Chewang Rinchen - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 8 October 2022
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2019}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\| honorific_prefix = [[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]]		\| honorific_prefix = [[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]]
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	===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===		===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===
	In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October ~~2022~~}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>		In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>

	The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:		The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:
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	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO\|date=16 June ~~2022~~}}</ref>		The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO\|date=16 June 2020}}</ref>

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
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	==References==		==References==
	* {{citation \|last=Chakravorty \|first=B. \|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC&pg=PA139 \|year=1995 \|publisher=Allied Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7023-516-3 \|pages=139–140 \|ref={{sfnref\|Chakravorty, Stories of Heroism\|1995}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Chakravorty \|first=B. \|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC&pg=PA139 \|year=1995 \|publisher=Allied Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7023-516-3 \|pages=139–140 \|ref={{sfnref\|Chakravorty, Stories of Heroism\|1995}}}}
	* {{citation \|author=Col J. Francis \|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 \|year=2013 \|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd \|isbn=978-93-82652-17-5 \|pages=31– \|ref={{sfnref\|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army\|~~2022~~}}}}		* {{citation \|author=Col J. Francis \|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 \|year=2013 \|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd \|isbn=978-93-82652-17-5 \|pages=31– \|ref={{sfnref\|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army\|2013}}}}
	* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|~~2022~~}}}}		* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2006}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|~~2022~~}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|2003}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|isbn=9788124106372 \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|isbn=9788124106372 \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

2022-10-08T13:24:46Z

robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 8 October 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July ~~2019~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2022}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\| honorific_prefix = [[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]]		\| honorific_prefix = [[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]]
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	Date of Award: 01 Jul 1948		Date of Award: 01 Jul 1948

	<center>'''CITATION'''<br>		{{center\|'''CITATION'''<br>
	'''JEMADAR CHEWANG RINCHEN'''<br>		'''JEMADAR CHEWANG RINCHEN'''<br>
	'''7 BN, THE J&K MILITIA'''~~</center>~~		'''7 BN, THE J&K MILITIA'''}}
	As a young lad of 17, Chewang Rinchen* enrolled himself in the Ladakh Guards on 25 July 1948. With hardly a week’s training he organised and trained a local militia unit of 28 youths. In September, operating alongside Indian Army units, he fought in the Nubra Valley. His grim defence of a position on the Kharu Nullah earned him promotion to the rank of Jemadar (Naib Subedar). In the same month, negotiating a 17,000 feet high snow clad pass under most trying conditions, he helped the capture of Lama House, a vital enemy stronghold.		As a young lad of 17, Chewang Rinchen* enrolled himself in the Ladakh Guards on 25 July 1948. With hardly a week’s training he organised and trained a local militia unit of 28 youths. In September, operating alongside Indian Army units, he fought in the Nubra Valley. His grim defence of a position on the Kharu Nullah earned him promotion to the rank of Jemadar (Naib Subedar). In the same month, negotiating a 17,000 feet high snow clad pass under most trying conditions, he helped the capture of Lama House, a vital enemy stronghold.

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	===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===		===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===
	In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October ~~2019~~}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>		In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>

	The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:		The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:
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	Date of Award: 08 Dec 1971		Date of Award: 08 Dec 1971

	<center>'''CITATION'''<br>		{{center\|'''CITATION'''<br>
	'''MAJOR CHEWANG RINCHEN, MVC'''<br>		'''MAJOR CHEWANG RINCHEN, MVC'''<br>
	'''THE LADAKH SCOUTS'''~~</center>~~		'''THE LADAKH SCOUTS'''}}
	Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector. Each of these nine enemy strong points were held by one to two platoons and fortified with mines and wire obstacles. This operation was planned and executed with professional competence and great zeal. Under most adverse weather conditions, Major Rinchen led his command, displaying aggressive spirit and cool courage, fighting from bunker to bunker, exhorting and encouraging his men to destroy the enemy, making the operation a complete success.		Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector. Each of these nine enemy strong points were held by one to two platoons and fortified with mines and wire obstacles. This operation was planned and executed with professional competence and great zeal. Under most adverse weather conditions, Major Rinchen led his command, displaying aggressive spirit and cool courage, fighting from bunker to bunker, exhorting and encouraging his men to destroy the enemy, making the operation a complete success.

