The history of India's victory in 1971 is written with the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of countless brave hearts. Some names shine brighter than others among them; one of them is of Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna (IC-7380) of the 5 Sikh Regiment. Posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry in the Battle of Chhamb, Lieutenant Colonel Khanna's own life serves to remind us that leadership, imbued with sheer guts, has the power to reverse the course of history.

The 1971 Indo-Pak War: A Defining Moment

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a decisive battle that transformed how South Asia arranged its political domain. India carried out support for Bangladesh's independence movement, which led to intense combat emerging on both the Eastern and Western battlefields. The most intense military engagement during that conflict happened at Chhamb in Jammu and Kashmir region.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the strategic position of the Chhamb sector in Jammu and Kashmir made it vital because it bordered the Akhnoor bridge. The capture of the Chhamb sector would provide Islamabad with control over the Jammu gateway, thus escalating military engagements in that region.

The Pakistani military conducted an organized attack against this vital region. During relentless enemy attacks, Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna, together with his 5 Sikh Regiment battalion, formed the first defensive line at this location.

Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna and his 5 Sikh Regiment battalion received the mission to protect the vital sector. The commanding officer, Khanna, studied enemy fighting power before formulating his battle plan with unwavering determination as a veteran service member.

A Leader Who Refused to Yield

On 3rd December 1971, when the conflict erupted in full intensity, Lieutenant Colonel Khanna led his battalion against an overwhelming enemy offensive. Pakistani infantry and armor units, supported by tanks and heavy artillery, made repeated waves of attacks — both throughout the day and under the cover of night.

Colonel Khanna demonstrated a combination of composed courage, fighting expertise, and an unyielding aggressive zeal. His leadership was not just marked by strategic acumen but also by the ability to galvanize all his troops to fight with the greatest valor.

Rather than falling back on a purely defensive strategy, he replied with counterattacks, personally taking charge in heavy fire, positioning his troops skillfully to fill gaps, recapture lost positions, and close breakthroughs. His ability to think and act rapidly in adversity helped to stabilise the front at times of extreme crisis.

Between Life and Death: The Battle of Chhamb

The period between 3rd and 6th December 1971 witnessed some of the most grueling combat the Indian Army faced during the entire war.

The Pakistani forces, determined to seize Chhamb, hurled heavy attack at Khanna's battalion. Tanks moved ahead, accompanied by heavy artillery bombardments, and waves of infantry assaulted heavily defended Indian positions. Under the energetic command of Khanna, the Sikhs drove these attacks back, causing heavy casualties.

As the days wore on, the pressure mounted. Ammunition began to run low; soldiers were weary from constant fighting. But morale remained unbroken, thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Khanna’s steady presence at the frontlines. He was everywhere — in the trenches, at command posts, and at rally points — exhorting his men to stand firm, personally leading counter-assaults, and displaying what can only be termed conspicuous gallantry.

Supreme Sacrifice for the Motherland

During the intense battle that ensued, Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna paid the ultimate price. His greatest sacrifice was used as a battle cry by his soldiers, who, motivated by the heroism of their slain commander, fought with renewed resolve.

His sacrifice was not in vain. His command of the first critical days of the battle provided precious time for Indian reinforcements to reach and eventually stabilize the sector. His gallantry and tactical acumen shattered the Pakistani attack and went a long way toward India's overall strategic triumph.

In recognition of his exemplary gallantry, leadership, and commitment to duty, the Government of India posthumously awarded Lieutenant Colonel Khanna the Maha Vir Chakra — India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award for acts of conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy.

The Maha Vir Chakra Citation: A Testament to Courage

The Indian Army distinguished Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna posthumously with the Maha Vir Chakra award because of his distinguished bravery and excellent leadership throughout wartime service.

Through his official citation, we discover the core elements of his heroic actions. Chief among his battalion command duties was leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna with unwavering courage. His actions displayed both strategic prowess and imaginative tactics, which enabled him to fight with exceptional determination while recovering from the situation. His actions showed exceptional leadership together with obvious bravery throughout the entire operation.

A Legacy Carved in Courage

Today, the name of Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna stands as a symbol of honor, duty, and supreme sacrifice. His story is taught in military academies as an example of leadership under fire. He continues to inspire not just the Indian armed forces but also countless citizens who look up to heroes who lived — and died — by the highest ideals of service to the nation.

His battalion, the 5 Sikh Regiment, continues to honor his memory and draws inspiration from his deeds on those fateful days of December 1971. Every year, ceremonies and commemorations are organised so that the legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Khanna never fades away as long as there are men and women who walk in his footsteps.

In the Heart of Every Indian

Over more than fifty years have passed since the guns fell silent in Chhamb. Yet the echoes of Lieutenant Colonel Khanna’s bravery still continue to resonate in the valleys and hills where he had fought so heroically. At a time when the nation never stops looking for inspiration, Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna's story, MVC, reminds us that courage is never time-bound and the ultimate sacrifice is the greatest act of patriotism.

His life and legacy beckon every Indian to uphold the ideals he fought for: duty, courage, sacrifice, and love for the motherland.

As we bow our heads in gratitude, we all should make sure that heroes like Lieutenant Colonel Prem Kumar Khanna never really die — they live forever in the heart of a thankful country.