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Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
A True Veer Who Gave Up His Life To Save His Men
1 2 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World 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. BOX One-Man Army "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. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dharmendra shares heartfelt video urging fans to prioritise health and kindness: 'It's very important to be healthy'
Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra has talked about the importance of maintaining good health to lead a beautiful life. Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra has talked about the importance of maintaining good health to lead a beautiful life. 1 2 Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra has talked about the importance of maintaining good health to lead a beautiful life. On Monday morning, he shared a video talking about good health. Dharmendra shares message on good health In the video, he was heard saying: "Dosto, zindagi bahut khubsoorat hai aur iski khubsoorti ko banay rakhne ke liye sehat ka acha hona bahut zaruri hai. Sehat hai to sab kuch aap enjoy kar sakte hain. To main aap se aaj ek message dera hun, hamse deta aara hun, ke sehat ka khayal rakhiye aur nek baniye. Love you all." "(Friends, life is very beautiful, and to maintain its beauty, it's very important to be healthy. If you have good health, you can enjoy everything. So, I am giving you a message today, which I've always given: take care of your health and be good. Love you all." For the caption, Dharmendra wrote: "With love to you all." Dharmendra to appear in 'Ikkis' next The 89-year-old star will next be seen in 'Ikkis', a coming-of-age film, which is based on Indian war hero Arun Khetarpal. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2, 2025. With the film, Indian auteur Sriram Raghavan is returning to the silver screen with a war film. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chile: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Sriram Raghavan is known for cult-classics such as 'Ek Hasina Thi', 'Johnny Gaddaar' and 'Andhadhun'. The upcoming film, titled 'Ikkis' stars veteran actor Dharmendra, 'Paatal Lok' star Jaideep Ahlawat, and Agastya Nanda, and also marks a shift in tone on Raghavan's part as he is mostly known for thrillers and noirs. Story set during the 1971 war 'Ikkis' is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Basantar which was a crucial part of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. 'Ikkis', produced by Maddock Films, is set to release on October 2, 2025. In May, the film got into trouble after the makers of the film released its first look. However, the film wrongly credits Arun as the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. While, Arun was posthumously conferred the honour at the age of 21, it is Yogendra Singh Yadav from the Kargil war of 1999, who is youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra at the age of 19. 'Ikkis' is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Basantar which was a crucial part of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
From Class 6 to Army officers: Six friends achieve childhood ambitions together
They met in 2013 in Class 6 at Sainik school in Imphal and on Saturday, the six young men from Manipur were commissioned into as Army officers in Indian Military Academy 's Khetrapal Auditorium, TOI reported. The friends cleared the NDA entrance exam in 2021 and joined training together at both NDA & IMA, Lieutenants Thokchom Shiggarth, M Denish Singh, Naoton Maetei, Naoba, Meghnat Soibam & Ronendro Angom became officers in the Army together. The group that once shared classrooms and ambition now stood in uniform, transforming the bond of friendship into brotherhood. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Drink Almond Milk Everyday, This Is What Happens Gundry MD Click Here Undo Each of the six men are the first in their families to join the armed forces. Their fathers are farmers, grocers, small business owners. They navigated through childhood, adolescence and academics always as a group. Live Events Inside the auditorium, Lt Angom stood near the plaque commemorating the Battle of Basantar and reflected on the journey ahead. "We learnt life together-not just sports or academics," Angom told TOI. "Now, for the first time in years, we part ways as we join different regiments and are posted to different corners of the country." Manipur has ad a rough time in the last two years with widespread ethnic unrest and fractured communities, bringing everyday life to a halt. However, when asked about it, the newly commissioned officers offered no anger. "Good and bad times are part of life," Lt M Denish told TOI. 'We must learn from both and focus on building our careers. That's how we can help our society and our state.' (With TOI inputs)
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Together since Class 6, six boys become Army officers
Together since Class 6, six boys become Army officers DEHRADUN: Their paths - unusually running parallel for years - had been intertwined since 2013, when they first met in Class 6 at Sainik School in Imphal. On a hot, humid Saturday morning, inside the sandstone confines of Indian Military Academy's Khetrapal Auditorium, six young men from Manipur were commissioned as Army officers. After clearing NDA entrance exam in 2021 and training together at both NDA & IMA, Lieutenants Thokchom Shiggarth, M Denish Singh, Naoton Maetei, Naoba, Meghnat Soibam & Ronendro Angom arrived - side by side - at the same destination: officers in Army. The pack that once shared classrooms and quiet ambition now stood shoulder to shoulder in uniform, carrying into service a bond forged in brotherhood. Each is the first in his family to join the armed forces. Their fathers are farmers, grocers, small business owners. Drawn together by childhood rhythms - morning drills, hostel dorms, schoolyard rivalries - they navigated adolescence and exams always as a group. In 2021, all six had cleared the NDA exam, in a rare alignment of fate each one making the cut. Inside the auditorium, Lt Angom stood near the plaque commemorating the Battle of Basantar and reflected on where it all began. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The auditorium is named after Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, a 21-year-old officer who was posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra after he refused to abandon his burning tank during 1971 Indo-Pak battle, destroying several enemy tanks before being fatally hit. His story - engrained in IMA's tradition - is one every cadet knows. "We learnt life together-not just sports or academics," Angom said. "Now, for the first time in years, we part ways as we join different regiments and are posted to different corners of the country." Manipur has seen its share of turbulence. Two years ago, widespread ethnic unrest fractured communities and brought everyday life to a halt. But when asked about it, the newly commissioned officers offered no anger - only clarity. "Good and bad times are part of life," said Lt M Denish. 'We must learn from both and focus on building our careers. That's how we can help our society and our state.' Among those watching in silence was A Ingocha, a farmer. His son, Lt Naoton, now stood in uniform beside the five boys who had grown up with him — friends bound not just by memory, but by a promise kept.
