Veterans of 4 Rajput celebrate rich legacy and camaraderie at

Chandigarh, October 19, 2024: The spirit of camaraderie was festive during the congregation of old stalwarts of the 4th Rajput Battalion. The veterans and their spouses reunited to fondly reminisce about their days of service in the challenging conditions of war and peace. Hosted by Col. Ranbir Singh, Vir Chakra, and his wife Jasjit Kang at Mohali, the 'assemblage' brought together as many as 50 ex officers, JCOs, and NCOs of the battalion.  

Speaking on the occasion, Col Ranbir Singh said, “Reuniting with my veteran colleagues in arms is not only a celebration, but it is reaffirmation of their undying and enduring esprit de corps. Their association is a testament of weathering vagaries of war manifest in blood and sacrifice."

Col. Ranbir said, my wife and I were seized with the urge and compelling desire to organize a gala gathering of 4 Rajput veterans of all ranks at Mohali. This get-together would not have been possible, but for the overwhelming and positive response of my old comrades. Some of them have come from far off locations like Cochin, Bangalore and Jaipur.

Highlighting 4 Rajput history, Col Ranbir spoke of the rich legacy, valour and sacrifice of units’ forefathers. This unit has earned the distinction of participating in World Wars I, II. The unit took part in 22 overseas campaigns from 1845 to 1946. They won accolades fighting battles in Persia, Aden, Macedonia, Tigris, Al-Alamein and Burma. Post independence the unit fought in 1948 J&K operations, 1965 and 1971 Indo- Pak wars, Gaza Strip 1960/61, Goa liberation 1961, Indo-China war 1962, IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka in 1988/90. It is deservedly called the “Fighting Fourth.”  4 Rajput swears by its motto, “Sarvatra Vijaya”. It stands tall among equals with a rich tally of gallantry awards.

Capt VK Agarwal recounted his experience during the Kargil battle in 1965 where his company captured Pakistan Post Pt 13620 on 17 May 1965. “I was wounded, but I resolved to eliminate the threat,” said Capt Agarwal.

Meanwhile, Honorary Capt Ram Singh aged 90 spoke about his gallant action during the 1971 Eastern War. He said, “I led my platoon under intense enemy fire, and we charged at enemy positions. The troops displayed exemplary bravery despite being under direct fire.” Capt Ram Singh’s bravery earned him the Sena Medal.

Major General Nanjappa, AVSM**, YSM, a highly decorated soldier, reflected that his service in the Indian Army had been very satisfying and that he was awarded the Mentioned-in-Dispatches for his valour in the 1971 Eastern War. He said that he also received the Yudh Seva Medal for his unit command during operations in Sri Lanka. I was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal twice as Brigadier and Major General.

Col D S Rajput spoke of his deadly raid on an enemy gun position. He described the fierce combat at Chandipur in the 1971 Eastern War, where he was grievously injured and he was awarded the Vir Chakra for bravery. 

Col. Ranbir Singh, VrC said, “I took part in both 1965 and 1971 wars while serving in 4 Rajput. The unit was ordered to capture Pak Post Pt. 13620 in Kargil in 1965.  It was a bloody battle resulting in heavy casualties. The Rajputs captured the post on 17th May 1965. I was wounded in the attack and awarded the gallantry award of Vir Chakra.”

The battalion’s current Commanding Officer (CO) Col Sandeep Singh, SM was also present along with representation of unit JCOs and NCOs. 

The event was particularly significant as it provided an opportunity to commemorate the Zojila Battle Honour Day and celebrate it in advance due to the battalion’s deployment in the field. The regiment has the singular distinction of having been awarded Zojila as Battle Honour Day which the unit celebrates on Nov 16 every year.