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	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO\|date=16 June ~~2020~~}}</ref>		The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO\|date=16 June 2022}}</ref>

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
	Chewang Rinchen married Shema Choskit Dolma of Leh Khangsar, an aristocratic family from Leh. Rinchen's younger brother P. Namgyal is a former Union Minister and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).<ref name="India Today">{{citation \|author=Rohit Parihar \|title=Youngest-ever recipient of Maha Vir Chakra Chewang Rinchen is an enduring Leh icon \|newspaper=India Today \|date=31 August 1996 \|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/youngest-ever-recipient-of-maha-vir-chakra-chewang-rinchen-is-an-enduring-leh-icon/1/282279.html}}</ref>		Chewang Rinchen married Shema Choskit Dolma of Leh Khangsar, an aristocratic family from Leh.He had 4 siblings and one of Rinchen's younger brother P. Namgyal is a former Union Minister and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).<ref name="India Today">{{citation \|author=Rohit Parihar \|title=Youngest-ever recipient of Maha Vir Chakra Chewang Rinchen is an enduring Leh icon \|newspaper=India Today \|date=31 August 1996 \|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/youngest-ever-recipient-of-maha-vir-chakra-chewang-rinchen-is-an-enduring-leh-icon/1/282279.html}}</ref>

	==Notes==		==Notes==
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	==References==		==References==
	* {{citation \|last=Chakravorty \|first=B. \|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC&pg=PA139 \|year=1995 \|publisher=Allied Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7023-516-3 \|pages=139–140 \|ref={{sfnref\|Chakravorty, Stories of Heroism\|1995}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Chakravorty \|first=B. \|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC&pg=PA139 \|year=1995 \|publisher=Allied Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7023-516-3 \|pages=139–140 \|ref={{sfnref\|Chakravorty, Stories of Heroism\|1995}}}}
	* {{citation \|author=Col J. Francis \|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 \|year=2013 \|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd \|isbn=978-93-82652-17-5 \|pages=31– \|ref={{sfnref\|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army\|~~2013~~}}}}		* {{citation \|author=Col J. Francis \|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 \|year=2013 \|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd \|isbn=978-93-82652-17-5 \|pages=31– \|ref={{sfnref\|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army\|2022}}}}
	* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|~~2006~~}}}}		* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2022}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|~~2003~~}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|2022}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|isbn=9788124106372 \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|isbn=9788124106372 \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}

	==External links==		==External links==
	*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113165408/http://www.kashmirsentinel.com/aug1999/index.html Kashmir Sentinel]		*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113165408/http://www.kashmirsentinel.com/aug1999/index.html Kashmir Sentinel]
	*[https://~~www~~.~~webcitation~~.org/~~query?url=~~http://www.geocities.com/siafdu/amvc9.html~~&date=2009-10-26+02:33:59~~ Colonel Chewing Rinchen, MVC(Bar), SM, Indian Army title]		*[https://web.archive.org/web/20011108191131/http://www.geocities.com/siafdu/amvc9.html Colonel Chewing Rinchen, MVC(Bar), SM, Indian Army title]
	*[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/1aug2000/html/ch19.htm Sainik Samachar]		*[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/1aug2000/html/ch19.htm Sainik Samachar]

->Zwerubae: /* Military career */ Updated info.

2022-01-07T11:04:30Z

Military career: Updated info.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 7 January 2022
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	===Maha Vir Chakra===		===Maha Vir Chakra===
	The citation for the first [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:		The citation for the first [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:<ref>[http://twdi.in/node/2151 Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Lt Col Chewang Rinchen, 1 July 1948], The War Decorated India & Trust, retrieved 23 October 2019</ref>
	~~{{Quotation\|As a young lad of 17 Chewang Rinchen* enrolled himself in the Ladakh Guards on 25 July 1948. With hardly a week’s training he organised and trained a local militia unit of 28 youths~~. ~~In September, operating alongside Indian Army units, he fought~~ in ~~the Nubra Valley. His grim defence of a position on the Kharu Nullah earned him promotion to the rank of Jemadar~~ (~~Naib Subedar~~)~~. In the same month~~, ~~negotiating a 17,000 feet high snow clad pass under most trying conditions~~, ~~he helped the capture of Lama House~~, ~~a vital enemy stronghold.~~

