However, doctors miraculously managed to revive him after amputating his right leg, and today he has become an inspiration as a blade runner for thousands of people.
He is perhaps the only person in the world who celebrates his own death anniversary. Meet Major (Retd) DP Singh who was so badly injured during Kargil war that he was initially declared dead. However, doctors miraculously managed to revive him after amputating his right leg, and today he has become an inspiration as a blade runner for thousands of people.
The 43-year-old former army officer was merely 25 years old when Kargil war broke out. When the Indian army was routing and chasing the Pakistani soldiers during 'Operation Vijay' in Kargil, this young officer had a task to safeguard the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu's Akhnoor Sector, which had seen fierce war between the armed forces of the two neighbouring countries in the past. "When the action started in Kargil, both India and Pakistan had mobilised their army along the border, and the situation was so tense that full-fledged war could have broken out any moment. Both armies were involved in shelling on enemy posts in Akhnoor sector," Singh remembered.
It was July 15, 1999 which changed the life of Singh forever, in fact, this was the day he was reborn. Recalling that day, Singh said, "During that time, lot of shelling was taking place in Akhnoor sector, but just couple of days before July 15, there was a lull. Generally the shelling is stopped to divert the attention or to surprise the opponent, and therefore, we know some bigger attack was going to take place. But I did not know that I will be the victim."
Singh was positioned merely 80 metres away from Pakistan post when shelling began again on July 15. "The first mortar fell at a distance, but I was not so lucky the second time. The second mortar exploded only few metres away from me, and several splinters pierced through my body. I was instantly down on the floor, bleeding profusely. Thanks to those Jawans who risked their lives in that heavy shelling and took me to military hospital," Singh said.
It took nearly 2.5 hours for the vehicle to take Singh to military hospital. His body had more than 50 injuries, and by the time he could reach the hospital, there was heavy blood loss. "When a young surgeon came to examine me, looking at my condition, he declared me dead. However, there was a senior anaesthetist present in the hospital who saw some hope. He took up the challenge and revived me," Singh said.
It took nearly one year for Singh to come out of the hospital. Though he survived the deadly injuries, his right leg had to be amputated and an artificial limb had to be attached. After recovering from life threatening injuries, he continued to serve the army before retiring in 2007.
Though he has retired from army, life has not stopped for him. In fact, he is motivating several youngsters through his personal experience. He has become the blade runner for the country as he participates in several Marathons across the country to motivate people.
"I feel that God chose me to spread the message of positivity in the world. I keep meeting people and their reactions help me move forward in my own life," Singh says.
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