| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Major Harbhajan Singh |
| Service No. | IC-14655 |
| Rank | Major |
| Regiment | The Rajput Regiment |
| Unit | 18 Rajput |
| Award | Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous |
| Date of Birth | 03 August 1941 |
| Date of Martyrdom | 11 September 1967 |
| Place of Sacrifice | Nathu La, Sikkim |
Major Harbhajan Singh was born on 03 August 1941 in Bhatte Bhaini village of Patti tehsil in Tarn Taran district, Punjab. He came from a family with a strong tradition of patriotism. His father, Shri Assa Singh, had been associated with the Gadar Movement and had suffered imprisonment and deportation for his involvement in the struggle for India’s freedom. Inspired by his family and driven by a strong sense of duty, young Harbhajan Singh chose the military as his path.
At only 15 years of age, he joined the Army as a boy soldier through the recruiting office at Amritsar in June 1956 and began his service with the Corps of Signals. His dedication and performance helped him rise through the ranks and eventually earn a commission. On 30 June 1963, he was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment. By 1967, he had risen to the rank of Major and was commanding a company.
The Battle at Nathu La
On the morning of 11 September 1967, Major Harbhajan Singh was commanding a company detailed to protect Army engineers who were constructing a wire obstacle at the North Shoulder of Nathu La. At around 0540 hours, while the work was underway, a confrontation developed with Chinese troops. The situation quickly escalated as Chinese soldiers opened fire from the front and both flanks, leaving the engineers and Indian troops exposed in the open.
Realising the danger faced by his men, Major Harbhajan Singh immediately ordered them to charge. Leading from the front, he personally bayoneted three Chinese soldiers before advancing towards a light machine gun that was firing upon his men. He silenced the position by throwing a hand grenade, displaying extraordinary courage and determination under intense fire.
Major Harbhajan Singh was severely wounded during the action and made the supreme sacrifice at the age of just 26. His leadership in the face of overwhelming danger and his determination to protect his men became one of the defining acts of courage during the Nathu La clashes of 1967.
For his conspicuous gallantry, leadership and supreme sacrifice, Major Harbhajan Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. His memory continues to be honoured in his native Bhatte Bhaini, where a memorial hall and road bear his name.
We remember his courage.
We honour his martyrdom.
We preserve his story. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
