Army chief Dwivedi pays tribute to his fallen brother-in-arms

Chandigarh: When General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paid homage to Naib Subedar Baldev Singh of 18th Battalion the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (18 JAK RIF), who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on April 20 while deployed at the formidable Kumar Post on Siachen Glacier, it was a poignant and personal tribute. The Army chief and the soldier had once served together.
The Army Chief on Monday laid a wreath on coffin of the valiant Junior Commissioned Officer at the wreath-laying ceremony at Shraddhanjali Sthal, Base Hospital, Delhi cantonment.
General Dwivedi, who then commanded the battalion, first came across Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, a native of Sirsa district in Haryana, in Oct 2003. Baldev Singh had joined the 18 JAK RIF in 2002. Recognising his potential and spark, the Commanding Officer nominated him for specialist duties in the Battalion's Signal Platoon.
The COAS, as then CO 18 JAK RIF, personally mentored Baldev Singh as an infantry signaller. The young soldier accompanied the CO in numerous operations, displaying unwavering professionalism, courage, and dedication. Baldev Singh was promoted to Naib Subedar about a year ago. The bond between the two soldiers, built on mutual respect and shared hardships, grew into a familial relationship, making the loss profound and personal.
The Army spokesperson said, "The Naib Subedar will always be remembered as a cheerful, brave, and highly motivated soldier whose commitment to duty and professional excellence were deeply valued. The Indian Army stands in steadfast solidarity with the bereaved family during this hour of grief and salutes the indomitable spirit and devotion to duty of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh."
Wife of soldier faints at his funeral
Kumar Mukesh
Hisar: The mortal remains of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, who died in the line of duty at Siachen Glacier brought to his native village, Jhopra in Sirsa district, where he was given a tearful farewell with full state honours.
An atmosphere of grief enveloped the village as the tricolour-wrapped coffin arrived. During the last rites, the fallen soldier's wife, Gurvinder Kaur, fainted from shock and sorrow, while his grandmother wept inconsolably, remembering her beloved grandson.
Subedar Baldev Singh is survived by mother Rachna Kaur, wife Gurvinder, son Upraj Singh, daughter Manreet Kaur, and younger brother Hardev Singh. His father, Balwant Singh, passed away some time ago.
In line with the family's tradition of serving in the Army, one son of each of the four brothers in the extended family has joined the armed forces.