Col. (Retd.) Baldev Singh Chahal

Col. (Retd.) Baldev Singh Chahal has performed prodigious duty to the nation by serving the Indian Army for 31 years with distinction. During his illustrious career, he took part in wars to defend the nation, made personal sacrifices, received battle injuries, was a prisoner of war and saved the lives of fellow soldiers. After retirement, he has been performing altruistic service to the community, his fellow senior citizens, and has been motivating his countrymen by setting personal examples. He is an avid environmentalist, has been educating the society on the benefits of planting trees, conservation of water and prevention of pollution to save our planet for posterity. He believes in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by regularly taking part in sporting activities. He has received accolades and has been recognized by the community and state of Punjab for his service, dedication and community activities. He is the epitome of righteousness, while being an ideal person and role model for the current generation.

Col. Chahal belongs to a well-respected and erudite family from Patiala. His father, Late Sardar Gurdial Singh was one of the initial students to have graduated from Mohindra College in 1921. He was employed by Patiala Princely State as a Forest Officer, and after India attained Independence, he served as the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Patiala. Despite his busy schedule, Sardar Gurdial Singh always found time to serve his community. He was a founding member of Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Khalsa College Patiala. Col. Chahal inherited these positive attributes of learning, dedication, and service from his father and was determined to follow his father’s footsteps.

After completing his schooling at B. N. Khalsa High School and post-secondary education at Mohindra College, Col. Chahal decided to join the Indian Army, because a career with the armed forces was the most honorable profession. He worked hard during his training program and was commissioned in Dec. 1962. He had the privilege of being selected as an officer with the 4th Sikh (Saragarhi) Battalion, whose 21 brave soldiers faced 10,000 tribesmen in the North-West frontier in 1897 and gave up their lives for duty and honor. During his career, his battalion took part in the wars of 1965 and 1971 with Pakistan and he played an important part in almost ten battles during these campaigns. In every battle, he was in the forefront and led his men head-on, fearlessly. At the famous Battle of Barki, his unit captured the well-fortified village, located deep inside Pakistani territory. He was present at the battle of Siamani (Khulna) for which his unit was awarded the Battle Honors. Col. Chahal endured the hardships of being a Prisoner of War and was in enemy captivity for 5 months, during which time he faced arduous challenges resolutely and with indomitable spirit. During the war of 1971, he commanded a company, received battle injuries and helped in the liberation of Bangladesh. Col. Chahal gained invaluable experience, progressed in his career and became a respected leader.

With dedication and hard work, Col. Chahal advanced in his profession with the Indian Army and was assigned leadership roles. He commanded the 19th Sikh Battalion at Meerut. He was given the responsibility of protecting the vast and sensitive Indian borders at Rajasthan and Battalik (Kargil), where he was entrusted the responsibility for guarding 74 km Line of Control from Siachin to Kargil River. As a Colonel, he was Deputy Brigade Commander, Rajasthan at the international border and later on, he commanded Military Police in Baramulla, J&K and Patiala, Punjab. He performed his duties with integrity and protected the nation against external threats. He has been awarded eleven medals during his career, including the Wound Medal. On a few occasions, he was recognized by his superiors for valor and recommended for gallantry awards. Col. Chahal retired from the Indian Army in 1993, after 31 years of illustrious service to the nation. Retirement offered him time to help his fellow people and take on social causes.

Since retirement, Col. Chahal has been actively involved in community activities by helping fellow senior citizens, by providing advice and guidance to those who seek his assistance. He has helped the distressed by escalating their concerns to the proper authorities for remediation. He has held a number of positions with voluntary organizations: he is an Executive Member of Patiala Senior Citizens Welfare Association, he was President of Senior Citizens Social Action Forum, an active and participating member of Retired Army Officers Associations and Vice President of Patiala Consumer and Telephone Subscribers Forum. He is a passionate environmentalist and has been raising the issue of climate change at schools and public events. He advocates the benefits of recycling, planting of trees and the importance of water conservation. On top of keeping a busy schedule, he always finds time to do regular exercises and takes part in sporting activities such as running and yoga. His hard work, dedication and philanthropic contribution has not gone unnoticed.

Col. Chahal has been recognized by the community for his service to the nation and society on a number of occasions. In 2010 he was awarded Meritorious Service Award by Rotary Club, Mid Town, Patiala. On the Golden Jubilee celebration of 1965 war, he was honored by the former Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal with the title of ‘Bravest of the Brave’. He was honored by the Punjab Government in 2017 as War Veteran Officer of Saragarhi Battalion and has been made an honorary member to assist in the administration of the Saragarhi Gurdwara at Ferozpur. Captain Amrinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab has facilitated him with his two books at a public event.

Col. Chahal has been a true saint soldier, a patriot who has served his country with integrity and honor. He continues to help his fellow citizens by expressing empathy to their concerns, by providing guidance and by making sincere efforts in resolving their concerns. By setting high moral standards and personal examples, he has been leading the way for betterment mankind.