Munish Nagar:

Let’s salute the brave soldier of Indian Army on his birth anniversary who risked his life for the nation.

He could have evacuated his post to save his life but the brave Sikh soldier of Indian Army fought bravely with the enemy and Pakistani troops failed to capture the post.

Karam Singh was born on September 15 in village of Sehna, Barnala district in Punjab.  

Subedar and Honorary Capt. Karam Singh showed the valor on October 13, 1948 when the Pakistani troops attacked the Tithwal area which was captured by Indian Army in May, 1948.

Karam Singh commanding the first Sikh forward post and the Sikhs were fighting with the enemy bravely. With their ammunition running out, Singh ordered his men to join the main company, knowing that reinforcement was impossible under Pakistani shelling.

With the help of another soldier, he brought two injured men along, though he himself was wounded. Under the heavy Pakistani fire, Singh moved from position to position, boosting the morale of his men and intermittently throwing grenades. Despite being wounded twice, he refused evacuation and continued to hold the first line of trenches.

During the fifth wave of attacks, two Pakistani soldiers closed on Singh's position; Singh jumped out of his trench and killed them with his bayonet, greatly demoralizing the Pakistanis.

Singh and his men successfully repelled three more enemy attacks before the Pakistani troops finally retreated, unable to capture the position.

He maintained the tradition of Indian Army and didn’t leave his post despite sustained injuries. On 21 June, 1950 Karam Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award of the nation and he was the first Sikh soldier who was decorated with the Param Vir Chakra.

Lance Naik Karam Singh proved himself to be a dauntless leader of men in crisis. Nothing could subdue him and no amount of fire or hardship could break his spirit. He was the first Sikh and non-posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.