Described as one of the finest and most moving moments of the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra was the opportunity to meet Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Bana Singh at R. S. Pura, Jammu.

Captain Bana Singh demonstrated extraordinary courage at Siachen in 1987 during Operation Rajiv, where his actions earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for valour. Currently living just five kilometres from the India-Pakistan border, in Kadyal village, his battlefield courage is legendary yet his life is marked by remarkable simplicity. 

For the young members of Chinmaya Amrit Yatra, meeting Captain Bana Singh was more than meeting a decorated soldier. It was an encounter with living history and an opportunity to witness the values of courage, simplicity, rootedness and selfless service. Meeting him offered an opportunity to learn about the man behind the remarkable story of valour. 

As the Yatra continued beyond Kadyal, the group carried with them the inspiration of a life lived with courage, humility and love for Bharat. 

His words continue to resonate with the group:

“Keep Bharat together. Keep Bharat together.”