26th January 2012-63rd Republic Day of Republic Of India,Ashok Chakra was posthumously awarded to 26 Year Old , Lt . Navdeep Singh of 15 Maratha Light Infantry who lost his life, fighting against attempted militant infiltration which took place at the high-altitude areas of Kashmir LOC , on 20th August 2011 at 12.30 am.
The lieutenant had killed 3 militants amidst cross-firing and while seeing the 4th terrorist approaching ahead, he quickly tried changing position resulting which a bullet hit his head. He still continued his attack ending-up killing the 4th terrorist. He did not stop there and in spite of continuous blood-loss he bravely pulled one of his injured fellow soldier to safety and kept firing till unconscious.
The young officer’s father Honorary Lt and Subedar Major Joginder Singh received the award from the president Pratibha Patil.
Well, the attraction towards the ‘Heroic and Meaningful’ Army-Life has slowly phased out from Indian society and it is quite ironical but true that there might be 95 out of 100, 26 year-old Indians who would love to be Reel-Life Hero in ‘Bollywood’ and Television Reality Shows but hardly would 5 stand ahead to do the job of a Real- Hero by joining the Army!
Lieutenant, salutations for the Supreme Sacrifice and to teach a few of us the meaning of a Real Hero and defining patriotism.