By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 23: In a solemn and dignified ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the Shaurya Chakra upon Captain Deepak Singh, a valiant son of Uttarakhand, in recognition of his indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The gallantry award was received by his emotional parents, Champa Singh and Mahesh Singh, who were visibly moved by the honour bestowed upon their late son.
It may be recalled that Captain Deepak Singh, serving with the 48 Rashtriya Rifles, had attained martyrdom on 14 August 2024 during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Assar region of Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, Captain Singh led two teams to the site and maintained vigilant surveillance. Around 7:30 p.m. suspicious movements were detected, prompting Captain Singh to swiftly organise his troops and begin a strategic cordon of the area.
Throughout the night, Captain Deepak Singh and his team valiantly engaged the terrorists, successfully injuring one despite the challenges posed by darkness and the rugged terrain. At daybreak, while conducting a search operation, Captain Singh and his men recovered an M4 assault rifle and ammunition. Suddenly, the wounded terrorist, concealed behind rocks, opened fire. Demonstrating exceptional bravery, Captain Singh ensured the safety of his comrade by moving him to a secure position, before advancing himself to confront the terrorist head-on. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Captain Singh sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Army Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, laying down his life for the nation.
On the occasion of Captain Deepak Singh being posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and several other ministers proudly remembered his sacrifice. Dhami paid heartfelt tributes to the martyred officer, stating that Uttarakhand is proud of this brave son. Even after being injured, Captain Singh displayed unparalleled courage and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the nation till his last breath.
Uttarakhand Sainik Kalyan Minister Ganesh Joshi stated that it is a moment of immense pride. Every child born in Uttarakhand is always ready to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation, and their parents are eager to send them to the armed forces. The valour, sacrifice, and sense of duty displayed by martyr Captain Deepak Singh will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Captain Deepak was the youngest among three siblings, with two elder sisters. At the time of his martyrdom, the festival of Raksha Bandhan was just a few days away. His sisters kept waiting for their brother, but he had already laid down his life for the nation. After the supreme sacrifice of his son, Captain Deepak’s father, Mahesh Singh, had said that he would not shed a single tear from his eyes, as he was proud that his son was able to do something for the country.
During the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025, President Murmu also conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumously, upon personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police. According to the Ministry of Defence, these gallantry awards honour those who displayed raw courage, exceptional bravery, and complete disregard for personal safety in the line of duty.
