Ferozepur, May 7
What began as a small gesture of support by an 11-year-old boy from a border village in Punjab during Operation Sindoor has grown into a story of courage and patriotism that has earned recognition across the country.
Shavan Singh, a resident of Taranwali village in Ferozepur, voluntarily assisted Indian Army personnel deployed near the Indo-Pakistan border during heightened tensions with Pakistan last year. Carrying tea, water, milk and lassi from his home, the young boy regularly visited soldiers stationed in his village during the operation.
Recalling the period on the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Shavan said he simply wanted to help the soldiers protecting the country. “When Operation Sindoor started, and soldiers arrived in our village, I felt I should serve them because they were fighting for us,” he said.
With water bottles, tea and buttermilk in hand, Shavan soon became a familiar face among the troops posted in the area. Despite the recognition he later received, the boy said he never expected his actions to be noticed beyond the village.
His father, Sona Singh, said the family remains overwhelmed by the honour and appreciation their son has received. He thanked the Indian Army for encouraging and recognising Shavan’s contribution during a difficult period along the border.
“We never imagined our son would receive an award from the President of India or get the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
According to the family, Shavan continues to focus on his education despite being invited to several public programmes and events. His father said the boy now dreams of joining the armed forces.
During the tensions linked to Operation Sindoor, Shavan continued visiting Army camps in the village even amid reports of drone activity and cross-border shelling threats. Residents said the young boy remained undeterred by the prevailing tensions and harsh weather conditions while serving troops deployed on the frontline.
His efforts drew praise from Army officers and villagers in the region. In recognition of his patriotism and selfless dedication, the Golden Arrow Division later honoured him with the title of “Youngest Civilian Warrior”.
In July last year, the Army also announced support for Shavan’s education to ensure that financial difficulties do not affect his ambition of joining the military one day.
The young boy’s story gained national attention in December when President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar” during a ceremony held in New Delhi.
Operation Sindoor was launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, during which Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 last year. Following the strikes, Pakistan attempted attacks on Indian military installations on May 8, 9 and 10, which were repelled by Indian forces.
