Dorai

Remember and Never Forget the Bravery of Seaman Vijendra Pal Singh Tomar: A Hero of Anjadiv In December 1961, as India prepared to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese colonial rule, the Indian Navy launched Operation Chutney- a daring precursor to the larger Operation Vijay. The strategic island of Anjadiv (also spelled Anjadip), located off the coast of Goa, served as a key Portuguese stronghold.  A naval landing party of about 75 sailors from INS Trishul and INS Mysore, under the leadership of Lieutenant Arun Auditto and Senior Commissioned Gunner Noel Kelman, received orders to capture the island and hoist the Indian tricolour. Among these brave sailors was a young Ordinary Seaman named Vijendra Pal Singh Tomar from a modest background. Tomar, a dedicated and courageous sailor, formed part of the assault team tasked with securing the beachhead and neutralizing enemy positions. The operation unfolded on 18 December 1961. The first wave of the landing party reached the designated beach south of the main garrison without incident. A large white flag fluttered from the Portuguese garrison, seemingly signaling surrender. Trusting the sign of truce, the second wave, including Tomar’s group, approached directly toward the shore. What followed was an act of treachery. As the Indian boats drew closer, hidden Portuguese machine guns opened heavy, murderous fire. Bullets riddled the wooden boats. One sailor fell instantly, and many others sustained grievous wounds. The landing party found itself trapped in a deadly crossfire from well-entrenched enemy positions.In that moment of chaos and peril, Seaman Vijendra Pal Singh Tomar displayed extraordinary courage. His superiors assigned him the critical and dangerous task of neutralizing the enemy machine-gun nests that were pinning down and slaughtering his comrades.Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Tomar charged forward. He attacked the enemy gun positions with unflinching resolve, braving intense fire.  His bold assault drew the enemy’s attention and fire away from the rest of the landing party, buying precious time and saving numerous lives. In the fierce exchange, Tomar sustained serious injuries. Despite his wounds, he continued pressing the attack until he could fight no more. He eventually succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice. His selfless action exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Navy: “Service before Self.” By single-handedly taking on the machine-gun positions, Tomar ensured the safety of his fellow sailors and enabled the landing party to regroup, counterattack, and eventually force the Portuguese garrison to surrender. By 1425 hours on 18 December 1961, the Indian tricolour flew proudly over Anjadiv Island. Seven sailors, including Tomar, laid down their lives that day, while two officers and seventeen sailors were wounded. For his conspicuous bravery, supreme sacrifice, and gallantry far beyond the call of duty, Ordinary Seaman Vijendra Pal Singh Tomar was awarded the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous): one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awar. In his memory Today, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated ‘Vijendra 2’: a new 96-unit married accommodation for junior sailors at Mahavir Annexe in Kochi. Ordinary Seaman Tomar’s story reminds every sailor and citizen that true bravery lies not in the absence of fear, but in the willingness to face it head-on for the safety of comrades and the honor of the nation. His courage in the face of certain danger, his selflessness, and his ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire generations of @IndianNavy personnel.“Shaurya aur Balidan”: Valor and Sacrifice.  (A Q: Do people of Goa know about him?) Jai Hind! I post a story like this every single day. Most people never see them. Follow so you don't miss the next one.

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