Source: Youtube
Whenever you listen to stories of the Indian Army, don’t you get goosebumps? Their bravery and their sacrifices for the nation’s safety make our country proud and we can never repay what they have done for us.
One of the most inspiring stories is of a boy from Garhwal District (present-day Chamoli), Uttrakhand who fought against Chinese soldiers alone for 3 days. He was a courageous and determined soldier and you cannot define his love for the country.
Jaswant Singh Rawat
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, born on 19 August 1941, was an Indian Army soldier serving in the Garhwal Rifles. He was awarded by Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for actions that he took during the battle of Nuranang in present-day Arunachal Pradesh, India, during the Sino-Indian War.
At the young age of 19, he was enrolled in the army on 16 August 1960. After completion of his training, Jaswant Singh was deployed at Arunachal Pradesh with his unit 4 Garhwal rifles, the only army unit stationed at Nuranang.
What Made Him a Legend?
The Sino-Indian border, an unfenced 1000-kilometer stretch at altitudes of 14,000 feet, characterized by freezing climes and inhabitable rocky terrain, was the unfortunate battleground. The Chinese troops were conquering the Himalayan border, claiming Indian land.
His battalion, The Garhwal Rifles, was engaged in an intense battle with the Chinese army at Nuranang. Soon though, due to a lack of resources and manpower, the battalion was called back. But Rawat, a true-blue soldier, decided to stay at his post and fight back.
According to local legends, with the help of two local girls, Sela and Nura, Jaswant Singh set up weapons at three different spots and fired them non-stop for 72 hours. This led the Chinese people to believe that they were facing an entire battalion, and not just one man. Almost 300 Chinese soldiers were killed.
As the time passed, the Chinese Army grew frustrated, as they knew no way to counter back. They finally caught the two girls and the man who was providing food to Jaswant and interrogated him. The man spilled the beans. On November 17, 1962, the Chinese then surrounded him from all sides. Sela died in a grenade burst and Nura was captured by them. Jaswant Singh, realizing that the Chinese army got to know about his plan and he was about to be captured, shot himself with the last bullet.
But some people said that he was hanged by Chinese troops and then carried Jaswant Singh’s severed head back to China till a Chinese Commander who was impressed by his valor returned it. The Chinese troop even had a brass bust of the soldier commissioned which now sits at the site of the battle.
Why He Is Known as a Ghost Soldier?
Regardless of what the real story of Jaswant Singh Rawat was, locals, the jawans who are posted for his upkeep, and all travelers who pass by called him the guardian ghost of India’s Eastern Border. He is the man who saved Arunachal Pradesh from the Chinese. But this battle was a disappointing one.
After the war was over, the area where Jaswant Singh Rawat last stood his ground was named Jaswantgarh. A memorial was built over that area, where a dedicated staff prepares his bed, shines his shoes, and irons his clothes, all as if he were still alive. Many local people also built a Buddhist temple near it.
Another honor was also bestowed upon him. Jaswant Singh Rawat is said to continue to serve even after his death. He has been promoted as if he is still serving.
Jawans posted in Arunachal Pradesh or those who pass by Jaswantgarh, even today, stop to pay their respects to him.
Is 72 Hours Movie a True Story?
The Hindi movie 72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died, directed by Avinash Dhyani, is a true story based on Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat which was released on 18 January 2019.
Conclusion
The bravest of the brave are born in the land of ours. And I can proudly say that I am Indian. These great figures of our country give rise to patriotism from time to time among citizens especially youth who are the future of our country.
Salute to known and unknown soldiers who have fought for our safety and freedom.
Written by - Vipasha
.jpeg)
0 Comments