Col. Hoshiar Singh, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, was born on May 5, 1937, in Sisana, a village on the Rohtak-Sonipat road. His father, Chaudhary Hira Singh, was a respected farmer, and his mother, Mathuri Devi, was a kind-hearted homemaker. While still in the 7th grade, he married Dhanno Devi, and together they had three sons. He completed his schooling in his hometown and pursued further studies at Jat College, Rohtak, before joining the Indian Army.
Military Career and Early Service
On June 30, 1963, Col. Hoshiar Singh was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment. His first posting was in the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). He later participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 but gained legendary status during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery.
The Indo-Pak War, 1971
In the time of war, the Grenadiers Regiment was leading the charge in the Shakargarh area under the command of Lieutenant Colonel V.P. Airy. On December 15, 1971, Major Hoshiar Singh was given the tough task of constructing a bridgehead across the Basantar River in the Shakargarh Sector. This was indeed a tall order, for the area was highly mined and guarded by the Pakistani army. Major Hoshiar Singh, commander of C Company, was entrusted with the task of capturing the enemy-held locality of Jarpal.
With his men under constant shellfire and engaged in crossfire, Major Hoshiar Singh entered the battle with unmatched bravery, fighting fiercely in hand-to-hand combat. The enemy launched three counterattacks on December 16, two of which were supported by armored units. Despite the heavy bombardment, he moved from trench to trench, inspiring his soldiers to hold their ground.
On December 17, the enemy launched another fierce attack, supported by artillery. Even when seriously injured, Major Hoshiar Singh continued to rally his men. An enemy shell struck the medium machine-gun post, which he led himself and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.
The assault was repulsed and about 85 enemy soldiers—including their commanding officer—were killed. Major Hoshiar Singh sustained serious injuries but would not leave until a ceasefire was declared. All his actions and bravery won him India’s highest honor in the field of gallantry, the Param Vir Chakra.
Legacy and Retirement
Hoshiar Singh retired from the army as a Colonel, finally passing away on December 6, 1998. His passion for his duty still inspires us, symbolizing the spirit of a true soldier.
