Opinion | The Gallant Hero of the Tithwal War: CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat, PVC ( Posthumous)

Company Havaldar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat was born on May 20, 1918, in Rampura Beri village, located in the Churu district of Rajasthan. He hailed from a family of three brothers and four sisters, being the youngest among them. From a young age, Piru Singh Shekhawat had a strong desire to join the Indian Army. His dream became a reality when he was selected through a recruitment camp and enlisted in the Army on his 18th
birthday, May 20, 1936.
Initially assigned to the 10/1 Punjab, Piru Singh Shekhawat was later posted to the 5/1 Punjab of the renowned Punjab Regiment, which is known for its distinguished infantry.
Showing exceptional dedication, he swiftly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the
position of Naik in a short period. He also served as an instructor at the Punjab Regimental
Centre in Jhelum. In May 1945, he was appointed as Company Havaldar Major.
Subsequently, he participated in World War II and served in Japan as part of the Allied
Forces. Upon his return in September 1947, following the conclusion of WW-II, the Indian
Army underwent reorganization, and Company Havaldar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat was
assigned to the 6 Raj Rif of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.
During the Jammu and Kashmir operations in the summer of 1948, Pakistani raiders
had seized the village of Tithwal in the Kashmiri hills and were advancing to take control of
positions across the Kishanganga River. To reinforce the offensive in the Tithwal sector, the
British Indian Army deployed the 6 Rajputana Rifles to Tithwal. The operation commenced
on July 11 and lasted until July 15. Two companies were dispatched to secure strategic
features in the area. Leading Company ‘D’ was CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat, whose objective was to secure the first feature.
However, the path to the enemy post was a narrow ridge flanked by deep ravines and under
the direct line of fire from enemy MMG (Medium Machine Gun) posts. Undeterred, he
inspired his men to press forward, chanting “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai” (Hail Lord Ram).
Within half an hour of their advance, over half of the company had been incapacitated.
CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat led from the front, despite heavy enemy fire raining down upon
them. His clothes were torn apart by grenade fragments, and he sustained multiple injuries.
Nevertheless, he courageously advanced to neutralize the MMG posts, bayoneting the
enemy crew and capturing the position. By this time, most of his company had fallen in
battle.
Despite his injuries and isolation, he left the safety of the trench to assault the second
MMG post. Along the way, he was struck by a grenade, causing severe bleeding from his
face. Depleted of ammunition and gravely wounded, he did not waver. He hurled a grenade
into a trench, eliminating the occupants, and bayoneted two more in another trench, thus
securing the second MMG post. As he emerged from the post, he was shot in the head and
seen falling over the enemy trench. However, a loud explosion from the third MMG post
confirmed that CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat’s grenade had accomplished its mission.
Though he succumbed to his injuries, he had fearlessly and selflessly fulfilled his duty.
In recognition of his exceptional bravery, unwavering devotion, and self-sacrifice for
his motherland, CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat was posthumously awarded the nation’s
highest gallantry honor, the “Param Vir Chakra.” His tale continues to inspire millions of
Indians, and he will forever be remembered for his indomitable courage and love for his country