	~~On 15 December~~, having marched for three days over high snowdrifts, he put in a fierce attack on a high hill feature near Biagdangdo and captured it. This action was immediately followed by his capture of Tukkar Hill, the last enemy position in Leh tehsil. This last action involved crossing over snow clad hills 21,000 feet high. Half of his platoon was suffering from frostbite. But under his inspiring leadership and following his example of personal bravery, his men had accomplished a seemingly impossible feat. ~~He was then promoted Subedar~~. ~~In these actions, Subedar Chewang Rinchen displayed personal bravery, resourcefulness, leadership and dedication of duty~~ of ~~a high order.~~		{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 9 Pres/52,26.1.52
			Operation: 1947 Indo Pak Kashmir War
			Date of Award: 01 Jul 1948

	~~Note: The original citation is not available. This write-up is based on the contents of a book~~ '~~Hero and Their Deeds~~'.<~~ref~~>~~[http:~~/~~/twdi~~.in~~/node/2151 Mahavir Chakra~~ (~~MVC~~) ~~Awardee: Lt Col Chewang Rinchen~~, ~~1 July 1948]~~, ~~The War Decorated India & Trust~~, ~~retrieved 23 October 2019</ref>\|author=\|title=\|source=}}~~		<center>'''CITATION'''<br>
			'''JEMADAR CHEWANG RINCHEN'''<br>
			'''7 BN, THE J&K MILITIA'''</center>
			As a young lad of 17, Chewang Rinchen* enrolled himself in the Ladakh Guards on 25 July 1948. With hardly a week’s training he organised and trained a local militia unit of 28 youths. In September, operating alongside Indian Army units, he fought in the Nubra Valley. His grim defence of a position on the Kharu Nullah earned him promotion to the rank of Jemadar (Naib Subedar). In the same month, negotiating a 17,000 feet high snow clad pass under most trying conditions, he helped the capture of Lama House, a vital enemy stronghold.

	~~Rinchen also served in the 1962 [[India-China War]]~~, ~~where~~ he ~~was awarded~~ a ~~[[Sena Medal]]~~. ~~On 1 April 1964~~, ~~he was granted a permanent commission~~ in ~~the regular Indian Army with the rank~~ of ~~second lieutenant (seniority~~ from ~~21 August 1962)~~, ~~and relinquished~~ his ~~commission in the Jammu and Kashmir Militia~~.~~<ref>{{cite news \|title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) \|page=519 \|date=3 September 1966 \|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>~~ He was promoted ~~to lieutenant on 21 August 1964~~.~~<ref>{{cite news \|title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry~~ of ~~Defence (Army Branch) \|page=587~~ \|~~date~~=~~9 May 1970~~ \|~~publisher~~=~~The Gazette of India~~}}~~</ref>~~		On 15 December, having marched for three days over high snowdrifts, he put in a fierce attack on a high hill feature near Biagdangdo and captured it. This action was immediately followed by his capture of Tukkar Hill, the last enemy position in Leh tehsil. This last action involved crossing over snow clad hills 21,000 feet high. Half of his platoon was suffering from frostbite. But under his inspiring leadership and following his example of personal bravery, his men had accomplished a seemingly impossible feat. He was then promoted Subedar. In these actions, Subedar Chewang Rinchen displayed personal bravery, resourcefulness, leadership and dedication of duty of a high order.\|sign=\|source=}}

			===Between wars===
			Rinchen also served in the 1962 [[India-China War]], where he was awarded a [[Sena Medal]]. On 1 April 1964, he was granted a permanent commission in the regular Indian Army with the rank of [[second lieutenant]] (seniority from 21 August 1962), and relinquished his commission in the Jammu and Kashmir Militia.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) \|page=519 \|date=3 September 1966 \|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He was promoted to lieutenant on 21 August 1964.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) \|page=587 \|date=9 May 1970 \|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>

