Kuldip Singh Chandpuri
Introduction
Brigadier (retired) Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, was born in a Sikh family of Chandpur Rurki village in the state of Punjab(India). He is known for his heroic leadership in the famous Battle of Longewala for which he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) by the Indian Army.
Role in the famous Battle of Longewala
Kuldip Singh Chandpuri held the post of a Major in Indian Army's 23rd Bn, Punjab Regiment during the time of 1971 war when Pakistan army attacked the Longewala post in the state of Rajasthan (India). Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and his company numbered 120 soldiers and were responsible for defending the post of Longewala in Rajasthan, India. Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and his men were at considerable odds against the 2000-3000 strong assault force of the 51st Infantry Brigade of the Pakistani Army- backed by the 22nd Armored Regiment. Despite heavy odds Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and his company did not abandon the post and held the 2000-3000 strong Pakistani Army at bay for the full night until the Indian Air Force arrived in the morning.
Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri exhibited dynamic leadership in holding his men and command together against an incomparable attacking force and in leading his men to hold the attacking Pakistan Army from progressing ahead. Showing exceptional courage and determination, Kuldip Singh Chandpuri first decided not to abandon the command and he inspired his men moving from bunker to bunker encouraging them in beating back the enemy till reinforcements arrived. In this heroic defense, Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and his 23rd Bn Punjab Regiment (120 Soldier) inflicted heavy casualties on the Pakistani Army (2000-3000 Soldiers) and forced them to retreat leaving behind twelve tanks. In this action, Major Chandpuri displayed conspicuous gallantry and leadership and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) by the Indian Army.
The entire battle was potrayed in the movie "Border (film)" in which Sunny Deol played the role of Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri. Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri retired as a Brigadier from the Indian Army.
- Border (film), a 1997 Bollywood film directed by J.P.Dutta. This movie is an adpatation from real life events that happened at the "Battle of Longewala" Rajasthan during the Bangladesh Liberation War/1971 Indo-Pak war. Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was portrayed by Bollywood Actor Sunny Deol.
