Major Shaitan Singh Bhati is remembered as one of India’s most courageous soldiers, honored with the Param Vir Chakra, the nation’s highest military decoration. His valor during the Sino-Indian War, particularly at the Battle of Rezang La, remains a poignant chapter in India’s military history.
Early Life and Education of Major Shaitan Singh
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was born on 1 December 1924 in Banasar village, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, to a Rajput family of the Bhati clan. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Hem Singh, had served with distinction in World War I and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Singh attended Chopasni Senior Secondary School in Jodhpur, where he excelled in football. After completing his schooling in 1943, he graduated from Jaswant College in 1947. Singh joined the Jodhpur State Forces as an officer on 1 August 1949.
Military Career of Major Shaitan Singh
Following the merger of the princely state of Jodhpur into India, Singh was transferred to the Kumaon Regiment. His career saw him participating in various operations, including those in the Naga Hills and the 1961 annexation of Goa. Promoted to captain on 25 November 1955, he was later elevated to the rank of major on 11 June 1962.
Sino-Indian War and the Battle of Rezang La
The Sino-Indian War of 1962 highlighted the tensions between India and China over disputed Himalayan borders. Despite strategic advice from the Indian Army, the “Forward Policy” advocated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru led to the establishment of numerous small posts facing the Chinese. This policy was challenged by the army due to the geographical disadvantages and the risk of overwhelming Chinese attacks.
On 18 November 1962, Major Shaitan Singh’s 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment was stationed at Rezang La in the Chushul sector. The area, situated at 16,000 feet above sea level, was defended by five platoon posts. In the early hours of that day, Chinese forces launched a massive attack on the position.
Despite fierce resistance, the Indians faced heavy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. Major Singh demonstrated exceptional bravery by moving between posts to reorganize defenses and boost morale. He was seriously wounded while continuously directing his troops. Despite his injuries, he ordered his men to evacuate while he remained behind. Singh succumbed to his wounds at a boulder where he had been placed for safety. His body was later recovered by the Red Cross.
Major Shaitan Singh, Param Vir Chakra Award Recipient
For his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Battle of Rezang La, Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration. The official citation lauded his courageous actions, stating that Singh’s leadership inspired his men to fight valiantly against overwhelming odds, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy even as he was severely wounded.
Legacy of Major Shaitan Singh
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati’s legacy is honored in various ways. In the 1980s, the Shipping Corporation of India named a crude oil tanker, MT Major Shaitan Singh, PVC, in his honor. This ship served for 25 years before being phased out. Additionally, a movie about Singh’s life, starring Shehzaad Khan and directed by Pankaj Sehgal, was released in 2017, further commemorating his heroism and sacrifice. His statue at Param Yodha Sthal, National War Memorial, New Delhi, stands as a tribute to his bravery and dedication.
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