			===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===
	In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>		In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Nandini Mehta \|title=Turtuk Diary \|newspaper=Outlook \|date=8 August 2011 \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation \|title=A different kind of high in Ladakh \|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis \|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 \|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref>

	~~===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===~~
	The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:		The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:
	{{Quotation\|Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector. Each of these nine enemy strong points were held by one to two platoons and fortified with mines and wire obstacles. This operation was planned and executed with professional competence and great zeal. Under most adverse weather conditions, Major Rinchen led his command, displaying aggressive spirit and cool courage, fighting from bunker to bunker, exhorting and encouraging his men to destroy the enemy, making the operation a complete success.		{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 22 Pres/72,12-2-72
			Operation: 1971 Cactus Lily
			Date of Award: 08 Dec 1971

			<center>'''CITATION'''<br>
			'''MAJOR CHEWANG RINCHEN, MVC'''<br>
			'''THE LADAKH SCOUTS'''</center>
			Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector. Each of these nine enemy strong points were held by one to two platoons and fortified with mines and wire obstacles. This operation was planned and executed with professional competence and great zeal. Under most adverse weather conditions, Major Rinchen led his command, displaying aggressive spirit and cool courage, fighting from bunker to bunker, exhorting and encouraging his men to destroy the enemy, making the operation a complete success.

	In this action, Major Chewang Rinchen displayed inspiring leadership, indomitable courage, initiative and exceptional devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.~~<ref>[http://twdi.in/node/1342 Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Lt Col Chewang Rinchen, 8 December 1971], The War Decorated India & Trust, retrieved 23 October 2019 </ref>~~\|~~author=\|title~~=\|source=}}		In this action, Major Chewang Rinchen displayed inspiring leadership, indomitable courage, initiative and exceptional devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.\|sign=\|source=}}

	===Later career===		===Later career===

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	}}		}}

	[[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]] '''Chewang Rinchen''' [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC & Bar]], [[Sena Medal\|SM]] ('''Kalon Tsewang Rigdzin''',{{sfnp\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2006\|p=474}} 1931 – 1997) was a highly decorated officer in the [[Indian Army]] from the [[Union territory]] of [[Ladakh]].<ref name=Arpi>{{cite news \|author=Claude Arpi \|title=Have you heard about this Indian Hero? \|newspaper=Rediff News \|date=22 December 2011 \|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-hero-of-nubra/20111222.htm }}</ref> He was the youngest ever recipient of the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second highest Indian gallantry decoration, for his role in the defence of Ladakh in the [[First Kashmir War]].<ref name="India Today"/> He received the Maha Vir Chakra for a second time after [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], for his role in the conquest of the [[Turtuk]] ~~block~~ (a ~~section~~ of the [[Chorbat]]. valley), in what came to be known as the [[Battle of Turtuk]].<ref name="Seven Wars">{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref> He was one of only six Indian service personnel to have the Maha Vir Chakra twice.		[[Colonel (India)\|Colonel]] '''Chewang Rinchen''' [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC & Bar]], [[Sena Medal\|SM]] ('''Kalon Tsewang Rigdzin''',{{sfnp\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2006\|p=474}} 1931 – 1997) was a highly decorated officer in the [[Indian Army]] from the [[Union territory]] of [[Ladakh]].<ref name=Arpi>{{cite news \|author=Claude Arpi \|title=Have you heard about this Indian Hero? \|newspaper=Rediff News \|date=22 December 2011 \|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-hero-of-nubra/20111222.htm }}</ref> He was the youngest ever recipient of the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second highest Indian gallantry decoration, for his role in the defence of Ladakh in the [[First Kashmir War]].<ref name="India Today"/> He received the Maha Vir Chakra for a second time after [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], for his role in the conquest of the [[Turtuk]] and [[Tyakshi]] (a small village of the [[Chorbat]]. valley), in what came to be known as the [[Battle of Turtuk]].<ref name="Seven Wars">{{cite book\|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446\|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars\|date = 2 January 2018\|publisher=Notion Press\|isbn=9781948473224\|pages=402}}</ref> He was one of only six Indian service personnel to have the Maha Vir Chakra twice.
	He was awarded a [[Sena Medal]] for gallantry in the [[Sino-Indian War\|1962 India-China War]].<ref name="Seven Wars"/> and [[Mention in dispatches]] for gallantry in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<ref name="India Today"/>		He was awarded a [[Sena Medal]] for gallantry in the [[Sino-Indian War\|1962 India-China War]].<ref name="Seven Wars"/> and [[Mention in dispatches]] for gallantry in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<ref name="India Today"/>

