Georgians Rashtriya Military Schools
“I Would Die with the Brass on My Chest”: Captain Anshuman
In a moving ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Smriti Singh, in a white sari, exemplified bravery as she accepted the Kirti Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu.
New Delhi: In a moving ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Smriti Singh, dressed in a white sari, epitomized bravery and resilience as she accepted the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, from President Droupadi Murmu. The award was bestowed posthumously upon her late husband, Captain Anshuman Singh, who sacrificed his life while saving his fellow soldiers during a fire at Siachen.
Georgian Captain Anshuman Singh Awarded Kirti Chakra Posthumously
A short video clip circulating on social media captures the poignant moment Smriti Singh and Captain Singh’s mother received the award from the President. In the video, Smriti folds her hands in gratitude as a voiceover praises her husband’s extraordinary bravery. President Murmu later took to social media, stating, “Disregarding his safety, he exhibited exceptional bravery and resolve to rescue many people in a major fire incident.”
Captain Anshuman’s Journey into the Army
Captain Anshuman Singh hailed from Bardiha Dalpat village in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district. Born in 1997, he was the youngest of three siblings in a family deeply connected to the military, with his father, Subedar Ravi Pratap Singh, being an army veteran. Captain Singh’s journey to heroism began at Rashtriya Military School Chail in Himachal Pradesh, where his passion for the armed forces was ignited.
He pursued his medical degree at the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. Upon graduation, he joined the Indian Army Medical Corps, dedicated to providing medical care to soldiers in peacetime and war.
In February 2023, Captain Singh married Smriti Singh, an engineer. Their love story, which began on the first day of their engineering college, endured a long-distance relationship of eight years, culminating in their union. Tragically, their time together was cut short when Captain Singh was posted to Siachen two months after their marriage.
The Siachen Glacier Fire Incident
On the early morning of July 19, 2023, an ammunition stockpile near Captain Singh’s bunker at the Chandan post in Siachen caught fire. Captain Singh, then serving with the 403 Field Hospital attached to the 26 Punjab Battalion, quickly realized that several soldiers were trapped. Despite the imminent danger, he repeatedly entered the burning FRP shelter, rescuing seven soldiers, three of whom had severe burns. On his fourth attempt, Captain Singh himself became trapped and suffered fatal burns, succumbing to his injuries.
Cpt #AnshumanSingh was awarded #KirtiChakra (posthumous). It was an emotional moment for his wife & Veer Nari Smt Smriti who accepted the award from #President Smt #DroupadiMurmu. Smt Smriti shares the story of her husband's commitment & dedication towards the nation. Listen in! pic.twitter.com/SNZTwSDZ1Z
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 6, 2024
Smriti Singh’s acceptance of the Kirti Chakra was not just a moment of recognition but a testament to her husband’s ultimate sacrifice. Recalling their love story, she said, “We met on the first day of our engineering college. Not to be dramatic but it was love at first sight… Unfortunately, within two months of marriage, he got posted to Siachen. On July 18, we had a long conversation about how our life would be in the next 50 years — we would build a house, and have kids. On the morning of the 19th, I get a call that he is no more.”
Despite the tragic loss, Smriti finds solace in Captain Singh’s heroism. “Now that I have the Kirti Chakra in my hand, I realize it is true. But it’s okay, he is a hero. We can manage a little of our lives because he has managed a lot. He gave up his life and family so that the other three families could be saved.” Captain Anshuman Singh’s story is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and courage of India’s armed forces.
