Jaswant Garh is a historic site located near the town of Tawang in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The site is named after Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a soldier of the Indian Army who fought against the invading Chinese troops in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.Jaswant Garh is a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice.
The bravery of young gun Jaswant Singh Rawat was honored by naming the army post held by him as the “Jaswant Garh post” where he fended off the People’s Liberation Army, and Jaswant Garh War Memorial was built at the post.Memorial at the army post lies 52 km southeast of Tawang and north of Sela Tunnel on NH-13 Trans-Arunachal Highway’s Dirang-Tawang section.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s contributions to the 1962 war were significant, including:
Neutralizing a Chinese machine gun:
During the Battle of Nuranang, Jaswant Singh volunteered to neutralize a Chinese medium machine gun (MMG) that was firing at Indian positions. He and his comrades crawled towards the bunker housing the MMG, threw grenades, and captured it.
Holding off Chinese attacks:
Despite his injuries, Jaswant Singh continued to man his post and hold back Chinese attacks for 72 hours. His actions silenced the MMG and neutralized a major threat, which eventually led to the Chinese retreating.
Saving Arunachal Pradesh:
Jaswant Singh’s bravery prevented the Chinese from capturing Arunachal Pradesh.
Jaswant Singh was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his actions.
Additionally, Jaswant Singh Rawat has received several posthumous promotions.
Sela, who died helping Jaswant was honored by naming the Sela Pass, Sela Tunnel and Sela Lake in her name.Nuranang Falls was named after Nura.
Jaswant Singh’s saga of valor and sacrifice continues to serve as an inspiration to all army personnel posted in this sector. He has become a ‘Baba’, a saint. At the spot where he fought,a small temple has come up with a bust of his and many of his personal effects. A marble plaque commemorates him and 161 other men of his battalion who died in the battle of Nuranang, which was awarded to Garhwal Rifles as a battle honour.This shrine known as Jaswant Garh is between Se La and Jang. All Indian Army personnel passing by this route from General or a jawan, make it a point to pay their respects here.So do civilians. Jaswant is treated as if he is alive, his boots shined and his uniform and accoutrements cared for by Army personnel posted at the shrine. He has received all his promotions in time, and has reached the rank of Honorary Captain.
(The author is an Independent Senior Broadcast Journalist, associated with British Media and the Editorial head of Defence & Sports of NE India Broadcast.)
