Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri
Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri is a name of that great Sikh, whose valor in the battle of Longewala,
for which he was awarded the second highest Gallantry Award, Mahavir Chakra, has been depicted by
Sunny Deol in a movie named ,”BORDER”. S. Chandpuri was born on 22.11.1940 in that part of Punjab
which is now in Pakistan. However, after the family shifted to Hoshiarpur, he graduated from Govt. College
there. In 1962, he joined the Indian Army and in 1963, he was commissioned in the 23rd Battalion of
Punjab Regiment. It was in 1971 War with Pakistan when battle of Longewala was fought. Longewala
was manned by 120 soldiers of the Alfa Company of the 23rd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment under his
command (Major at that time). The Battalion displayed such a bravery that the enemy was routed and
the Indian Air Force which came in their support swooped in to destroy 26 tanks and a large number of
Pakistan’s Armored Regiment Careers. Major Sahib displayed conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership
and exceptional devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. The story on
the Indian screen has further immortalized this great role model.
