A Legacy of Valor and Service
Major (Retd.) Gurdial Singh Jallanwalia, a 100-year-old war veteran and the oldest artilleryman in Punjab, has a distinguished military career spanning four wars. He was recently honored for his service, a day before the Indian Army celebrated Artillery Day.
A Family Tradition of Military Service
Jallanwalia and 13 of his family members have fought in every war since World War I, making their service a testament to courage and patriotism. He served in the Indian and British armies for over three decades, dedicating his life to defending the nation.
Honors and Recognition
In recognition of his contributions, the Director General (Artillery) presented Jallanwalia with a silver salver. Brigadier (Retd.) JS Arora, Director of the Sainik Welfare Board, Punjab, also felicitated him with a memento for his lifelong service.
Memories from the Battlefield
Jallanwalia vividly recalls being shot in Burma during World War II while fighting the Japanese army. Despite being injured, he led his men in a counterattack, eliminating enemy soldiers hidden in the bushes. His bravery and leadership were instrumental in many battles.
Secrets to a Healthy and Long Life
At 100, Jallanwalia remains active and independent, attributing his long life to discipline, a vegetarian diet, and homegrown organic food. He enjoys traditional Punjabi meals like ‘parantha’ with butter and maintains a teetotaler lifestyle.
A Message for the Youth
Jallanwalia emphasizes the importance of discipline and integrity in life. He actively supported the One Rank One Pension (OROP) agitation and donated ₹1 lakh for the cause, proving that his commitment to the armed forces extends beyond his years of active service.
Generations of Warriors
Born in 1917 to Risaldar Duleep Singh, who fought in World War I, Jallanwalia continued the family tradition of military service. After Independence, he fought in the 1948 war in Jammu & Kashmir and participated in the 1962 and 1965 wars, losing his nephew Major Bhupinder Singh (Mahavir Chakra) in 1965. His nephew, Colonel Ajmer Singh, fought in the 1971 war.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Jallanwalia’s sons, Harmanderjeet Singh and Harjinderjeet Singh, served in the Indian Army and Air Force, both fighting in the Kargil War (Operation Vijay) in 1999. The legacy continues with his grandson, Colonel Gurminder Singh, currently posted in Jammu & Kashmir, and his granddaughter-in-law, Lt. Col. Mandeep Kaur, serving as an Army doctor.
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