Glowing tributes were paid to lieutenant General Hanut Singh popularly and affectionately called as ‘Saint General’ on his second death anniversary on Tuesday.
A large number of people from all walks of life assembled at ‘Shiv Balyogi Maharaj Ashram Trust’ located at Rajpur Road on the and paid their obedience to the ‘Saint General’. His disciple and nephew Nripendra Singh led people in paying tributes to the late war hero, a saint and a person extraordinary. A unit of Poona Horse, the battalion which he commanded in the famous battle of Basantar in 1971 was also present on the occasion. A detailed account of the life and works of the General was presented in a brief ceremony.
General Hanut Singh had a spiritual inclination from his days in the Indian army and after retiring from Army in the year 1991 he started living at Shiv Balyogi Maharaj Ashram on and led an ascetic life totally immersing him in meditation and spirituality till his death.
One of a follower of late ‘Saint General’, Dhanendra Singh Negi said that extra ordinary life of General Hanut Singh is an inspiration for generations.
The Saint General remained bachelor throughout his life but many of his relatives and people from his ancestral village of Jasol in Barmer district of Rajasthan were present in the ceremony.
Born in an aristocratic family, the 'Saint General' was an alumnus of the Colonel Brown School in Dehradun. He was known for his exploits in the Indo- Pak war of 1971. Commanding ‘17 Poona Horse’- the tank battalion- Singh showed exemplary bravery and leadership skills in the war which is now famous as ‘Battle of Basantar’ in the annals of Indian army.
He received Mahavir Chakra for his exemplary and exceptional command. In this battle Captain Arun Kheterpal who worked under his command received Param Vir Chakra (PVC) for the supreme sacrifice he made to protect his mother land.
General Singh is considered as one of the finest armour commanders the Indian Army ever had and was considered an authority in modern warfare.