Punjab: ‘Faujiaan da Pind’ is proud to serve the country

Punjab: There is no greater honour than dedicating one’s life in the service of the nation. Raikot, a small town located around 50 km from Ludhiana, once held the distinction of sending a large number of soldiers to the armed forces. One of the biggest contributors to the armed forces from this region is Nathowal, a unique village known as ‘Faujian da Pind’. This village with a population of around 4,000 has sent around 500 men to the army since the 1962 Indo-China war. Two soldiers from this village also laid down their lives during the 1965 war against Pakistan. Havaldar Kartar Singh (Vir Chakra) and Havaldar Shyam Singh attained martyrdom in Jammu and Kashmir. Three brave sons of this village – Naik Surjeet Singh, Naik Kuldeep Singh and Havaldar Darshan Singh – sacrificed their lives for the country in the Kargil war. Another village located in the vicinity of Raikot is Burj Hari Singh village.

Buta Singh, a soldier of 66 Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) Battery, died in Sikkim in 2019 while on duty. He was awarded the Army Medal for his services. Karnail Singh of Nathowal village, who has served in the Indian Army, said he is proud that he has served the country. He said, “One of my sons has taken up a private job, while the other has joined the armed forces. Times have changed and today’s young generation is more inclined towards computers and technology and they want to make a career in it. But we should never forget our duty towards our nation. I am proud that one of my sons has joined the army.” Pritam Singh says, “Our village was once home to some of the most ‘ferocious’, patriotic and dedicated jawans who shed their blood and sweat for the peace and security of the motherland. Over time, the number of youth joining the armed forces has declined. There was a time when 500 men from the village were serving in the army, but now the number has come down to 15-20. The youth now prefer to either take up another job or go abroad.”