The Print
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Famagusta & its unsung heroes—story of fierce tank battle that turned the tide in 1971 India-Pakistan war
'He was a simple and stoic soldier from Nagaur district of Rajasthan; kind, soft-spoken and deeply affectionate,' Brigadier Karan Singh Rathore (Retd), an officer who served alongside Jodha, said to ThePrint. A native of Husenpura village in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, his passing marks the end of a living chapter from the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The battle is remembered for the bravery of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. New Delhi: Risaldar Major (Honorary Captain) Nathu Singh Jodha (Retd), the last surviving crew member of the Indian Army's legendary Centurion tank Famagusta, died Saturday at the age of 79 due to age-related medical complications. 'I had the privilege of serving alongside him in the regiment. Never once did he complain about not being adequately recognised, nor did he ever boast about his considerable achievements.' The story of the Famagusta, though, is not his alone. It was manned by a four-member crew: Second Lieutenant Khetarpal as tank commander, Sowar Nathu Singh Jodha as gunner, Sowar Nand Singh as loader and Sowar Prag Singh Rathore as driver. Cramped inside the Famagusta's 6-foot turret, the four young men, all under the age of 24 then, held their ground against repeated Pakistani armoured assaults, fighting through smoke, fire and relentless shelling in one of the defining tank battles of the 1971 war. Famagusta, a Centurion Mk 7 tank of the Poona Horse regiment, was at the centre of one of the fiercest engagements of the 1971 war, the Battle of Basantar. Weighing around 50 tonnes and equipped with a 17-pounder main gun, the Centurion was, at that time, one of the most capable tanks in the Indian Army's arsenal. Also read: Lt Col & his family among 6 missing after landslide hits army camp in north Sikkim. 3 found dead so far Holding the line at Basantar The capture of the Shakargarh region in the western sector was critical during the war, as it could have allowed Pakistan's forces to sever the vital connection between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. Subsequently, the Battle of Basantar, fought from 4 to 16 December, emerged as one of the most significant engagements during the war. Despite facing heavily fortified Pakistani defences and extensive minefields, the Indian troops executed a coordinated offensive that secured key territory and pushed the frontline westward. Engineers from the Indian Army's 9 Engineer Regiment breached minefields as deep as 1.6 km while under direct enemy fire. Between 15 and 16 December, troops of the 47th Infantry Brigade secured a bridgehead across the Basantar River, clearing the path for the 17th Poona Horse's Centurion tanks to advance. What followed were fierce duels between Indian Centurions and AMX-13s and Pakistani Pattons. As the enemy surged forward, 21-year-old Khetarpal, with less than 6 months of service, was ordered up to reinforce the line. Inside the Famagusta tank, Khetarpal gave the command to his crew to fight from position. Gunner Sowar Nathu Singh opened fire with pinpoint accuracy, while loader Sowar Nand Singh worked relentlessly to feed the 20-pounder gun amid thick smoke and deafening blasts. Together, they knocked out 10 enemy tanks, halting the Pakistani advance. But as the last of the turret ammunition was spent, the crew began traversing the gun to access rounds stored in the hull. At that moment, a Pakistani anti-tank missile pierced the tank's side pistol port, killing Sowar Nand Singh instantly and grievously wounding both Khetarpal and Sowar Nathu Singh. Driver Rathore, the fourth crew member, climbed out under fire and pulled the wounded out of the disabled tank. He was hit by machine-gun fire while attempting to save his comrades. Khetarpal later succumbed to his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, while the two other crew members survived. By the end of the battle, Indian forces had reportedly destroyed over 48 Pakistani tanks, decimating one infantry brigade and one armoured brigade. The tank, Famagusta, was later recovered and now stands preserved at the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The man behind the gun While Khetarpal was honoured with India's highest wartime gallantry award, the story of his crew remained largely untold. All three crew members—Jodha, Rathore and Sowar Nand Singh—were reportedly recommended for the Vir Chakra by their commanding officer. Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh received the Mahavir Chakra for his role in the battle. Further, sources said that Jodha and Rathore were awarded a Mention in Dispatches, meanwhile, Sowar Nand Singh, who died inside the tank, was not officially recognised. Despite his life-altering leg injuries post the battle, Jodha continued to serve with his regiment. He went on to become a Master Gunner and gunnery instructor, dedicating himself to training young tank crews. According to those who served with him, he remained deeply committed to Poona Horse. Survived by his wife and two sons, Hony Capt Nathu Singh Jodha's funeral in Husenpura saw a large turnout of residents and ex-servicemen. With the passing of Hony Capt Nathu Singh Jodha, the last living link to the Centurion tank Famagusta is gone. The tank now stands quietly in Ahmednagar, its scars still visible, a reminder of December 1971, when four young men, one officer and three sowars, fought fiercely from within its steel walls and helped change the course of the war. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also read: Losses are not important, outcomes are—CDS General Anil Chauhan on Operation Sindoor 'setbacks'
