Sant Singh

Brig Sant Singh, MVC & bar(1921–2015), whom the freedom fighters in 1971 fondly called “Brigadier Babaji” because of his attire – typical Sikh turban and beard and affectionate attitude, was an officer in the Indian Army. He was one of the six officers of the Indian Army to have been twice decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest war time military decoration. He was one of the Indian officers involved in training the Mukti Bahini, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War.^[2]

Brigadier Sant Singh MVC Bar
Born	12 July 1921 [1] Panjgrain Kalan, Faridkot, Punjab[1]
Died	9 December 2015 [2] Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar[2]
Allegiance	India  India
Service / branch	British Indian Army  Indian Army
Years of service	16 February 1947 - 1973
Rank	Brigadier
Unit	Sikh Light Infantry
Battles / wars	Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 Sino-Indian War Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Awards	Maha Vir Chakra Bar

Early life

Sant Singh was born in Jat family on 12 July 1921 in Panjgrain Kalan in Faridkot, Punjab. He studied in Brijendra High School, Faridkot and RSD College, Ferozpur. ^[2][1]

Military career

Singh was commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry on 16 February 1947 on a short-service commission, receiving a regular commission in the Indian Army as a lieutenant on 15 August 1951.^[3] He took over as the commander of the Sikh Light Infantry in 1964 and led the regiment to victory in the Battle of OP Hill in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He remained as the commander of the regiment till 1968. He was promoted to acting brigadier and given command of an infantry brigade on 28 August 1969.^[4] He was also instrumental in training the guerrilla forces of the Mukti Bahini and his brigade marched into Dhaka, after catching the Pakistani forces off guard, and thereby forcing the enemy to surrender.

On 10 March 1972, Singh was given command of an infantry brigade.^[5] He retired on 12 July 1973 after 26 years of service.^[6][7]

Dates of rank

Insignia	Rank	Component	Date of rank
	Second Lieutenant	British Indian Army	16 February 1947[3]
	Second Lieutenant	Indian Army	15 August 1947[note 1][8]
	Lieutenant	Indian Army	16 August 1948[3]
	Lieutenant	Indian Army	26 January 1950 (short-service commission, recommissioning and change in insignia)[8][9] 15 August 1951 (regular commission)[3]
	Captain	Indian Army
	Major	Indian Army	16 February 1960[10]
	Lieutenant-Colonel	Indian Army	2 February 1966[11]
	Colonel	Indian Army	17 December 1970[12]
	Brigadier	Indian Army	28 August 1969 (acting)[4] 22 May 1972 (substantive)[13]

Personal life

Sant Singh was married to Satwant Kaur.

He has a daughter Satinder Kaur married to Brigadier Sarbjit Singh Randhawa (Retired). ^[2][1]

Notes

1. Upon independence in 1947, India became a Dominion within the British Commonwealth of Nations. As a result, the rank insignia of the British Army, incorporating the Tudor Crown and four-pointed Bath Star ("pip"), was retained, as George VI remained Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. After 26 January 1950, when India became a republic, the President of India became Commander-in-Chief, and the Ashoka Lion replaced the crown, with a five-pointed star being substituted for the "pip."