18 Grenadiers are known to have the maximum strength of soldiers who have bravery awards on their names. One of those soldiers is LT. Balwan Singh. The former Indian Army Officer, Lt. Balwan Singh Panghal, born on October 17, 1973, in Haryana, obtained the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery in leading the successful attack of conquering and securing the Tiger Hill during the Kargil War of 1999. Not much is known about this superhero, but his bravery speaks for itself. He is a source of inspiration for everyone. Just like his name, Balwan, which means strong, his deeds were also strong. He was a very enthusiastic soldier.
Motivated by father
Balwan Singh was a second-age soldier and was roused to join the Indian Army by his dad, Shobha Chand, an embellished veteran of the second Jat Battalion. After finishing high school at Sainik School, Karnal, Singh joined Rohtak University College, and then he graduated from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. He received a short-service commission (SSC) with the service number SS-37691 from the 18 Grenadiers in March 1999.
He had only four months of administration when the Kargil war broke out. Singh was entrusted to lead his Ghatak detachment, trying to acquire Tiger Hill during the eponymous fight. Singh promised, “Tiger Hill pe Tiranga fahrake avenge, chahe kuch bhi ho jaye,” before guiding his troops into action. Singh was accorded the Maha Vir Chakra by President K. R. Narayan on Independence Day 1999 for his inspirational leadership and courage in successfully capturing the peak.
Tiger Hill
On July 3, 1999, Lieutenant Balwan Singh, with his Ghatak detachment, was entrusted to ambush the ‘Tiger Hill Top’ from the North Eastern course as a component of a multi-pronged assault. The course to the goal, arranged at a height of 16,500 feet, was snowbound and mixed with precipices and sheer falls. The official, with only three months of administration, set about his errand with resolute assurance. The group drove and was urged by him, moved for more than twelve hours along an extremely troublesome and tricky course, and used exceptional cannon shelling to arrive at the assigned spike. This move took the adversary by complete amazement as his group utilized bluff ambush mountaineering gear to arrive at the top with covertness.
On observing the Ghataks, the adversary froze and, in a frantic firefight, endeavored to shock the Ghataks. In the following firefight, Lieutenant Balwan Singh was truly harmed. Notwithstanding, his determination to defeat the foe stayed unshaken. He denied being vacated and unaware of his physical issue, moved quickly to enclose the adversary, connected with them in a close battle, and, without any assistance, slaughtered four aggressors. The rest of the foe faculty selected to escape as opposed to confronting the fierceness of the wild official.
His helpful authority, obvious fearlessness, and fortitude were instrumental in the catch of Tiger Hill, which was operationally one of the most significant targets in the Drass division. Rumors say that he was afraid of his father after this war, as he had posed for a picture with a cigar in his hand, and his father had seen it. Only after clarifying the incident did he go back home for the holidays and then get married.
After the contention, Singh was allowed a customary commission with the administration number IC-56218. In 2001, he took an interest in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). He was elevated to commander on November 6, 2003, and to major on November 6, 2005. He was an educator at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and has likewise filled in as a group testing officer at the Services Selection Board, Allahabad.
Promotion
Elevated to lieutenant-colonel on November 6, 2012, and to colonel on November 6, 2014 (status from March 5, 2014), Singh in the end turned into the CO of 18 Grenadiers, instructing his contingent at Gwalior and on the Siachen Glacier. Starting in 2018, he is the Colonel General Staff at PH and HP Independent Sub Area Ambala.
Multiple Wounds Can’t Stop Him
Despite being severely wounded by multiple bullet injuries, Singh refused to retreat. His unwavering commitment to his troops and mission was evident as he continued to lead from the front. Even with his life at risk, he coordinated crucial operations and inspired his men to push forward. Singh’s bravery and resilience under fire were instrumental in securing a decisive victory. For his gallant actions and exemplary leadership, he was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honor. Colonel Balwan Singh’s story is a testament to the incredible sacrifices made by soldiers, embodying the highest ideals of valor and dedication in the face of overwhelming odds.
War Cry of 18 Grenadiers
“Bajrang Bali Ki Jai”
Very inspiring
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