Published in December 2023, Major Shaitan Singh PVC: The Man in Half Light by Jai Samota is a powerful biography that captures the life and bravery of Major Shaitan Singh, one of India’s most celebrated war heroes. The book traces the inspiring journey of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who gave his life leading his men in the legendary Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Backed by four years of detailed research, rare interviews, and firsthand accounts, the author brings to life the personal and professional journey of the Param Vir Chakra awardee. This book not only highlights his bravery but also uncovers the untold truths of the war that many hesitate to speak about even today. A tribute to sacrifice, courage, and duty, this biography offers both a powerful story and a historical record that deserves to be read by every Indian.
The book Major Shaitan Singh contains ten well-structured chapters that cover every important phase of Major Shaitan Singh’s life. Starting with his father’s influence in Rajasthan, the chapters take the reader through his schooling, college life, early military service in the Rajasthan State Forces, and his key role in the Kumaon Regiment. Each chapter is filled with rare stories and insights, showing how Major Shaitan Singh evolved into a fearless leader and a true patriot.
What makes this biography Major Shaitan Singh even more moving is the way it brings out the emotional pain of war. While speaking to people for his research, the author discovered that many still hesitate to talk about those dark nights and painful memories. The beautiful white snow-covered peaks that tourists admire today were once battlefields soaked in blood. These chilling accounts reveal the emotional weight carried by soldiers like Major Shaitan Singh, whose courage remains unmatched.
More than just a war story, this book Major Shaitan Singh is a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Major Shaitan Singh. It presents his values, discipline, and dedication in great detail, helping readers connect with him not only as a soldier but as a human being. Jai Samota’s writing shows deep respect for his subject, and the rare photographs, maps, and personal stories make this book an unforgettable experience.
Major Shaitan Singh PVC: The Man in Half Light is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of India’s armed forces. It tells the story of Major Shaitan Singh with honesty, passion, and precision, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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Book Availability, Formats, and Pricing
Major Shaitan Singh, PVC: The Man in Half Light by Jai Samota is available for readers in both paperback and Kindle formats for readers across India. The paperback edition, published by Prabhat Prakashan in December 2023, contains 232 pages and is written in English. You can purchase the paperback from Amazon for ₹274, while the Kindle edition is available for ₹260. The Kindle version is perfect for readers who want instant access and prefer reading on digital devices. Meanwhile, the paperback is ideal for those who enjoy physical books and wish to keep it as part of their personal collection. The book is also available on other platforms like Flipkart, Goodreads, HindueShop and Apple Books, giving readers multiple options to buy it conveniently online.
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About the Author of Major Shaitan Singh
Jai Samota is a young author and researcher from Barisadri in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, born on November 4, 2000. He completed his schooling at Sangam School of Excellence in Bhilwara and pursued postgraduate studies at B.N.P.G. College, Udaipur. At the age of eighteen, he wrote his first book on the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees of the Indian Armed Forces. His dedication earned him recognition from several prominent figures, including a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and a letter of appreciation from his office. His work was also acknowledged by the late General Bipin Rawat’s secretariat and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot.
Jai has carried out deep research on the life of Major Shaitan Singh, PVC, and was given the rare honour of contributing photographs and key information for the renovated Rezang La War Memorial in Chushul, Ladakh. In addition to writing books, he regularly contributes research-based articles to India Sentinels, a platform focused on defence and national security.
Currently, Jai is working on a new book centred on the 1962 war, which will include personal stories and testimonies from Indian Army veterans. His ongoing work continues to spotlight the bravery of Indian soldiers, with special attention to unsung heroes and the historical contributions of Indian State Forces, particularly those from Rajasthan.
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Thematic Analysis of Major Shaitan Singh
The book of Major Shaitan Singh tells the story of the freezing morning of 18 November 1962, at 16,000 feet in the Chushul sector, 112 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s Charlie Company braced for what would become one of the most heroic last stands in Indian military history. The Chinese troops advanced through narrow mountain passes under the cover of dim dawn light, but the Indian platoons were ready. As soon as visibility improved around 5:00 a.m., they opened fire with rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and grenades, causing heavy casualties. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the men, under the leadership of Major Shaitan Singh, held their ground with unmatched courage, marking the beginning of a fierce and unforgettable battle at Rezang La.
