New Delhi: Ahead of the release of Border 2, PVC (Param Vir Chakra) Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’s wife blesses actor Varun Dhawan to bring alive her husband’s legacy in Border 2. Since Varun is playing the character of Dahiya in the war drama.
In a video, the PVC recipient’s wife was seen emotional and praising Dhawan, saying, “You have done very well. Well done, well done! The film will do very well.”
Earlier, the gallantry award recipient’s son, Colonel Sushil Kumar Dahiya expressed his appreciation along with his family, saying, “We have just seen the teaser of Border 2 and definitely Varun Dhawan has done it justice. The teaser looks very promising, and having our heritage told with so much emotion and honesty is really special for me and my family. Extremely excited to watch the film. All the best to you and the entire team for the film.”
Who was Colonel Hoshiar Singh?
Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya is remembered as one of India’s bravest soldiers, known for his gallantry during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. He was born on 5 May 1937 in Sisana village located on Rohtak-Sonipat road, Haryana. His father Chaudhary Hira Singh was a farmer, while his mother Mathuri Devi was a housewife.
After completing his schooling and studying for a year at Jat College, Rohtak, Hoshiar Singh chose life in uniform and joined the Indian Army. He was married to Dhanno Devi at an early age and had three sons.
On 30 June 1963, Hoshiar Singh was commissioned into the 3rd Grenadiers Regiment. His first posting was in the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). As a young officer, he also participated in the Indo-Pak War of 1965, giving him vital combat experience early in his career.
The fight that defined his legacy
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Indian Army had planned a major operation in the Shakargarh sector. The 3rd Grenadiers were given the difficult task of crossing the Basantar River, an area heavily defended by enemy troops and landmines.
Major Hoshiar Singh was given the responsibility of capturing Jarpal, a well-defended Pakistani position. Leading from the front, he engaged the enemy in close combat and successfully secured the post. Over the next two days, Pakistani forces launched repeated counter-attacks using tanks and artillery.
Despite continuous shelling, Major Singh walked across the trenches, encouraging his soldiers and strengthening their morale. On 17 December, the enemy launched a massive attack that involved the entire battalion. During this attack, Major Singh was badly injured but refused to evacuate.
When enemy shells demolished a machine-gun post and wounded its crew, he stepped forward and took command of the weapon himself. Despite being wounded, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, forcing them to retreat.
The battle ended with 85 enemy soldiers killed, including their commanding officer and three other officers.
For his extraordinary courage, leadership and determination, Major Hoshiar Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award. He later retired from the Indian Army with the rank of Colonel.
Colonel Hoshiar Singh died of heart failure on 6 December 1998 at the age of 61. He was cremated with full military honors in Jaipur. He is survived by three sons, two of whom followed his footsteps and joined the Indian Army as officers in the Grenadiers, one of whom joined the Third Grenadiers.
His life and bravery have also inspired cinema. Apart from Varun Dhawan, actor Mohanlal portrayed a character based on him in the 2017 Malayalam war film 1971: Beyond Borders.