Major Sajjan Singh Gahlawat of 9 Madras made the supreme sacrifice on 23 October 1997 during a counter-insurgency operation at Sangilian village near Surankote in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. When his men came under fire and a Havildar was seriously wounded, Major Gahlawat moved towards the attackers to help secure the injured soldier's evacuation. He continued engaging the adversaries despite sustaining grievous injuries.
From Haryana to the Indian Army
Born on 8 June 1966, Major Gahlawat hailed from Kheri Sadh village in Rohtak district, Haryana. He was the son of Shri Umrao Singh Gahlawat. His education at Sainik School, Kunjpura, helped shape his ambition to serve in the Armed Forces.
He later attended the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the Indian Army on 11 June 1988 and joined 9 Madras of the Madras Regiment. By 1997, he was serving as a company commander.
The operation at Sangilian
On 23 October 1997, an operation was launched after information indicated the presence of armed adversaries in Sangilian village near Surankote. Major Gahlawat led his men into the area to locate them.
During the search, the troops came under fire from a hideout, and a Havildar was seriously wounded. Major Gahlawat moved towards the firing position from a flank, engaging the attackers and helping create an opportunity to evacuate the injured soldier.
He continued the engagement and led his men towards another hideout. During the operation, he encouraged his soldiers with the regimental war cry, “Veer Madrasi, Adi Kul.” As the close engagement continued, he sustained grievous injuries but persisted until his men could withdraw to safety. He was evacuated towards a field hospital but succumbed to his injuries en route.
A family carrying forward his legacy
Major Gahlawat left behind his wife, Kamlesh, and their children, Sunaina and Lovedeep. His martyrdom left his family with an irreplaceable loss and his comrades without an officer who had led them in a moment of danger.
His children later chose careers in uniformed service. His daughter, Sunaina, joined the Army Service Corps, while his son, Lovedeep, was commissioned into the Indian Air Force, continuing the family's association with service to the nation.
Remembering a courageous commander
Major Sajjan Singh Gahlawat was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously in recognition of his courage and leadership. His actions during the operation reflected the responsibility of a commander who placed the safety of his men before his own.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Major Sajjan Singh Gahlawat of 9 Madras, who made the supreme sacrifice on 23 October 1997 at Sangilian village, Surankote. His courage, leadership and devotion to his men deserve a lasting place in the nation's memory.
