The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying exceptional gallantry and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The award recognizes the most extraordinary acts of bravery on the battlefield, often at the cost of the recipient’s life. Few can be deemed worthy of deserving the honor synonymous with the Param Vir Chakra, having only been awarded 21 times since its inception in 1950. One such warrior is Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, whose fearless actions in the Congo Crisis of 1961 set an unparalleled example of selflessness and bravery. His name remains synonymous with unwavering courage, and his ultimate sacrifice is a shining testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army.
Early years
Born on 29 November 1935, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria hailed from a Jamwal family. His ancestral village was near Shakargarh in the undivided Punjab, but following the partition, his family relocated to Jangal in Gurdaspur district, Punjab. His parents, Munshi Ram and Smt. Dhan Devi, ensured that their son received the best possible education and upbringing, fostering a spirit of courage and patriotism within him.
In 1946, he joined the prestigious King George Royal Indian Military College in Bangalore before transferring to King George Royal Military College in Jalandhar (now Rashtriya Military School, Chail, in Himachal Pradesh). His passion for military service led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he was a part of the 9th course and Bravo Squadron.
He was later commissioned into the 1 Gorkha Rifles from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, on 9 June 1957, marking the beginning of his illustrious military career.
1 Gorkha Rifles: The Regiment of the Brave
The 1 Gorkha Rifles was initially raised in April 1815 after the Anglo-Nepalese War. At the time of India’s independence in 1947, the 3rd Battalion of the 1 Gorkha Rifles (3/1 GR) was transferred to the Indian Army under the Tripartite Agreement signed between India, Nepal, and Britain. Over the years, this regiment played a crucial role in multiple wars, including the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War and the 1971 War. The regiment’s motto, “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro” (Better to die than live like a coward), exemplifies the spirit with which Captain Salaria fought in the battlefield.
The Congo Crisis and India’s Role
Following its independence from Belgium in 1960, the Republic of Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) fell into chaos, marked by internal conflicts and secessionist movements. The United Nations formed the Opération des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC) to bring peace and stability to the region. The Indian Army played a major role in this mission, contributing significantly through its 99 Infantry Brigade Group, which included 3/1 Gorkha Rifles.
On 5 December 1961, during Operation UNOKAT, Captain Salaria and his platoon were tasked with clearing a strategic roadblock in Elizabethville, Katanga, set up by secessionist gendarmes and foreign mercenaries. The plan was for one company, along with two Swedish armored personnel carriers, to attack the roadblock frontally, while Captain Salaria’s small force of 16 Gorkhas would advance from the airfield to cut off enemy reinforcements.
As Captain Salaria and his men approached within 1500 yards of the roadblock, they suddenly came under heavy automatic and small-arms fire from an undetected enemy position on their right flank. The enemy, consisting of around 90 heavily armed men and two armored vehicles, posed a formidable challenge.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Captain Salaria swiftly assessed the situation. Realizing that this enemy detachment could reinforce the main secessionist force at the roundabout, he made the courageous decision to launch an immediate assault. Armed with a rocket launcher, khukris, and bayonets, he led his men in a ferocious charge against the enemy.
The battle was fierce, and Captain Salaria’s gallantry knew no bounds. In close combat, his small force managed to kill 40 enemy soldiers and neutralize both armored vehicles. This audacious move completely demoralized the enemy, causing them to retreat despite their advantage in numbers and fortified positions. However, in the heat of battle, Captain Salaria was struck in the neck by a burst of automatic fire. Despite his grievous injuries, he continued fighting until he collapsed due to excessive blood loss.
His sacrifice ensured that the enemy reinforcements could not reach the roundabout, playing a decisive role in the success of the main operation and preventing the encirclement of the UN Headquarters in Elizabethville.
Legacy
Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria succumbed to his injuries but left behind a legacy of fearless leadership, selfless service, and unparalleled courage. His actions were instrumental in achieving the objectives of the ONUC mission and upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Gorkha Rifles.
For his extraordinary gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
As a mark of respect and tribute, on 23 January 2023, the Government of India, on the occasion of Parakram Diwas, named one of the 21 largest unnamed islands of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands after Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria. The island is now called “Salaria Dweep”, ensuring that his name and heroism remain etched in history forever.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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