(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)
In the dusty archives of old newspapers lies the story of a soldier whose courage once made Jammu proud and whose name deserves remembrance even today — Jemadar Prakash Singh, a decorated warrior of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces who earned one of the British Empire’s highest gallantry honours, the Victoria Cross.
A rare feature published in Kashmir Times on February 17, 1986, described him as “The Pride of Jammu,” and rightly so. The article, written by Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh, AVSM (Retd), revisited the extraordinary bravery of a man born in a humble Dogra family but destined to enter military history.
A Soldier Forged in the Hills
Prakash Singh hailed from the rugged belt of Jammu province, a region long known for producing hardy soldiers with an instinctive sense of loyalty and sacrifice. Raised amidst difficult terrain and modest means, he joined the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces at a young age, when the Princely State maintained its own military establishment under Maharaja Hari Singh.
The article notes that Prakash Singh was not born into privilege. Like countless Dogra youth of that era, the Army became both his livelihood and his calling. Yet what distinguished him from others was his fearless temperament and his refusal to abandon comrades even in the face of certain death.
Baptism by Fire
During the Second World War, soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir served in some of the harshest battlefields across Asia and Europe. It was in one such theatre of war that Jemadar Prakash Singh displayed the courage that would immortalise him.
According to the account, enemy fire had pinned down troops, casualties were mounting and communication lines had almost collapsed. Amid exploding shells and relentless gunfire, Prakash Singh reportedly led from the front, rallying his men and refusing to retreat.
Though wounded, he continued fighting and reorganising his troops under intense enemy attack. His leadership not only saved lives but helped prevent a collapse of the position.
His actions were described as acts of “conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty” , the kind of battlefield courage that soldiers remember long after wars end.
The Victoria Cross
For his gallantry, Jemadar Prakash Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest wartime decoration for valour in the British Empire. The honour placed him among an elite fraternity of warriors whose bravery transcended nationality, rank, or background.
For Jammu, it was a moment of immense pride. A son of the soil had earned global recognition through sheer courage.
Yet, as decades passed, his story slowly faded from public memory.
A Hero History Almost Forgot
The 1986 article lamented how younger generations even of that time,knew little about such heroes. While grand narratives of war often focus on famous generals or political leaders, countless soldiers like Prakash Singh quietly disappeared into obscurity despite their immense sacrifices.
The article also carried photographs of surviving family members and associates, attempting to reconnect society with the memory of a forgotten hero.
The Dogra Tradition of Valor
There is a visible sense of urgency — a fear that if such stories were not preserved, an entire chapter of Jammu’s martial heritage might vanish.
Prakash Singh’s life represented more than individual heroism. He symbolised the larger Dogra military tradition — a culture of discipline, endurance and sacrifice that had shaped the history of Jammu and Kashmir for generations.
Why His Story Still Matters?
Today, when conversations about Jammu and Kashmir often revolve around politics and conflict, stories like that of Jemadar Prakash Singh remind us of another legacy — one of service, honour and courage.
The old newspaper clipping may have yellowed with age, but its message remains timeless:
Heroes are forgotten only when societies stop telling their stories.
Readers are welcome to provide more inputs about Jemadar Prakash Singh, especially those who knew him personally or lived in his vicinity. Many such unsung heroes may still remain buried in local memories and forgotten archives around us. It is the collective responsibility of society to remember, document and honour our heroes before their stories disappear forever.
Those having information, photographs, documents or personal recollections may write to: support@kashmir-rechords.com or kashmirrechords@gmail.com