Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan was born on September 26 1921 in Moga, Punjab. He was a Saini Sikh and had joined the Indian Army in the 1st Sikh Regiment and was a Subebar. His father’s name was Sher Singh Sahnan who belonged to an agricultural Saini Sikh family. His mother’s name was Bibi Krishna Kaur Bhela and his wife’s name was Gurdyal Kaur Banga. Joginder Singh’s primary schooling was done in the village namely Nathu Ala and the middle schooling in the village; Daroli. Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan was the eighth recipient of the Param Vir Chakra that was awarded to him for his brave actions in the Sino-Indian War. Subedar Joginder Singh was also honoured by the Shipping Corporation of India who honoured him by naming him one of the vessels. Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan (PVC) was also awarded the higest civilian recognition in hi native town of Moga in the year 2006; his statue was erected and inaugrated near the district DC office. He died at the age of 41 years on 23rd October 1962.
Military Life and War of Tawang Sector
It was the Sino-Indian War in 1962 when Subedar Joginder Singh was commanding a platoon of the Sikh Regiment in the Tawang sector of NEFA; North East Frontier Agency. On October 20 1962, the platoon was defending the ridge in Tongpeng La area on Bum La axis when suddenly they sensed and noticed that a huge Chinese troop was heading ahead from opposite Bum La across the McMohan Line. And ultimately on 23rd October with the intention to progress in Tawang this Chinese concentration intensively attacked on the Bum La axis. Chinese began to attack with the heavy artilleries, mortar firing and other weapons. The Platoon of Sikh Regiment tried their level best to defend themselves made the Chinese attackers fearful but sooner the Chinese reformed once again and instantly attacked for the second time.
It is Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan who was constantly fighting with the Chinese enemy even after losing half of the men of the platoon. He got a bad thigh injury but this injury was very small to make down the morale and courage of Subedar Joginder Singh. The Chinese troops now again attacked for the third time and this attack was more fierce and disastrous that made the Sikh platoon to lose its almost men. Now there were very few of the men being left in the battle field but Subedar Joginder Singh refused evacuation. He then guarded a light machine gun and trashed a large number of enemy men about 52 enemies.
The battle was getting horrendous and Subedar Joginder Singh was not able to handle this situation single-handedly. By now there were many causalities and death in the Sikh Platoon. But that’s only the situation when Subedar Joginder Singh acted lionheartedly and confronted the enemy in order to bayonate them to death. He along with his few of the men cried aloud the Sikh battle cry; “Wahe Guru ji kaa Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh”.
Subedar Joginder Singh was captured by the Chinese and their custody he died due to his severe injuries and frigid conditions. Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan was an epitome of bravery and courage, he was truly a devoted solider mantained to fight in all the odds in the battle field. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
