Hoshiar Singh Dahiya

Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC (5 May 1937 – 6 December 1998) an officer of the Indian Army who was awarded India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra during Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. He served in the Indian Army with dedication, retiring as a Brigadier.

Background
He was born in Sisana village, Sonipat district, Haryana to Choudhary Hira Singh. After his schooling and one year's study at the Jat College, Rohtak, he joined the Army. He was commissioned in The Grenadiers Regiment of the Indian Army on 30 June 1963.

His first posting was in NEFA. In the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, he saw some action in the Rajasthan sector.

Honoured with Param Vir Chakra
During the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, the 3rd Grenadiers was given the task of establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar River in the Shakargarh Sector from 15–17 December 1971. The river was covered with deep minefields on both sides and protected by well-fortified defence by the Pakistani army. Major Hoshiar Singh, commander 'C' Company, was ordered to capture the Pakistani locality of Jarpal. The Pakistani Army reacted and put in sharp counterattacks. Major Hoshiar Singh went from trench to trench, motivating his command and encouraging his men to stand fast and fight as a result his company repulsed all the attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani army. Though seriously wounded, Major Hoshiar Singh refused to be evacuated till ceasefire. Throughout this operation, Major Hoshiar Singh displayed most conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and leadership in the highest traditions of the Army. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and leadership. He was also Mentioned-in-Despatches.

Param Vir Chakra Citation
The Param Vir Chakra citation on the Official Indian Army Website reads as follows:

In popular culture
Mohanlal reprised Major Hoshiar Singh's character as Major Sahadevan in the 2017 Malayalam film, 1971: Beyond Borders.