Lt Gen Bikram Singh, PVSM. Circa 1960
He was the General Officer Commanding XV Corps when he attained martyrdom in the 1963 Poonch Indian Air Force helicopter crash.
In 1962, during the Indo-China War, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh was a key figure in the Ladakh sector, earning the nickname ‘Dragon Killer’ for his operations. He led the defense of the region and was posthumously awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) Class-I for his bravery.
On 22 November 1963, Singh was killed when his helicopter crashed en route to Poonch. In a great loss to the Indian Armed Forces, the crash claimed six distinguished officers.The officers who were on the helicopter apart from Singh were: Lieutenant General Daulet Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command; Air Vice Marshal Erlic Pinto, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command; Major General N K D Nanavati, General Officer Commanding 25 Infantry Division; Brigadier S R Oberoi, Commander 93 Infantry Brigade Flight; and Lieutenant S S Sodhi, Pilot.
The news of the air crash came as a shock to the nation. A black-bordered extraordinary Gazette of India was issued on 23 November. The issue was raised in both houses of Parliament of India and addressed by the Minister of Defence Yashwantrao Chavan. The Rajya Sabha observed one minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and adjourned for the day. The Ministry of Defence, the three service headquarters and all defence establishments in New Delhi were closed on 23 November as a mark of respect. All public events of the Defence Minister and Service Chiefs were also cancelled. The officers were laid to rest with full military honours. Singh was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal posthumously on 26 January 1964.
A memorial has been built at the site of the air crash, commemorating the names of the victims. The Indian Army organises an annual event to pay homage to them. An ‘Akhand Path’ is also organised by the people of Poonch and surrounding villages, as a mark of their love and affection towards the departed souls, every year, to commemorate the tragic accident. A statue of Singh is installed in Jammu and a memorial in his ancestral village of Siana in Nawanshahr. A library and a museum dedicated to him is also being constructed. The Bikram Chowk in Jammu is also named for the general. Two committees, the Lieutenant General Bikram Singh Society at the Kahma village, and the Lieutenant General Bikram Singh Yadgaar Committee in Jammu, organise ceremonies, akhand paths, Ardaas, and blood donation camps among other events to remember him every year.
On the Eve of the 62th Death Anniversary of Lieutenant General Bikram Singh, the Yadgaar Committee, Jammu marked his anniversary with deep respect and heartfelt devotion, organizing a series of commemorative events to honour the timeless legacy of brave son of the Nation.
Remembering the supreme sacrifice and extraordinary service to the nation, the Committee conducted Paths, Ardaas ceremonial gatherings, and several other meaningful programmes that brought together citizens, ex-servicemen, community leaders, and youth.
These events not only paid homage to Lieutenant General Bikram Singh Ji’s unparalleled courage and leadership but also inspired people to carry forward his values of duty, discipline, compassion, and patriotism.
His memory continues to illuminate hearts, reminding us that true heroes never fad they live on through their actions and the lives they touch.
