A True Veer Who Gave Up His Life To Save His Men

Time of India

2 days ago

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Chandigarh: In the dust and fog of combat in the 1971 War, a young Captain's tank takes a hit and erupts into flames. In keeping with the highest traditions of Indian Army, without caring for his own safety, he rushes to rescue his gunner and driver from the flames.
Exposed to enemy fire, he carries them to safety but has run his luck one time too many. A burst of machinegun fire takes him down. It's Dec 16. Pakistan would surrender in a few hours in East Pakistan.
Captain Satish Chander Sehgal's supreme sacrifice came in the legendary Battle of Basantar — a battle so fierce that it won two Param Vir Chakras, seven Mahavir Chakras and four Vir Chakras (Capt Sehgal's among them).
Today, nearly 55 years later, Capt Sehgal's legend lives on, continuing to inspire generations of soldiers.
As the nation salutes its forces and pays tribute to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country, Captain Sehgal's family has been invited by the Chandigarh administration to the I-Day function.
At his home in Chandigarh, his family remembers him as a cheerful, relentlessly optimistic man who always had an interesting story to share and a patient ear for you.
The war hero's brother, Vijay Sehgal, recalls how Satish always wanted to join the military.
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Undo
His passion was Air Force, and he even had a stint there, but took an emergency commission with Army as soon as the opportunity arrived.
The family has a strong Army background. Captain Sehgal got the inspiration to join the Army from his grandfather, Captain Jagannath Bahri, and father Havildar Chander Prakash Singh, both of whom had served in the 4/12 Frontier Force Rifles in WW2 in Burma and fought alongside 2/Lt Sam Manekshaw.
"His upbringing instilled in him a sense of duty, honour, and love for the motherland," Vijay Sehgal said. "He was a hardcore Army officer and had field postings throughout."
"In a short span of service, he courageously fought three prominent battles. When he came home on annual leave, the entire family would sit together and listen to his experiences," Vijay said.
Commissioned into the 75 Medium Artillery Regiment, Capt.
Sehgal was attached to the legendary armoured unit, 17 Poona Horse, as an observation post (OP) officer during the 1971 War.
On Dec 16, Captain Sehgal was in the thick of combat in the Shakargarh Sector. Although an artillery officer, he was commanding a tank and engaging enemy tanks at a range of just 200 metres. The leading squadron was fighting its way across Saraj Chak forest when it detected enemy tanks which were being withdrawn behind a smokescreen into the Gazipur forest.
Captain Sehgal immediately brought down artillery fire on them, smashing the tank concentration. In the swirling dust and smoke, he saw an enemy tank at the edge of the forest, trying to escape, and destroyed it.
However, his own tank was hit and caught fire. With utter disregard for his safety, he and his radio operator helped to extricate the driver and gunner from the burning tank. In doing so, he was fatally hit by machine gun bullets.
For displaying exceptional gallantry, Capt Sehgal was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously. The two Param Vir Chakras in this battle were awarded to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (posthumous) and Major Hoshiar Singh of 3 Grenadiers.
In 2023, Captain Sehgal's brother was called by his regiment to the Golden Jubilee function in Meerut, here he was felicitated. "One hall of fame is dedicated to Captain Satish Chander Sehgal," Vijay said, with unmistakable pride.
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"He had immense love for his country and held the nation's honour above anything else. A small incident worth mentioning is when Captain Sehgal was posted in Delhi, he was coming from Gurgaon to Delhi on a scooter, late in the evening. A hitchhiker asked for a lift. Satish was always ready to help. But after a kilometre or so, the stranger took out a knife and told him to hand over all his belongings. Capt. Sehgal stopped the scooter and dealt with him single-handedly until he fell unconscious," said Vijay.
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