India has produced many valiant men and women over centuries, who have never hesitated in laying down their lives for the safety and honour of the country. One such courageous son of the soil was Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a soldier of the Indian Army, who is popularly known for his supreme sacrifice in the 1962 Sino-India war. His valour earned him the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry award of India. Today, we tell you about the man, and his mission.
Who was Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat?
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, MVC (Honourary Captain) was a young recruit of the Indian Army. He was born in present-day Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand in 1941. On growing up, he had his calling, and joined the Indian Army’s 4 Garhwal Rifles. However, little did he know that this phase of his life was going to immortalize him in history and inspire generations to come.
In 1962, the Sino-India war broke out, and 4 Garhwal Rifles was posted at Nuranang, NEFA (now, Arunachal Pradesh). Since the political leadership had not anticipated a Chinese attack, our soldiers were not well-equipped with weapons or adequate clothing, but this could not loot them of their courage. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was one of these men.
The Battle of Nuranang
Amidst the frigid temperatures, the 4 Garhwal Rifles had countered two consecutive attacks by the PLA of China, but during the third attack, the latter began using a medium machine gun or MMG. Since, the Indian troops were equipped with .303 rifles, had only one option: to seize the MMG.
The 21-year-old Jaswant chose to bell the cat, along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain. He led the assault, eliminated five Chinese sentries, and seized the MMG. However, in doing so, Negi and Gusain made the supreme sacrifice, whereas Jaswant was injured badly.
Eventually, the company withdrew from the position, while Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat held the ground, refusing to retreat from his position, which he held fiercely for three long days.
1 vs 300: The Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat Story
Rawat decided to remain at the post in Nuranang, and was accompanied by two local girls of the Monpa ethnic group, Sela and Nura. On the night of 18-19 November in 1962, while Rawat was alert, the Chinese came back with the assumption that the post lay vacant.
To make his intentions clear, he opened fire on the enemy single-handedly and held his post for 72 hours. Despite suffering heavy blood loss and injuries, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat faced 300 Chinese soldiers and repulsed their attack for three days with limited ammunition and without any external aid.
In doing so, Nura was shot and passed away, while Sela, is believed to have been captured by the Chinese. Rawat was martyred on battlefield, however, the exact cause of his death remains uncertain. However, his severed head was returned after the war, along with a brass bust of him to the Indian side.
The Honour
For his supreme sacrifice, which ensured that vital areas of today’s Arunachal Pradesh stayed under Indian control, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was conferred the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. In fact, a memorial in his name, that is, Jaswant Garh , was also constructed to immortalize him forever.
Also, for her contribution at a young age, Sela was honoured with the naming of key infrastructure and locations in the North-East in her name. These include the Sela Pass and the Sela Tunnel.
The Protector Who Continues to Live On
After Rifleman Jaswant Sigh Rawat was martyred, his comrades noticed that despite no upkeeping, each of his belongings stayed intact: his bedding was in perfect shape, his boots were polished, and his things were placed neatly. It felt as if he were still alive.
According to the local belief at Nuranang, Jaswant continues to live even today and protects the border from any kind of intrusion. To them, he isn’t just a martyred soldier, but a protector, and to honour him, the locals have also constructed a temple in his name, where he is worshipped till date.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s story is a reminder that a soldier ensures that the Tricolour remains hoisted and that each Indian sleeps peacefully even to the peril of the former’s life. He did not just fight a war but inspired generations of young men and women, who continue to choose defence as their primary career option even today.