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	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO}}</ref>		The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news \|author=Michael Patrao \|title=On top of the world \|newspaper=Deccan Herald \|date=5 November 2011 \|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news \|title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh \|newspaper=Business Standard \|date=21 October 2019 \|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/\|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO\|date=16 June 2020}}</ref>

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
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	* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2006}}}}		* {{cite journal \|last1=Gutschow \|first1=Kim \|title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today \|journal=India Review \|volume=5 \|issue=3–4 \|year=2006 \|pages=470–498 \|issn=1473-6489 \|doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 \|s2cid=42308945 \|ref={{sfnref\|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar\|2006}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|2003}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Malhotra \|first=A. \|title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 \|year=2003 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 \|ref={{sfnref\|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil\|2003}}}}
	* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}		* {{citation \|last=Sahni \|first=Sati \|title=Kashmir Underground \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ \|year=1999 \|publisher=Har-Anand Publications \|isbn=9788124106372 \|ref={{sfnref\|Sahni, Kashmir Underground\|1999}}}}

	==External links==		==External links==

imported>Kautilya3: Adding/improving reference(s)

2021-04-01T17:29:45Z

Adding/improving reference(s)

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Colonel (India)|Colonel]]
| name = Chewang Rinchen
| honorific_suffix = [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC**]], [[Sena Medal|SM]]
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = 1931
| death_date = {{death year and age|1997|1931}}
| placeofburial =
| birth_place = [[Sumur, Ladakh|Sumur]], [[Ladakh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[British Raj]]
| death_place = [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]], [[India]]
| placeofburial_coordinates = 
| allegiance = {{flag|India}}
| branch = {{army|India}}
| serviceyears = 1948–1984
| rank = [[File:Colonel_of_the_Indian_Army.svg|25px]] [[Colonel (India)|Colonel]]
| unit = [[Nubra Guards]] (1948–?) 
[[File:Emblem_of_Ladakh_Scouts.png|20px]] [[Ladakh Scouts]] (1971–1984)
| battles = {{plainlist|
*[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]
*[[India-China War]]
*[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
}}
| awards = [[File:Maha_Vir_Chakra_ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Maha Vir Chakra]] & bar [[File:Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Sena Medal]] [[Mention in dispatches]]
}}

[[Colonel (India)|Colonel]] '''Chewang Rinchen''' [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC & Bar]], [[Sena Medal|SM]] ('''Kalon Tsewang Rigdzin''',{{sfnp|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar|2006|p=474}} 1931 – 1997) was a highly decorated officer in the [[Indian Army]] from the [[Union territory]] of [[Ladakh]].<ref name=Arpi>{{cite news |author=Claude Arpi |title=Have you heard about this Indian Hero? |newspaper=Rediff News |date=22 December 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-hero-of-nubra/20111222.htm }}</ref> He was the youngest ever recipient of the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second highest Indian gallantry decoration, for his role in the defence of Ladakh in the [[First Kashmir War]].<ref name="India Today"/> He received the Maha Vir Chakra for a second time after [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], for his role in the conquest of the [[Turtuk]] block (a section of the [[Chorbat]]. valley), in what came to be known as the [[Battle of Turtuk]].<ref name="Seven Wars">{{cite book|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars|date = 2 January 2018|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=9781948473224|pages=402}}</ref> He was one of only six Indian service personnel to have the Maha Vir Chakra twice.
He was awarded a [[Sena Medal]] for gallantry in the [[Sino-Indian War|1962 India-China War]].<ref name="Seven Wars"/> and [[Mention in dispatches]] for gallantry in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<ref name="India Today"/>

