Rajinder Singh Chauhan, SM

Biography

Colonel Rajinder Singh Chauhan was born on 09 April 1956 and hailed from Shahpur village near Dharamsala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He completed his schooling at the Sherwood School in Nainital and was later selected to join the prestigious National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla. In 1978 he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 17 Guards battalion of the Brigade of Guards, an infantry regiment renowned for its intrepid soldiers and numerous battle exploits. Over the years Col Chauhan evolved into a tough soldier and a fine officer who firmly believed in leading from the front. He served in various operational areas, steadily taking on higher responsibilities, and was eventually deputed as the Commanding Officer of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles battalion. By August 2000 he had commanded 21 RR for nearly two and a half years and had taken part in numerous counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations in the Kashmir valley. In recognition of his meritorious service, he was awarded the Sena Medal in early 2000. In August 2000, 21 RR was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, functioning under the operational control of Sector-7, in an area infested with terrorists. On 21 August 2000, Col Chauhan accompanied the newly appointed Sector Commander, Brigadier BS Shergill, on an area familiarization tour of the battalion's operational zone. As their vehicle neared Jachal Dor, close to the battalion headquarters near Warpora village, militants detonated a remote-controlled IED planted on the road. The devastating blast left the officers no time to react, and both Col Chauhan and Brigadier Shergill succumbed to their injuries. An officer par excellence known for his exemplary leadership and "Follow Me" outlook, Col RS Chauhan laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.