JAMMU, Oc 26: The Martyrdom Day of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, MVC, fondly remembered as the “Saviour of Kashmir,” was observed with solemnity, patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at Rajinder Singh Chowk, behind the New Secretariat, Jammu, on Monday.
People from different walks of life, including representatives of the Army, Police, Civil Administration, veterans, students and social organisations, gathered to pay rich floral tributes to the legendary Dogra warrior, whose supreme sacrifice during the 1947 invasion played a decisive role in safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts and Guides, students of Fauji Public School, run by the Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Services League (JKESL), and students from other schools. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by troops of 6 JAK RIF in recognition of Brig Rajinder Singh’s exceptional courage and sacrifice.
The programme also featured cultural performances presented by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students of Fauji Public School. Bindiya Tikoo, who conducted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, narrated the inspiring story of the Brigadier’s valour and highlighted his crucial role in defending Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947 tribal invasion.
Lok Sabha Member Jugal Kishore Sharma attended the function as the Chief Guest, while Maj Gen Ajit M. Yeole, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 26 Infantry Division, was the Guest of Honour. Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, AVSM, Chief Patron of JKESL, and Lt Col Karan Singh, President of Dogra Sadar Sabha, attended as Special Guests. Smt Usha Parmar, daughter of Brig Rajinder Singh, was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Rakesh Kumar Sharma, AVSM, SM (Retd), President of JKESL, said that Brig Rajinder Singh’s gallant action and supreme sacrifice had played a decisive role in preventing Jammu and Kashmir from falling into the hands of invading forces. He observed that, without the Brigadier’s courageous stand, the history and geographical contours of India could have been very different.
Recalling the historic Battle of Uri, Lt Gen Sharma said that the engagement deserved wider national recognition for its extraordinary display of courage, determination and sacrifice. He drew comparisons with celebrated battles such as Saragarhi and Thermopylae, emphasising the need to bring Brig Rajinder Singh’s contribution to the forefront of the nation’s military history.
Through the media, Lt Gen Sharma appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to declare Brig Rajinder Singh’s Martyrdom Day a State Function from next year. He also called for the elevation of the Brigadier’s Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) to the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and the inclusion of a separate chapter on Brig Rajinder Singh and the history of Jammu and Kashmir in the school curriculum.
He stressed that the younger generation must be educated about the sacrifices made by the region’s brave sons in protecting its territorial integrity and honour.
Chief Guest Jugal Kishore Sharma also paid rich tributes to Brig Rajinder Singh, praising his unparalleled courage, leadership and selfless service to the nation. Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal highlighted the historical significance of the Brigadier’s sacrifice and underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich military heritage.
The observance concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the legacy of Brig Rajinder Singh, whose heroic resistance in October 1947 remains a defining chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The gathering reaffirmed that his courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice would continue to inspire generations to serve the nation with honour and patriotism.