==Early life==
Chewang Rinchen was born in the village of [[Sumur, Ladakh|Sumur]] in [[Nubra Valley|Nubra]] in 1931 in an illustrious family. One of his ancestors had the title of "Lion of Ladakh" for his bravery and his mother was known as "Mother of Nubra Valley" for her compassion.{{sfnp|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army|2013|p=30}} Rinchen was educated in Sumur by a Ladakhi Christian missionary by name Stanzin.{{sfnp|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army|2013|p=30}} At age 13, he attracted the attention of a ''kalon'' (duke) of Ladakh, who took him to [[Leh]] for secondary education. Four years later, the [[First Kashmir War]] started, placing Ladakh in grave jeopardy from the raiders from [[Gilgit-Baltistan]].<ref name=Arpi/>

==Military career==
Rinchen joined the [[Nubra Guards]] in 1948<ref>{{cite news |first=Chakravarty |last=Sulibele |language=kn |newspaper=[[Vijaya Vani]] |url=http://epapervijayavani.in/Details.aspx?id=2328&boxid=24351546 |title=Details |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001059/http://epapervijayavani.in/Details.aspx?id=2328&boxid=24351546 |archive-date=2013-12-03}}</ref> and served in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]] alongside Indian Army units. Fighting in the [[Nubra Valley]], he was promoted through the ranks and was awarded a [[Mahavir Chakra]] for bravery. He was the youngest recipient of the award.<ref name="India Today"/>

===Maha Vir Chakra===
The citation for the first [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:
{{Quotation|As a young lad of 17 Chewang Rinchen* enrolled himself in the Ladakh Guards on 25 July 1948. With hardly a week’s training he organised and trained a local militia unit of 28 youths. In September, operating alongside Indian Army units, he fought in the Nubra Valley. His grim defence of a position on the Kharu Nullah earned him promotion to the rank of Jemadar (Naib Subedar). In the same month, negotiating a 17,000 feet high snow clad pass under most trying conditions, he helped the capture of Lama House, a vital enemy stronghold.

On 15 December, having marched for three days over high snowdrifts, he put in a fierce attack on a high hill feature near Biagdangdo and captured it. This action was immediately followed by his capture of Tukkar Hill, the last enemy position in Leh tehsil. This last action involved crossing over snow clad hills 21,000 feet high. Half of his platoon was suffering from frostbite. But under his inspiring leadership and following his example of personal bravery, his men had accomplished a seemingly impossible feat. He was then promoted Subedar. In these actions, Subedar Chewang Rinchen displayed personal bravery, resourcefulness, leadership and dedication of duty of a high order.

Note: The original citation is not available. This write-up is based on the contents of a book 'Hero and Their Deeds'.<ref>[http://twdi.in/node/2151 Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Lt Col Chewang Rinchen, 1 July 1948], The War Decorated India & Trust, retrieved 23 October 2019</ref>|author=|title=|source=}}

Rinchen also served in the 1962 [[India-China War]], where he was awarded a [[Sena Medal]]. On 1 April 1964, he was granted a permanent commission in the regular Indian Army with the rank of second lieutenant (seniority from 21 August 1962), and relinquished his commission in the Jammu and Kashmir Militia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=519 |date=3 September 1966 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He was promoted to lieutenant on 21 August 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=587 |date=9 May 1970 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>

In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Rinchen, now a major in the [[Ladakh Scouts]], led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the [[Pakistani Army]] and the strategic outpost of [[Turtuk]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Nandini Mehta |title=Turtuk Diary |newspaper=Outlook |date=8 August 2011 |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/turtuk-diary/277826}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=A different kind of high in Ladakh |newspaper=Daily News & Analysis |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-a-different-kind-of-high-in-ladakh-1672921 |access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.<ref>{{cite book|author=Col Y Udaya Chandar (Retd)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwxFDwAAQBAJ&q=udai+singh+mvc&pg=PT446|title=Independent India's All the Seven Wars|date = 2 January 2018|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=9781948473224|pages=402}}</ref>

===Bar to Maha Vir Chakra===
The citation for the second [[Maha Vir Chakra]] awarded to him reads:
{{Quotation|Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector. Each of these nine enemy strong points were held by one to two platoons and fortified with mines and wire obstacles. This operation was planned and executed with professional competence and great zeal. Under most adverse weather conditions, Major Rinchen led his command, displaying aggressive spirit and cool courage, fighting from bunker to bunker, exhorting and encouraging his men to destroy the enemy, making the operation a complete success.

