparing tea in the camp kitchen, the Chinese forces launched a sudden and heavy assault on the position. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the brave men of 1 Sikh met the attack head-on. Subedar Joginder Singh’s platoon fought with exceptional courage, catching the enemy off guard and inflicting heavy casualties. The battle cry “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal” echoed through the icy mountains, lifting the spirits of the defenders. The enemy regrouped and launched a second, more determined wave of attack. Undeterred, Subedar Joginder Singh displayed remarkable courage and tactical acumen. Even as casualties mounted and ammunition ran low, he continued to inspire his men, urging them to fight with the spirit of the Khalsa and to defend their motherland with honour. His calm composure under pressure and his words of encouragement kept the platoon’s morale unbroken despite overwhelming odds.

As the final and most ferocious wave of the Chinese assault came, most of his men had either been killed or severely wounded. Subedar Joginder Singh himself was gravely injured but refused to give up. Taking personal control of a light machine gun, he continued to fire upon the enemy, inflicting significant losses. When the ammunition was completely exhausted, he and his remaining soldiers fixed bayonets to their rifles and charged out of their bunkers shouting their battle cry—“Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal!” In this desperate but valiant last stand, they fought hand-to-hand with the advancing Chinese, bayoneting many before being finally overpowered. Ultimately, sheer numbers and superior firepower prevailed, and Subedar Joginder Singh was captured after being severely wounded. Even as a prisoner of war, he upheld his dignity and the honour of his regiment. His indomitable courage, leadership, and refusal to surrender became legendary. For his unparalleled bravery, leadership of the highest order, and supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation, Subedar Joginder Singh was posthumously awarded the "Param Vir Chakra", India’s highest wartime gallantry award. In a rare gesture of respect, the Chinese forces later returned his ashes upon learning of the honour conferred upon him.

The citation for the "Param Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Subedar Joginder Singh was the commander of a platoon of the Sikh Regiment holding a defensive position at a ridge near Tongpen La in NEFA. At 0530 hours on 23 October 1962, the Chinese opened a very heavy attack on the Bumla axis with the intention of breaking through to Towang. The leading battalion of the enemy attacked the ridge in three waves, each about 200 strong. Subedar Joginder Singh and his men mowed down the first wave, and the enemy was temporarily halted by the heavy losses it suffered. Within a few minutes, a second wave came over and was dealt with similarly. But the platoon had, by then, lost half its men.

Subedar Joginder Singh was wounded in the thigh but refused to be evacuated. Under his inspiring leadership the platoon stubbornly held its ground and would not withdraw. In the meantime the position was attacked for the third time. Subedar Joginder Singh himself manned a light machine-gun and shot down a number of the enemy. The Chinese however continued to advance despite heavy losses. When the situation became untenable Subedar Joginder Singh and the few men that were left in the position fixed bayonets and charged the advancing Chinese, bayoneting a number of them before he and his comrades were overpowered.

Throughout this action, Subedar Joginder Singh displayed devotion to duty, inspiring leadership and bravery of the highest order.

• Subedar Joginder Singh received the highest civilian commemoration in his home town of Moga in 2006 when his statue, adorned in battle fatigue, was inaugurated near district DC office.
• The shipping corporation of India honoured this great man by naming one of their vessels Subedar Joginder Singh PVC.
• The Indian Army has canonized the courage of this brave soldier by building a monument at the forward slope of IB ridge.
• Upon learning that Sub Joginder was a Param Vir Chakra awardee, the PLA (the Chinese), in a mark of respect, repatriated his ashes with full military honors to the battalion on May 17, 1963. No tribute can be greater than an avowal of valor by the enemy.
• The urn was later brought to the Sikh Regimental Center at Meerut, where Colonel Shamsher Singh, the commandant, received it. The urn was honoured at a memorial service held at the Gurdwara Sahib the next day. Later, in a poignant ceremony, the urn was handed over to his widow Gurdial Kaur and his son.
• Subedar Joginder Singh has also been immortalized through a Punjabi feature film titled, ” Subedar Joginder Singh”, directed by Mr Simerjit Singh and written by Mr Rashid Rangrej.
• The Housing project of Joginder Nagar in Chandigarh was named after Subedar Joginder Singh, PVC.