- Silent Courage in the Face of War: The story of Rezang La is not just about a military battle, it is about unspoken bravery. At a freezing height of 16,000 feet, Indian soldiers held their ground against overwhelming Chinese forces. With very limited support and harsh conditions, they displayed unshakable courage. The book Major Shaitan Singh shows how silence often surrounds stories of heroism when the war is lost, but bravery still shines through every page.
- Research and Depth: It is astounding that a 23‑year‑old author researched Major Shaitan Singh over four years to gather rare interviews, photographs, maps, and stories that bring authenticity to the narrative. The book avoids hero worship and instead paints a textured human portrait of the man behind the uniform. At times the dense detail may feel like a museum’s archival deck but it is precisely this rigor that pays tribute to the real sacrifice.
- Leadership Beyond Fear: During the intense combat, a leader emerged who did not just command but led from the front. While bullets rained and platoons were surrounded, he kept moving between posts, reorganizing defences and motivating his men. The actions described in Major Shaitan Singh go beyond military tactics and it highlight fearless lead where his company fought until their ammunition was exhausted, resorting even to bayonets in hand‑to‑hand combat, and Major Singh himself moved between posts under fire to rally his menagainst all odds.
- Shades of Silence and Sacrifice: Even decades later, stories shared in the book remind us how war scars souls. Major Shaitan Singh documents veterans who refused to speak about the horrors and dark nights lit by bursting shells, blood‑red snow‑clad peaks. These testimonies form the emotional heart of the biography, giving readers a visceral sense of the tragedy and dignity of those men, including their commander, Major Singh.
- Death with Dignity: As the battle raged on, injury did not stop him. Even when he was badly wounded, he refused to be evacuated, knowing it would cost his soldiers their lives. His final moments were filled with dignity, asking his men to leave him behind and continue the fight. In Major Shaitan Singh, these last acts define true heroism and choosing the mission over personal safety.
- A Battle That Made History: The battle of Rezang La left a deep mark in military history, not because it was a win, but because of how it was fought. With over 3000 enemy casualties and only a handful of survivors from the Indian side, the courage of the Kumaon Regiment became legendary. Major Shaitan Singh highlights how this was not just a military clash, it was a symbol of India’s resilience and sacrifice.
- A Legacy That Lives On: His story did not end on that snowy battlefield. Memorials, statues, and stories continue to honour the sacrifice he made. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration. In Major Shaitan Singh, his memory is kept alive not just as a soldier, but as a symbol of duty, valor, and eternal national pride.
- A Hero’s Final Stand: In the final moments of the battle, after suffering serious wounds while moving between posts, Major Shaitan Singh was being carried away by his men. But under heavy Chinese gunfire, he ordered them to leave him to save their lives. The soldiers placed him behind a large boulder, where he breathed his last. One brave soldier, Captain Ramchander Yadav, managed to escape Chinese capture and later returned to share the full story. Months later, when the snow melted, Red Cross teams recovered the Major’s body from the same spot. He was still clutching his weapon in his hands, a symbol of his undying spirit and determination to fight till the end.
Why You Should Read This Book
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If you want to truly understand the meaning of courage, leadership, and sacrifice, this biography is a must-read. Major Shaitan Singh, PVC: The Man in Half Light is not just a war story and it is the deeply researched life journey of a soldier who gave everything for his country. While many of us know about the famous Battle of Rezang La, very few are aware of the personal life, values, and early years of Major Shaitan Singh. This book fills that gap with incredible detail, making it an eye-opening experience for readers.
Author Jai Samota spent four years collecting facts, interviewing people, and building a complete picture of this forgotten hero. The book’s emotional storytelling, historical depth, and rare insights make it a powerful read for students, defence aspirants, history lovers, and anyone who wants to feel inspired. It is more than a biography; it is a tribute that will stay with you long after the final page. Whether you are looking for patriotism, real-life courage, or just a meaningful book to read, this one delivers on every front.
Final Thought
Major Shaitan Singh is a powerful and well-researched tribute to a true Indian hero. Jai Samota has done a remarkable job in bringing Major Shaitan Singh’s story to life, showing not just his bravery in battle but also the man behind the uniform. This book is not just a war story, it is a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and leadership. It deserves to be read by anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of patriotism and honour.
