These are the words of the famous Kargil hero, Balwan Singh, who with his immense courage and heroism, got us on the top of the tiger hill. Colonel Balwan Singh is one of those officers who are remembered for their service during the Kargil War. It has been 21 years since the war began and it still continues to be as fresh as it can be in the minds of the people.

Balwan Singh was born on October 17, 1973 , in Sasrauli, Rohtak district of Haryana. His father, Shobha Chand, a decorated veteran of the 2nd Jat Battalion, inspired him to join the Indian Army, making him a second-generation soldier. Singh after completing his senior secondary education at the Sainik School Karnal, joined University College, Rohtak to pursue higher education. He graduated and entered the Officers Training Academy, OTA Chennai. He was then commissioned for short service in March 1999 in the 18th Grenadiers. His service number is SS- 37691.

It had only been four months in the service when he was given the responsibility to lead his Ghatak platoon when the Kargil war commenced. The attempt was to successfully capture Tiger Hill. Before advancing towards his own troops into action, he told them, “ Tiger Hill pe Tiranga fahrake ayenge, chahe kuchh bhi ho jaye." For his remarkable leadership qualities and indomitable courage in successfully conquering and capturing the Tiger hill, Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra by President K. R. Narayan on Independence Day 1999.

After decorating him for his services to the army, he was granted a regular commission with the service number IC-56218. Later, he was positioned as a captain on 6 November 2003 and then promoted to a major on 6 November 2005. He has served as an instructor in the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and has also been a part of the Services Selection Board, Allahabad as a Group Testing Officer. In 2012 he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and to colonel in 2014. Singh eventually became the Commanding Officer of 18 Grenadiers, commanding his battalion at Gwalior and on the Siachen Glacier. As of 2018, he is the Colonel General Staff at PH & HP Independent Sub Area Ambala.

It is important to note that often when soldiers go through the intense times of war, very few amongst them want to continue serving for the army. Balwan Singh on the other hand, not only continued to serve the army but was also ready to select , train and pass his wisdom to the next group of soldiers. Taking a glance at the lives of such heroes, one weeps at the thought of someone being so devoted and committed towards the vision of India. There are very few soldiers from history who have outshined like the kargil heroes. Battles are about taking the fore-front and standing for your own country which otherwise is difficult to find. Therefore, India salutes Singh’s leadership and his contribution to the army.