REMEMBERING CAPTAIN MANJINDER SINGH BHINDER’S ULTIMATE SACRIFICE”
In the annals of military heroism, few acts of valor can match the selfless courage displayed by Captain Manjinder Singh Bhinder of the 61st Cavalry, Indian Army. On the fateful day of June 13, 1997, during the Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy, Capt. Bhinder transcended the call of duty, embodying the highest ideals of service before self.
The Uphaar Cinema fire, one of the most harrowing disasters in Indian history, claimed the lives of 59 innocent civilians and caused serious injuries to over a hundred. Amidst the chaos and the inferno, Captain Bhinder, who was off-duty and present with his family, rose to the occasion.
With the strategic acumen of a seasoned soldier and the heart of a true warrior, Captain Bhinder orchestrated a daring evacuation, leading 150 civilians to safety. His actions were not those of a man seeking glory but of a soldier whose instincts were honed by the love for his fellow citizens.
Tragically, while he successfully evacuated many, Capt Bhinder, his wife JyotRoop, and son Ruskin, were engulfed by the flames. His sacrifice was not in vain, for it saved countless lives, and his legacy continues to inspire acts of bravery within and beyond the armed forces.
The 61st Cavalry, known for its gallantry, had in Capt Bhinder a paragon of virtue and bravery. His actions that day were a testament to the ethos of the Indian Army, which holds the protection of the nation and its people as its sacred duty.
As we remember Capt Bhinder, we are reminded that heroes walk among us, often in the guise of ordinary men and women. In the face of adversity, they reveal their extraordinary nature, not through words but through deeds of indomitable courage.
Capt Manjinder Singh Bhinder’s story is not just one of sacrifice; it is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who will stand as guardians of humanity. His story will be eternally etched in the annals of time, a narrative of a soldier who, even in the face of death, upheld the highest military honour.
Capt. Bhinder had got commissioned into the prestigious 19th Battalion of the Madras Regiment on December 20, 1986, He was a champion in the field of equestrian. His prowess as a rider was evident from his school days when he won the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, attaining the Silver standard and bagging the Best Rider’s trophy for the year 1982-83. He also served as the Captain of the Junior National Polo team and led the Riding and Polo team of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He joined 61st Cavalry in October 1992 wherein his exceptional talent in equestrian sports earned him numerous accolades, including three Gold, one Silver, and a Bronze medal at the Bangalore National Games. He was also slated to represent India in the Asian Games at Singapore, a testament to his extraordinary abilities.
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