Ranjodh Singh, SC

Biography

Lance Naik Ranjodh Singh hailed from Rupnagar district in Punjab and was born on 20 April 1969, the son of Shri Tersam Singh and Smt Raksha Devi. He completed his schooling at National Public School, Kurali in Punjab, and joined the Army at the age of 19. He was recruited into the 7th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, an infantry regiment renowned for its gallant soldiers and numerous battle honours. During August 1999, Lance Naik Ranjodh Singh's unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Although the Kargil war had ended on 26 July 1999, the situation along the Line of Control remained tense, and the troops stayed on high alert for any eventuality. During this period, a substantial number of army personnel were also deployed at Anantnag as part of the security cover for the Amarnath Yatra. On 31 August 1999, acting on intelligence inputs, the 7 Dogra battalion decided to launch an operation against terrorists in a village within its area of responsibility, and Lance Naik Ranjodh Singh was made part of the team assigned this task. Reaching the suspected area, Lance Naik Ranjodh Singh and his comrades launched a search and cordon operation as planned. They soon made contact with the terrorists, and he swung into action along with his troops to engage them. A fierce gun battle ensued and lasted several hours. During the heavy exchange of fire, Lance Naik Ranjodh Singh was severely injured and later succumbed to his wounds, making the supreme sacrifice. A gallant and committed soldier, he was honoured with the Shaurya Chakra on 15 August 2000 for his courage and devotion to duty.