On this day, December 6, we honor the extraordinary courage of Major Hoshiar Singh, the recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for his heroics during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
Major Singh displayed unparalleled bravery while commanding C Company of 3 Grenadiers in the Battle of Basantar.
Born on May 5, 1937, in Sisana village of Sonipat district (then Punjab, now Haryana), Hoshiar Singh Dahiya grew up with values rooted in simplicity, discipline, and courage.
After schooling, he enrolled at Jat College, but destiny had already carved a different path for him. Choosing a life of service, he left college after his first year and joined the Indian Army, beginning a journey that would one day place him among India’s greatest soldiers.
Belonging to a Hindu Jat family, Hoshiar Singh married Dhano Devi while still in Class 7, a common tradition in rural India of those times.
The couple was blessed with three sons, two of whom proudly followed his footsteps to receive commissions in the Grenadiers Regiment. One even served in the very unit where his father won immortal glory, the 3rd Grenadiers.
Rise in the Ranks
Hoshiar Singh’s military career began as a Sepoy in the 2nd Battalion of the Jat Regiment. His leadership qualities were quickly recognised, leading him to the Army Cadet College (ACC).
After graduating from ACC—part of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) he was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Grenadiers Regiment as a Second Lieutenant in June 1963.
Service in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War
During the 1965 war, Lieutenant Dahiya served on the Rajasthan front, earning mentions in dispatches for his exceptional performance. In 1969, he was promoted to Captain.
1971 War: The Battle that Created a Legend
In the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, while the main conflict raged in the East, Pakistan attempted a diversionary attack in the Shakargarh Sector. It was here that Major Hoshiar Singh and his men of 3 Grenadiers were tasked with capturing the strategic village of Jarpal.
On 15 December 1971, as the Company Commander of Charlie Company, Major Hoshiar Singh led a daring assault under intense enemy fire. Showing fearlessness in the face of danger, he destroyed enemy machine-gun positions in close combat, forcing the opposition to retreat.
Holding the Line Against Impossible Odds
Pakistan launched repeated counterattacks on 16 and 17 December. Despite suffering severe wounds, Major Hoshiar Singh refused evacuation. Instead, he moved from trench to trench, motivating his troops and personally directing the defence.
When a vital medium machine gun was put out of action, the grievously wounded officer took control of it himself, offering covering fire that ultimately broke the enemy’s assault. The battle ended with heavy Pakistani losses, including their Commanding Officer and three other officers.
What the Army Recorded of His Heroism
The official Army citation immortalised his bravery, :Though seriously wounded by enemy shelling, Major Hoshiar Singh went from trench to trench with utter disregard for his personal safety… He manned the machine gun himself, inflicting heavy casualties. He refused evacuation until the ceasefire. Throughout the operation, he displayed most conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and leadership.”
For his unmatched courage, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
Life After the War
Major Dahiya continued to serve with distinction.
- In 1981, he became an Instructor at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
- He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1983, and later to Colonel, eventually commanding the 3rd Grenadiers.
- He retired in May 1988.
Honours and Legacy
- The IMA honoured him by installing his bust at the Academy gymnasium, unveiled by his wife.
- Jaipur renamed Queen’s Road as Hoshiar Singh Marg in his memory.
Colonel Hoshiar Singh passed away on December 6, 1998, after a cardiac arrest, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of valour and selflessness.
Lesser-Known Facts About a Great Soldier
- Served in the NEFA region after commissioning.
- Represented Punjab in volleyball and was affectionately called “Hoshiare” by teammates.
- Topped his school in the matriculation exam.
- His intelligence work during the 1965 war significantly slowed enemy movement.
- As an instructor at IMA, his Sinhgarh Company won championships for six consecutive years—a record that still stands.
A Salute to a True Son of India
On his death anniversary, we bow our heads in respect to Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC—a warrior whose life embodied extraordinary courage, devotion to duty, and love for the motherland. Heroes like him don’t just fight battles, but instead shape the destiny of a nation.