What started as a simple act of kindness by an 11-year-old boy in a border village during Operation Sindoor has become a story of courage and compassion that touched many lives across the country.
Shavan Singh, a resident of Taranwali village in Ferozepur district of Punjab, voluntarily served Indian Army soldiers stationed along the India-Pakistan border during heightened tensions last year. He carried tea, water, milk and lassi from his home for the jawans stationed in the village.
On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Shavan says he acted purely on instinct. “When soldiers came to our village, I felt I should serve them because they were fighting for us,” he said. With bottles of water and a warm smile, the young boy soon became a familiar face at Army posts. Soldiers remember him as the child who arrived daily despite heat and uncertainty. “I never expected to be honoured for it,” Shavan said quietly.
His father, Sona Singh, says the family still struggles to believe the recognition their son has got due to his act of kindness last year. “We are thankful to the Indian Army for encouraging him and recognising his contribution. We never imagined he would receive an award from the President of India or meet the Prime Minister,” he said.
Despite invitations to public programmes and events, 11-year-old Shavan remains focused on school and focusing on his dream to join the armed forces one day. Even amid drone alerts and the threat of cross-border shelling, Shavan continued visiting Army camps. Villagers recall how he walked fearlessly through tense surroundings to serve soldiers posted on the frontline.
His dedication earned admiration from Army officers and locals alike. The Golden Arrow Division later honoured him with the title of ‘Youngest Civilian Warrior’.
In July last year, the Army also decided to sponsor his education so that financial constraints would not stand in the way of his dream of wearing the Army uniform.
Shavan’s story reached the national stage in December when President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar in New Delhi. He also got an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Operation Sindoor was launched after the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Indian armed forces launched pre-dawn strikes on nine terror targets across the border. Pakistan later attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian military bases, which were foiled by Indian forces.
Amid those tense days, a young boy’s quiet service became a reminder that courage sometimes arrives not in uniform, but carrying a courage on sleeves and a kind heart.
Also read: One year one, drone blast survivor lives with tragic loss
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