In this action, Major Chewang Rinchen displayed inspiring leadership, indomitable courage, initiative and exceptional devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.<ref>[http://twdi.in/node/1342 Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Lt Col Chewang Rinchen, 8 December 1971], The War Decorated India & Trust, retrieved 23 October 2019 </ref>|author=|title=|source=}}

===Later career===
Promoted to the substantive rank of major on 6 February 1978,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=734 |date=28 June 1980 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> Rinchen retired from active service with effect from 1 May 1980, when he transferred to the reserves.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1036 |date=8 August 1981 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> On 1 October 1983, he was re-employed and assigned to command 246 Transit Camp with the local rank of lieutenant-colonel, while serving with the [[Jammu and Kashmir Rifles]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1812 |date=3 November 1984 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> Rinchen finally retired as a full colonel in 1984.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113165408/http://www.kashmirsentinel.com/aug1999/index.html Col Chhewang Rinchen-The saviour of Ladakh], Kashmir Sentinel, August 1999.</ref>

==Legacy==
The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Michael Patrao |title=On top of the world |newspaper=Deccan Herald |date=5 November 2011 |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202680/on-top-world.html }}</ref> On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China. The 1400-ft long bridge on [[Shyok River]], at 14,650 ft is strategically located on the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] between Leh and Karakoram Pass. <ref>{{cite news |title=Col Chewang Rinchen Setu: India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge in eastern Ladakh |newspaper=Business Standard |date=21 October 2019 |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/col-chewang-rinchen-setu-india-s-highest-altitude-all-weather-permanent-bridge-in-eastern-ladakh-119102101333_1.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/|title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Chewang Rinchen married Shema Choskit Dolma of Leh Khangsar, an aristocratic family from Leh. Rinchen's younger brother P. Namgyal is a former Union Minister and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).<ref name="India Today">{{citation |author=Rohit Parihar |title=Youngest-ever recipient of Maha Vir Chakra Chewang Rinchen is an enduring Leh icon |newspaper=India Today |date=31 August 1996 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/youngest-ever-recipient-of-maha-vir-chakra-chewang-rinchen-is-an-enduring-leh-icon/1/282279.html}}</ref>

==Notes==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{citation |last=Chakravorty |first=B. |title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC&pg=PA139 |year=1995 |publisher=Allied Publishers |isbn=978-81-7023-516-3 |pages=139–140 |ref={{sfnref|Chakravorty, Stories of Heroism|1995}}}}
* {{citation |author=Col J. Francis |title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 |year=2013 |publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-82652-17-5 |pages=31– |ref={{sfnref|Francis, Short Stories from the History of Indian Army|2013}}}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Gutschow |first1=Kim |title=The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar: Partition and Today |journal=India Review |volume=5 |issue=3–4 |year=2006 |pages=470–498 |issn=1473-6489 |doi=10.1080/14736480600939306 |s2cid=42308945 |ref={{sfnref|Gutshow, The Politics of Being Buddhist in Zangskar|2006}}}}
* {{citation |last=Malhotra |first=A. |title=Trishul: Ladakh And Kargil 1947-1993 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWKy6DOTO9YC&pg=PA135 |year=2003 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-81-7062-296-3 |ref={{sfnref|Malhotra, Trishul: Ladakah and Kargil|2003}}}}
* {{citation |last=Sahni |first=Sati |title=Kashmir Underground |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bVhuAAAAMAAJ |year=1999 |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |ref={{sfnref|Sahni, Kashmir Underground|1999}}}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113165408/http://www.kashmirsentinel.com/aug1999/index.html Kashmir Sentinel]
*[https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/siafdu/amvc9.html&date=2009-10-26+02:33:59 Colonel Chewing Rinchen, MVC(Bar), SM, Indian Army title]
*[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/1aug2000/html/ch19.htm Sainik Samachar]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rinchen, Chewang}}
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Army officers]]
[[Category:Indian military personnel of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
[[Category:People of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]