The Hero Who Stopped 200 Enemies Alone: The Untold Story of Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar MVC -

Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar, hailing from Alamwala, Punjab, was a courageous officer of the Kumaon Regiment who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 1948 for his extraordinary bravery and selfless sacrifice during the Poonch operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar, hailing from Alamwala, Punjab, became a legend during the Poonch operations of 1948. Facing an overwhelming enemy force of nearly 200 soldiers, he charged forward single-handedly with a Bren gun, saving his platoon from certain destruction. Despite being critically wounded, he personally oversaw the evacuation of his injured men before making the ultimate sacrifice. His story is a timeless tale of courage, leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, earning him the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. This is the life of a man who put honor and duty above all else.

Early Life & Challenges:

Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar was born on 15 August 1918 in the village of Alamwala, Faridkot district, Punjab, to Shri Inder Singh. Growing up in a region known for its proud tradition of military service, young Malkit Singh was raised in a disciplined and value-driven environment. From an early age, he imbibed qualities of integrity, courage, and dedication, traits that would later define his extraordinary military career.

He received his early education at Mulwa Khalsa High School, Ludhiana, where he was known for being diligent, focused, and sincere in his studies. Later, he pursued higher education at D.M. College, Moga, graduating with distinction. During these formative years, India was in the midst of a growing nationalist movement, and the spirit of service and sacrifice deeply inspired him.

Motivated by a desire to serve the nation, Malkit Singh chose the path of a soldier. In 1941, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment. The challenges he faced were immense—rigorous training, harsh military discipline, and the responsibility of leading men in high-risk operations. Yet, he embraced every obstacle as an opportunity to grow stronger and more capable, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Even early in his career, he displayed extraordinary leadership, courage, and concern for his men, proving that true valor is not only about bravery in battle but also about character, compassion, and unwavering commitment to duty.

Turning Point:

The Recognition & Award:

For his extraordinary courage, selfless leadership, and supreme sacrifice during the Poonch operations in 1948, Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) — India’s second-highest military gallantry award.

The award citation praised his conspicuous bravery and indomitable fighting spirit, noting how he single-handedly held the forward post against overwhelming enemy forces and ensured the safety of his men even at the cost of his own life.

Major Brar’s heroism not only saved lives but also became a symbol of valor and devotion to duty, inspiring generations of soldiers and citizens alike.

What Changed After the Award:

Even though Major Sardar Malkit Singh Brar made the ultimate sacrifice, his legacy had a lasting impact on the nation and the armed forces:

Immortalized as a Hero: His bravery became a shining example in the history of the Indian Army.
Inspiration for Cadets and Students: His story is taught in military academies and schools as a lesson in courage and leadership.
Symbol of Patriotism: He embodies selfless service and devotion to the nation for generations to come.
Regimental Pride: His actions and sacrifice are celebrated in the Kumaon Regiment as part of their proud heritage.
National Recognition: His story is remembered through memorials, ceremonies, and tributes honoring gallantry.