In a moving tribute to one of the Indian Army's most valiant stands, the team behind the upcoming war film '120 Bahadur' has launched a special postal stamp. This initiative honours the legendary soldiers of the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment who fought heroically in the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.
A Solemn Tribute in the Capital
The commemorative 'My Stamp' was officially unveiled in New Delhi on Wednesday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The timing of the event is deeply significant, as it comes just ahead of the battle's 63rd anniversary, which falls on November 18. The stamp's design is based on the iconic Rezang La War Memorial located in Ladakh, a site that stands as a permanent homage to the fallen warriors.
The ceremony was attended by key members of the film's team, including lead actor and producer Farhan Akhtar and director Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai. They were joined by Jitendra Gupta, the Director General of Postal Services, and producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Amit Chandra, and Arhan Bagati.
Celebrating Courage and Sacrifice
Issued by the Department of Posts, this special stamp serves a profound purpose. It celebrates the immense courage and ultimate sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour. The stamp also pays respects to all the soldiers who, facing overwhelming odds and fighting in brutal sub-zero conditions, chose to fight to the last man, defending their post with unparalleled valour.
The Rezang La War Memorial, which inspired the stamp, is situated in Chushul, Ladakh. It is a powerful symbol of the indomitable spirit of the 120 soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment who were martyred during the 1962 India-China war.
The Cinematic Homage: 120 Bahadur
This postal release acts as a poignant precursor to the cinematic retelling of this historic battle. The film '120 Bahadur', directed by Razneesh Ghai, features Farhan Akhtar in the role of Major Shaitan Singh. The movie aims to bring to life the regiment's extraordinary bravery during what is considered one of the most defining moments in India's military history. Moviegoers will be able to witness this epic tale when it arrives in theatres on November 21.
The launch of the custom stamp bridges the gap between historical remembrance and contemporary storytelling, ensuring that the legacy of these heroes continues to inspire generations.
