Manmohan Khanna,
NVC,
Chandigarh
As part of the Decade of Veterans, a ‘super’ veteran felicitation function was organised at Khetarpal Officers Institute at Chandimandir Cantonment today jointly by Headquarters Western Command and the Mahar Regiment. The event was unique of its kind to felicitate the ‘super’ veterans, who have dedicated the prime of their youth serving the Indian Army with selfless devotion and continue to lead a retired life with elan and pride in the society.The function was attended by nearly 250 serving and retired officers along with their families including many senior and eminent retired officers. The event was graced by the presence of Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, GOC-in-C Western Command and Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan, GOC-in-C South Western Command and Colonel of The Mahar Regiment. One of the major events of the function was felicitations conferred on Lt Col (Retd) Kartar Singh, who celebrates his 100th birthday on this day.Lt Col (Retired) Kartar Singh has been declared as the First Citizen of the Indian Army during the felicitation ceremony. Col (Retd) Kartar Singh was commissioned into Licters British Infantry Unit in 1937, and was nominated for foreign mission service in Egypt and Sudan in the year 1940 during World War II. He was the first Indian Commanding Officers of 1 Mahar Regiment (a Machine Gun Battalion) from 1947 to 1951. He commanded the battalion during 1947-48 Indo-Pak operations in Jammu & Kashnir, and under his stewardship, the battalion not only played a pivotal role in the J & K operations but also earned the first Maha Vir Chakra of independent India. He later commanded 6 MAHAR (Borders) from 1956 to 1958. After his retirement from the Army, he continued to lead an active life as Vice President of Zila Sainik Board and Sarpanch of his village for 25 long years. Colonel (Retd) Kartar Singh was jointly felicitated by both the Army Commanders on his centenary birthday, and was declared as the Super Veteran of the Western Command. Colonel (Retd) Kartar Singh was emotionally surcharged and felt extremely honoured by the felicitations conferred upon him. A large number of Mahar Regimental officers and ladies were present on the occasion to greet the revered centenarian. It was a unique display by the Army of its sustained commitment and resolve towards welfare and well being of its retired soldiers, and honouring the founding fathers and pillars of strength of today’s esteemed Indian Army.
