Sino-Indian War
The Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was serving in the 4th battalion, 4th Garhwal Rifles on 17 November 1962 during the Battle of Nuranang, in the North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh). On that day, the 4th Garhwal Rifles had beaten back two People’s Liberation Army charges on their position. During a third intrusion, a Chinese medium machine gun (MMG) had come close to the Indian defenses and was firing accurately at their positions. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain volunteered to subdue the MMG.
Rawat and Gusain, aided by covering fire from Negi, closed within a grenade throwing distance of the machine gun position and neutralized the Chinese detachment of five sentries, seizing the MMG in the process. However, while returning, Gusain and Negi lost their lives and Rawat was seriously injured, although he managed to return with the captured weapon. The battle resulted in 300 Chinese casualties, whereas the 4th Garhwal Rifles lost two men and had eight wounded.
4th Garhwal Rifles was later awarded the Battle Honor Nuranang, the only battle honor awarded to an army unit during the war.
His saga of valor and sacrifice continues to serve as an inspiration to all army personnel posted in this sector. He has become a ‘Baba’, a saint. The bravery shown by Jaswant Rawat was honored by building a memorial at the post where he fended off the People’s Liberation Army but lost.
At the spot where he fought,a small temple has come up with a bust of him and many of his personal effects. A marble plaque commemorates him and 161 other men of his battalion who died in the battle of Nuranang, which was awarded to Garhwal Rifles as a battle honor. This shrine known as Jaswant Garh is between Se La and Jang. Indian Army personnel passing by this route traditionally pay their respects here, irrespective of rank.
Another honor bestowed upon him is that he continues to serve even after death; he has been awarded promotions as if he is still serving.
Jaswant is treated as if he is alive, his boots shined and his uniform and accouterments cared for by Army personnel posted at the shrine. He has received all his promotions in time, and has reached the rank of Honorary Captain. He is a source of inspiration to his fellow soldiers of Garhwal Rifles.
A Hindi movie “ 72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died”, directed by Avinash Dhyani, is based on the story of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was also made as a mark of tribute to this brave soldier.
