In a decision that pays tribute to a brave soldier, the Lansdowne Cantonment, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand, is set to undergo a renaming process. The town will be named Jaswantgarh, in honor of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra and one of the distinguished heroes who fought valiantly in the 1962 war against China. This decision not only honors the sacrifice and bravery of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat but also brings forth the historical significance of the region.
The Legacy of Lord Lansdowne
The town of Lansdowne, located in Uttarakhand, owes its original name to Lord Lansdowne, the fifth Marquess of Lansdowne. Lord Lansdowne served as the Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894, during which he made notable contributions to British governance in the country. He later served as the Governor General of Canada and held important positions in the British government, including Leader of the House of Lords and Secretary of State for War and Foreign Affairs.
Lansdowne Cantonment: A Place of Historical Significance
Lansdowne Cantonment, situated in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, holds great historical significance. In 1886, the decision to establish a separate regiment for the Garhwalis was made on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief of India. The cantonment, along with the regimental center for the training of Garhwal Rifles recruits, was established in a forest area known as Kalundanda, nestled at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level.
A New Name: Jaswantgarh
With the renaming of Lansdowne Cantonment to Jaswantgarh, the town will commemorate the valor and sacrifice of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest gallantry award in India, for his role in the Battle of Nuranang against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the North-East Frontier Agency, now known as Arunachal Pradesh, on November 17, 1962.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s Heroic Act
During the Battle of Nuranang, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat displayed exceptional bravery. In the face of a Chinese medium machine gun attack, he voluntarily fought back and seized the machine gun. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he successfully neutralized the Chinese detachment of five sentries. For his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, Jaswant Singh Rawat was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, and his battalion received the Battle Honor Nuranang.
Jaswantgarh: A Symbol of Bravery
Today, the post at which Jaswant Singh Rawat fought courageously is named Jaswantgarh, serving as a reminder of his heroic act. The renaming of Lansdowne Cantonment to Jaswantgarh not only immortalizes Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s bravery but also serves as a tribute to all the brave soldiers who have valiantly defended the country.
Preserving History and Inspiring Generations
The decision to rename Lansdowne Cantonment as Jaswantgarh highlights the importance of preserving history and honoring the sacrifices made by our heroes. By renaming the town after Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, the authorities ensure that his legacy lives on and continues to inspire generations to come. It also serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of our armed forces and their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
