AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 162 of 170 72. Major Singh, the Commander of the ‘C’ Company launched an attack across the enemy minefield on Jarpal from the left. It was a well fortified position held in good strength by the enemy. The company came under intense shelling and crossfire from enemy medium machine guns and suffered heavy casualties. The 4 Grenadiers, however, continued the assault doggedly and captured their objective. 73. In this battle, most of the enemy bunkers could be cleared only after grim hand- to-hand fighting. The enemy’s reaction to the loss of Jarpal was violent. They put in sharp counter attacks, two of them supported by armour to dislodge the 4 Grenadiers on December 16th. Major Singh, unmindful of the enemy shelling and tank fire, went from trench to trench, encouraging his men to remain steadfast and fight. Inspired by his courage and leadership, his company repulsed all attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. 74. On December 17th, the enemy mounted yet another attack in battalion strength with heavy artillery in support. Though wounded seriously in enemy shelling, Major Hoshiar Singh again went alone from trench to trench, moving in the open. On one occasion an enemy shell landed near his medium machine gun post, injuring the crew and rendering the gun inoperative. Major Hoshiar Singh, realising the importance of fire support at this juncture, rushed to the enemy machine gun pit and operated the gun inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The enemy attack was repulsed, and they beat a hasty retreat leaving behind 85 dead, including their C.O. - Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Akram Raja and three other officers. 75. Throughout this operation, Major Singh displayed the most conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy, grim determination and indomitable spirit. His dogged resistance, complete disregard to his personal safety and cool courage so inspired his command that they performed outstanding acts of gallantry and defeated repeated enemy attempts to recapture the locality. 76. The steadfastness and dauntless courage displayed by Major Hoshiar Singh were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army, and his refusal to be evacuated despite his serious wounds was an act beyond the call of duty. He was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra (Source: http://faculty.winthrop edu/haynese/india/medals/PVC/PVC14.html) Festivals Makar Sankranti or Pongal 77. The word ‘Pongal’ literally has two connotations. Firstly it is the name of the special dish cooked on this day and secondly the word “Ponga” means “boil”. So the word ‘Pongal’ means that which is overflowing. The preparation of this special dish needs a new mud-pot called Pongapani on which artistic designs are drawn. The village fair where these pots of different shapes and designs are sold is truly an aesthetic treat for the eyes to behold as also the specially set up colourful sugarcane market. While the ‘Puja’ is being performed, the neck of the Pongapani is tied with fresh turmeric and fresh ginger saplings with tender green leaves. The green leaves are symbolic of prosperity, the turmeric of auspiciousness, ginger for the spice of life. The special dish called “Sarkkarai Pongal” is cooked in this mud-pot. After the rituals of puja are over “Sarkkarai Pongal” with sticks of sugarcane is offered to the