Hamirpur Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh, Vice Admiral Vatsyayan honored
President Draupadi Murmu conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) on Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) on Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan at an investiture ceremony held at the Republic Pavilion, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi today, leaving the city celebrating with pride.
President Draupadi Murmu conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan at an investiture ceremony held at the Republic Pavilion, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan are natives of Hira Nagar Colony in the city.
Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh is the son of Lieutenant Colonel Kishan Singh and grandson of Havildar Thakur Munshi Ram. He represents the third generation of his family to serve as an Army officer and is the second member of the family to receive the prestigious AVSM. Previously, his uncle, Colonel Rampal Singh, was awarded the AVSM by the then President Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.
Joining the National Defence Academy in 1986 and the Indian Army after graduating from the Indian Military Academy in 1989, Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh carried forward his family’s proud military legacy. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery and served with the 11 Field Regiment (Zojila), now known as the 11 Medium Regiment, which he later commanded. In 2015, he also commanded an artillery brigade in Kargil. During his distinguished career, Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh has held several important appointments in India and abroad and has been awarded three Army Commendation Cards. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in 2024 and is currently posted at Army Headquarters in New Delhi.
Family members have expressed pride in his achievement. His uncle, RS Kanwar, said that Ranjit Singh has brought great honor not only to the family, but also to the district and the state. His brother, Rajendra Kumar, said, “Ranjit has reached one of the highest ranks in the Army, and the AVSM has added another feather to his cap.”
Speaking to The Tribune, Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh attributed his success to the unwavering support of his family and his commitment to hard work. He said the blessings of his parents and elders guided him throughout his journey.
Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh’s wife, Yogita, and their two daughters were also present at the Republic Pavilion to witness the ceremony.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, currently the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, is the son of Squadron Leader Jagdish Chand Vatsayan.
