From CA Aspirant to Army Martyr: Col Manpreet Singh's Tale of Patriotism and Heroism

The last rites of Colonel Manpreet Singh were performed in his hometown in Punjab's Mohali on Friday. Thousands of people bid goodbye to the brave-hearted soldier who lost his life while fighting for the nation.

Along with Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonchak, Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat and a soldier were killed in an encounter with the terrorists at Gadole in the Kokernag area of the south Kashmir district on Wednesday morning.

Who Was Manpreet Singh?

One might be surprised to know that his first dream was to become a Chartered Accountant. However, he ditched the financially prosperous career and opted to join the Indian Army.

Taking inspiration from his father, a distinguished Army veteran, Manpreet resolved to continue the time-honoured tradition of his family-a tradition synonymous with honour, bravery, and unswerving allegiance to Mother India.

It is interesting to note that he was the 22nd member of his extended family to join the Army.

A battle-hardened veteran, he received the Sena Medal for his service while serving as the second-in-command of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles. This battalion had the critical responsibility of maintaining security in South Anantnag, Kokernag, and Verinag Achabal, along with their more challenging terrains, which had been heavily infiltrated by terrorists, particularly foreign mercenaries in the past.

After his promotion in 2021 as a Colonel, Singh was given a choice to opt for peace area posting. "No Sir, I would like to be posted in my 19 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) and be with my own men," was his prompt response, politely rejecting the offer that had been made to him, according to a PTI report.

"In 2003, he decided to join the Army. After completing his CA studies, he cleared the army exam and joined the Army... During his leave, he used to spend time with family and friends but never talked about defence. He kept it secret... He reached this place through his efforts. He used to cycle his way to Chandigarh College and come back on time... A mountain of pain has fallen on us, but we are still proud that our son made a sacrifice for the nation," Republic quoted Colonel Manpreet Singh's uncle as saying.

Colonel Manpreet Singh leaves behind his spouse, a son of six years, and a two-year-old daughter. The Army officer, a Sena medal awardee, leaves behind two children, wife Jagmeet Kaur, a government school teacher in Haryana's Panchkula district, mother Manjeet Kaur and brother Sandeep.

An Extraordinary Student

His teacher Asha Chadha recalled him as as an extraordinary student. "We are very sad today but at the same time proud that we are teachers of a martyr who sacrificed his life for the nation."