Captain Anshuman Singh was a brave Indian soldier who served in the Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment. He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional bravery and resolve during a major fire incident in Siachen. Despite disregarding his own safety, Captain Singh rescued many people. Tragically, he lost his life in the line of duty. His widow, Smriti Singh, recalled their love story, which began on the first day of college, and their conversation about the next 50 years of their life before his untimely demise.
Early Life and Education
Captain Anshuman Singh was born in 1997 in the village of Bardiha Dalpat, Uttar Pradesh, India. He attended the prestigious Chail Military School in Himachal Pradesh and completed his schooling at Rashtriya Military School Chail. Captain Singh joined the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where he received rigorous training in military medicine, high-altitude medicine, and injuries sustained in warfare. His dedication to learning and excellence set the stage for his future endeavors.
After completing his MBBS, Captain Singh embarked on a year-long internship in Agra. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his internship was extended. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his calling as a medical professional. Captain Singh served with the 26th Battalion, The Punjab Regiment as a Medical Officer. His assignment led him to the Chandan Complex under Operation MEGHDOOT. Despite the harsh conditions and immense challenges, he displayed unwavering commitment to his duty.
Singh’s Death: The Siachen Incident
The night of July 19, 2023, marked a turning point in his career, one that would be remembered for his extraordinary courage and selflessness. That night, Chandan Dropping Zone experienced a catastrophic fire incident. The officer, upon hearing the alarm, immediately sprang into action. Rushing out of his Fibre Glass Hut, he found himself amidst chaos and flames. Demonstrating quick thinking and fearless leadership, Captain Anshuman Singh managed to rescue four to five individuals from a nearby Fibre Glass Hut that was rapidly filling with smoke and on the brink of catching fire. His calm demeanor and clear instructions helped guide these individuals to safety, showcasing his remarkable ability to stay composed under pressure. However, the crisis was far from over. The Medical Investigation room, a critical facility, was now engulfed in flames. Realizing the urgency, Captain Singh re-entered his own hut to retrieve the medical aid box. Tragically, the high-velocity winds fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread swiftly and engulf his shelter. Despite numerous rescue attempts, he could not be saved. His mortal remains were recovered only after the fire had been extinguished.
Captain Ansuman Singh Legacy Inspiration
On March 19, 2020, Captain Anshuman Singh embarked on a journey of service and dedication when he was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps. His assignment led him to join the 26 PUNJAB Regiment as a Medical Officer, where he served at the Chandan Complex under Operation MEGHDOOT. In recognition of his valor and ultimate sacrifice, Captain Anshuman Singh is being recommended for the prestigious Kirti Chakra (Posthumous). Amongst the recipients was the late Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps, whose widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony was marked by emotional moments, with many family members of the fallen heroes in attendance to accept the awards on their behalf.
Smriti Singh and Captain Singh’s mother, Manju Singh, were present at the ceremony to accept the Kirti Chakra. Captain Anshuman Singh lost his life while saving crucial medical supplies and equipment, and his fellow soldiers during a devastating fire in the Chandan Dropping Zone. This honor not only commemorates his bravery but also serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and heroism inherent in the men and women of the Indian Army. Captain Anshuman Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire and uphold the finest traditions of military service.
Widow of Singh Recalls His Supreme Sacrifice
Smriti Singh, visibly emotional, recounted her memories with her late husband. “We met on the first day of college. I would not be dramatic but it was love at first sight. After a month, he got selected for the Armed Forces Medical College. We met in an engineering college and he got selected in a medical college, so super intelligence guy. From then on, after just one month of meeting, it was a long-distance relationship for eight long years,” she said, her voice breaking.
She continued, “He said ‘Let’s get married now’, so we did. Unfortunately, within two months of marriage, he got posted to Siachen. On 18th July, We had a long conversation about how our life is going to be for the next 50 years. We are going to build a house, we are going to have kids and what not. 19 morning, I get up and I get a call (informing me that) he was no more.”
Struggling to hold back tears, Smriti added, “So for the first seven-eight hours, we were not ready to accept that anything of such sort has happened. In seven-eight hours, it got confirmed that he is no more. Now we are coping, I am trying to figure out maybe it’s not true. but now, with that I have Kirti Chakra in my hand, I know it’s true. He is a hero. We can manage our lives because he managed a lot. He has given up all his life, all his family just to save the other three families, his army family.”
