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 |
| Service/ |  Indian Army |
| Years of service | 16 February 1947 - 1973 |
| Rank |  Brigadier |
| Unit | Sikh Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |  Maha Vir Chakra Bar |
Early life
Sant Singh was born 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
_OF-1a.svg){kind=small} | Second Lieutenant | British Indian Army | 16 February 1947[3] |
| | Second Lieutenant | Indian Army | 15 August 1947[note 1][8] |
_OF-1b.svg){kind=small} | 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
He has a daughter Satinder Kaur married to Brigadier Sarabjeet Randhawa (Retired). [2][1]