Russia Remembers Unsung WWII Hero Whose Family Lives in Anonymity in India

While Indian servicemen's contribution to the Second World War holds a special place, one of the widely lauded heroes Havaldar Gajendra Singh Chand is invariably remembered on Russia's Victory Day, celebrated annually on 9 May.

During one of the trips to supply much-needed material for Soviet forces, he was badly hurt in the thigh. But he refused to give up and carried on, managing to deliver the cargo before falling unconscious. Days later, post-full medical attention at a hospital, he had the option to return home. However, Gajendra chose to rejoin and continued helping the USSR.

For his exemplary grit and courageous assistance in ensuring the transit of military cargo for Soviet forces through Iran, Gajendra was awarded the Order of the Red Star, a coveted medal for his great contribution to the defense of the USSR in war and peacetime.

Gajendra's both sons with Russian Air Force official at their Pithoragarh residence

Ironically, the decorated war hero's family today leads a humble life in anonymity, devoid of any privilege, it has embraced a life full of austerity.

When Sputnik approached the family, Gajendra's youngest son Bhagwan Chand said, "forget about our villagers or countrymen, even our married daughters just recently learned about their deceased grandfather's glory".

"Thanks to the Russian government's invitation for us to attend the event marking the 75th anniversary of India-Russia relations recently, when my father's courageous acts of war were actually discussed in detail in the family," the 65-year-old stated.

Bhagwan was a kid when his father was bestowed with the Order of the Red Star. But his 'Pitaji' (the late father) -- Gajendra -- never talked about the medal earned for the British Empire's Royal Indian Army Service Corps.

Gajendra's Elder Son Jang Bahadur Chand with Indian Army Officials During a Ceremony

Family Struggle and Stoicism

Today, the family resides in the Badalu Village of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district. But they have largely led a miserable life.

Bhagwan grew up running a small ration shop for a living. It helped him largely secure two square meals for the small family, which included his elderly father, Gajendra, who developed breathing problems.

According to Bhagwan's wife Bhagirathi Chand, 52, as the homemaker it's been inexplicably tough bringing up three girls and a son on a limited income.

Today, her husband Bhagwan is crippled due to severe orthopaedic problems in his legs. Even attending to nature's call, requires their daughter-in-law's assistance. The family's only son remains away for months on ITBP border police duty.

Leading a frugal life, the family managed to marry off their three daughters only after a few relatives lent a generous helping hand. However, Bhagirathi is committed to returning their favour in the same measure.

Asked if the family ever tried using Gajendra's legacy during its hardship, Bhagirathi said: "It was a hopeless option. Sasurji (father-in-law) faced quite a tough time himself due to his asthmatic problems in his last years. It was hard to even arrange proper basic medical attention for him. Do you think it was easy to afford medicine or shuttling him to the hospital in a hilly area?"

Talking of her father-in-law Gajendra's personality, she recalled that he was basically a humble individual who would keep to himself. Bhagirathi said that she had spent three years under the same roof, taking care of him and tending to her baby girl.

When asked if Gajendra ever discussed his heroics, she said his ailment perhaps never let him even revisit those memories or share it with anyone. "Besides, we didn't have a culture of daughters-in-law leisurely talking to their father-in-law like it happens in city life. Anyway, the daily drudgery of attending to everyday chores used to consume my entire days."

War Hero: Consigned to Ashes & Forgotten?

"My father died like any other common man at home. He didn't get any special medical treatment when alive, since nobody knew him for his gallantry. He did not receive proper recognition even in his own native place," Bhagwan spoke up, interrupting his wife.

"At the local government hospital, he was always treated as just another retired soldier," he added.

When Gajendra took his final breath, it actually sparked a crisis in the family. It was a big challenge to suddenly arrange funds for the last rites, rather than being overwhelmed by their great personal loss.

"Eventually, the family's social prestige could be saved because the closest relatives decided to contribute money. And he was finally cremated like any ordinary person in the presence of his family members," said Bhagirathi.

Gajendra Singh being remembered with a plantation ceremony

British Gratitude Missing

When asked if the British government ever approached the family, Gajendra's son said: "We never heard from the British officials, at least in our living memory. After the British rulers left India in 1947, none of them ever approached us."

"Maybe we were expected to approach them. But we had none to do the spadework or the basic wherewithal to visit any purposeful office or do the correspondence, he added. "It was only the Russian or Indian army officials who contacted the family."

We were recently approached to attend the Victory Day parade in 2020. But we avoided it due to COVID concerns," said Bhagwan's elder brother Jang Bahadur Chand, an ex-Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.

Later, on his request two colonels from the Russian Air Force, and the Indian Army visited them and took the medal.

"It's now treasured at the ASC museum, Bengaluru, Karnataka state. We are remembered only when Russia talks about us," said Jang Bahadur Chand, who missed his father's funeral due to being on BSF duty.

Extract from a journal Spring 2020 of India's Army Service Corps administrative service

Family's Longing for Gajendra's Memorial

Given that not even their villagers are familiar with their legendary father's heroics, the family hopes the government will immortalise him as an inspiration.

"Who wouldn't wish for regular financial help? But we urge our government to build at least a Welcome Gate on the main road connecting Pithoragarh district to Nepal through Jhula Ghat Road. It may serve as a perfect tribute to his courage and a medium to be inspired from while remembering the local hero," stated Poonam, the family's daughter-in-law.

On 23 May 1944, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR awarded the Orders of the Red Star to -- Havaldar Gajendra Singh and Subedar Narayan Rao Nikkam -- the two Indian servicemen of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, now called the Army Service Corps (ASC).

This is one of the gallantry awards of the Soviet Union during the 'Great Patriotic War' (1941-1945) fought by the USSR against Nazi Germany and the axis powers, a part of World War II that culminated with the Soviet Union's triumph and German army's surrender.

The Order of Red Star medal and the citation for Gajendra Singh