Phogat is a small village in the Charkhi Dadri district, situated 18 kilometers away from the district headquarters. This picturesque village is located on the Charkhi Dadri-Rohtak highway. In this village, Sukhan Singh, the son of Ram Nath, was born in 1913. During that era, India was under the dual yoke of oppression: first, the subjugation of princely states, and second, British colonial rule.
Sukhan Singh joined the Army on 2 June 1931, when he was 18 years old. Inspired by the speeches and charisma of Subhas Chandra Bose, he enlisted in the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) in 1942. He fought on several fronts, including Malaysia, Kohima, and Singapore. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose famously declared, "You give me blood, I will give you freedom," and Sukhan and his compatriots echoed a similar sentiment, pledging, "Mar Jayenge Mit Jayenge, even after taking birth again, we will liberate the country."
Sukhan Singh was discharged from service on 12 June 1946, with the that his service was no longer required. He dedicated fifteen years of his life to serving in the Indian Army. In his quest for India's freedom, he endured various hardships and tortures. Sukhan Singh was married to Subha Kaur and they had two sons and two daughters.
Copper plate awarded by Government of Punjab in 1962.
Source: Prakash Sangwan, Contributor for CCRT