A Jawan who became officer and then an Army legend
2
Chandigarh: Kisan, Jawan, Officer, Icon... Lieutenant Colonel Shanti Swarup Rana was all this, and more, rising from the agriculture fields of Punjab to the annals of Indian Army's bravest.
Known for leading from the front, Lt Col Rana was at the head of his troops as they attacked a well-fortified terrorist hideout in a Kupwara jungle on Nov 2, 1996. With a bold assault, he destroyed three hideouts, killed two terrorists, and charged at the final holdout despite already being injured. Seeing a terrorist trying to ambush his soldiers, he rushed at him and killed him in hand-to-hand combat but gave up his life in the process.
A grateful nation awarded him the Ashoka Chakra.
Lt Col Rana's life serves as an inspiration. His wife, Savita Rana, told TOI on Wednesday, "He was very passionate about the Army. After serving as a jawan for 6 years, he took the exam for officers and joined the Army Cadet College. He was commissioned as an officer in Bihar Regiment in1977, and when we married in 1980, he was a captain."
"He had a humorous nature. He'd make people happy all the time.
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During his 19 years of service, he served in many areas, including Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka and Op Rakshak in J&K," she said.
Savita Rana is among the 12 Veer Naris and dependents to be honoured by the Chandigarh administration on August 15 during the state programme.
"My daughter was 15 and my son was 13 years old when my husband was martyred. It was very difficult for me at that time to survive and manage things. I had no home and initially stayed in Army accommodation for a year, and for another two years, I stayed on rent in Panchkula.
Then, on the recommendation of the Army Chief, we got a flat in Rajiv Vihar in Manimajra under the discretionary quota. I was a teacher but after my husband's death, I quit the profession," Savita Rana told TOI.
Recognising the supreme sacrifice of Lt Colonel Shanti Swarup Rana, the Rajiv Vihar Society, where his family lives, has developed a park in his name. There is a proposal to name his school in Dasuya town after him. "We are hopeful that it will be done," Savita Rana said.
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