(MOREPIC1) Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
In the annals of military heroism, few acts of valour can match the selfless courage displayed by Captain Manjinder Singh Bhinder of the 61st Cavalry, Indian Army. On the fateful day of June 13, 1997, during the Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy, Capt. Bhinder transcended the call of duty, embodying the highest ideals of service before self.
The Uphaar Cinema fire, one of the most harrowing disasters in Indian history, claimed the lives of 59 innocent civilians and caused serious injuries to over a hundred. Amidst the chaos and the inferno, Captain Bhinder, who was off-duty and present with his family, rose to the occasion.
With the strategic acumen of a seasoned soldier and the heart of a true warrior, Captain Bhinder orchestrated a daring evacuation, leading 150 civilians to safety. His actions were not those of a man seeking glory but of a soldier whose instincts were honed by the love for his fellow citizens.
Tragically, while he successfully evacuated many, Capt Bhinder, his wife Jyot Roop, and son Ruskin, were engulfed by the flames. His sacrifice was not in vain, for it saved countless lives, and his legacy continues to inspire acts of bravery within and beyond the armed forces.
The 61st Cavalry, known for its gallantry, had in Capt Bhinder a paragon of virtue and bravery. His actions that day were a testament to the ethos of the Indian Army, which holds the protection of the nation and its people as its sacred duty.
Capt. Bhinder was commissioned into the prestigious 19th Battalion of the Madras Regiment on December 20, 1986.
