Issewal Village's Long Wait to Honour Its PVC Hero
In the quiet village of Issewal, Punjab, a poignant battle is being waged not on the battlefield, but in the corridors of bureaucracy. Five decades after Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the sole Indian Air Force recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), made his ultimate sacrifice, his birthplace remains locked in a struggle to officially rename the local school after him. Despite his status as a national icon, the Government Senior Secondary School in Issewal continues to bear no official name, leaving the community disheartened and determined.
A Community's Persistent Effort
The village panchayat recently renewed its push, passing a formal resolution to rename the institution the "Shaheed Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Govt Senior Secondary School." Gurpreet Singh, the sarpanch of Issewal, expressed frustration, stating, "We completed the procedure and sent the resolution to the education department months ago. We are still waiting for a response. The villagers want this; the government should act." This sentiment is echoed by Sekhon's family, with his nephew, Amardeep Singh, who safeguards his uncle's PVC medal in Ludhiana, calling the renaming a "long-pending demand" that would finally honour the 1971 war hero on his native soil.
Symbolic and Practical Significance
For students and veterans in Issewal, the name change transcends symbolism. Currently, diplomas and mark sheets display only the generic village school title. A Class-X student remarked, "It would be an honour to have his name on our documents. His name is on one of the school gates, but it isn't official yet." Subedar Gurmail Singh (retd), a 79-year-old resident, believes this move could inspire future generations, saying, "It will motivate students to join the armed forces when they see that bravery recognised every day on their school building."
A History of Neglect and Irony
The school, originally a middle school in 1969, was upgraded after the 1971 war. Gurcharan Singh, a 67-year-old retired bank officer, noted that resolutions have been passed "many times" since the 1970s with no tangible outcome. Ironically, a school in Rurka—the village of Sekhon's mother—was named after him shortly after his death. In contrast, Issewal residents have had to fund their own memorials, including a commemorative gate at the village entrance, due to a lack of state-funded development projects.
Key Milestones and Local Initiatives
Local Effort and Infrastructure Gaps
- September 2021: The Indian Air Force unveiled a memorial for Sekhon at the Issewal school to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1971 victory.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Local leaders report no major projects, such as a stadium or sports complex, have been built in the war hero's memory despite his national stature.
- Community Funding: The memorial gate at the village entrance was financed entirely by contributions from villagers, rather than government grants, underscoring the community's dedication.
As the wait continues, the people of Issewal hold onto hope that their hero's legacy will soon be officially enshrined, serving as a beacon of courage and patriotism for generations to come.
