Dharm Singh Chahar, born in 1911 in Ghasola, Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, into a farming family, grew up in a time when India was under the British colonial rule. Limited employment opportunities meant that agriculture and animal husbandry were the main livelihoods, with agriculture being dependent on rain. Despite these challenges, Dharm Singh was an active person, engaging in social work within his village.
At the age of 22 years, he joined the Hong Kong-Singapore Royal Artillery on 24 July 1941, as a Gunner. During World War-II, he was stationed in Singapore, where British colonial forces surrendered on 15 February 1942. He then joined the Azad Hind Fauj (INA), where he served in various brigades, fighting for India’s freedom. Captured by the British, he was imprisoned in Burma and later in Chittagong, facing a court martial in Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta). During his trial, he famously refused to salute British colonial officers, asserting his loyalty to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Released on 25 January 1946, Dharm Singh was later recognized as a freedom fighter, receiving a pension and other honours. He was elected village Sarpanch and actively contributed to his community. In recognition of his service, he received several awards, including a Tamrapatra from the then Hon’ble Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on 15 August 1972. Dharm Singh Chahar’s legacy is proudly remembered in his village.
Tamra Patra awarded by the Government of India in 1972.
Tamra Patra awarded by the Haryana Government in 1977.
Source: Prakash Sangwan, Contributor for CCRT.