Army to sponsor education of 10-year-old Punjab boy who gave lassi to soldiers during Operation Sindoor
‘I wasn’t scared. I want to be a soldier when I grow up,’ says 10-year-old Svarn Singh.
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Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, with Sravan Singh and his father in Ferozepur. (Express photo)
The Western Command of the Indian Army recently announced that it will fully sponsor the education of a 10-year-old Ferozepur boy who supplied milk, lassi, tea, and ice to soldiers deployed on the border during Operation Sindoor.
At a ceremony held in Ferozepur Cantonment, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, felicitated the boy, Svarn Singh, and highlighted the Indian Army’s bond with the people of Punjab and its sense of responsibility towards the next generation.
“This initiative is a testament to the Army’s promise to not only safeguard the nation’s borders but also nurture its future,” said a statement issued by the Western Command headquarters.
In the tense atmosphere of Punjab’s Tara Wali village near the India-Pakistan border during Operation Sindoor, Svarn Singh emerged as a symbol of courage and patriotism. The son of local farmer Sona Singh, Svarn Singh, a Class 4 student, fearlessly supported Indian Army soldiers stationed on his family’s farmland.
Undeterred by the scorching heat, he made daily rounds to provide water, milk, lassi, tea, and ice, offering comfort to the troops during the major military confrontation with Pakistan in May 2025.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. On May 25, Major General Ranjit Singh Manral, General Officer Commanding of the 7th Infantry Division, honoured Svarn Singh as the ‘Youngest Civil Warrior’ in a ceremony. He was presented with a memento, a special meal, and his favourite treat – ice cream.
Svarn Singh expressed his joy at the time, saying, “I wasn’t scared. I want to be a soldier when I grow up. They loved me a lot.” His father, Sona Singh, and mother, Santosh Rani, beamed with pride, noting his unwavering commitment and the bond he formed with the soldiers, who shared biscuits, chocolates, and meals with him.
“Svarn’s story serves as a reminder of the quiet heroes across the country who deserve recognition and support… The Indian Army’s Golden Arrow Division will cover all aspects of Svarn’s schooling, from admission to academic needs. This aims to provide Svarn with the opportunities and resources necessary to excel in his educational journey,” the Army statement added.
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