"To create great armies is one thing
To Lead them and to handle them in another. - Sir Winston Churchill"

This seems so true for Col. Balraj Singh who shouldered both the responsibilities with aplomb. He was the Founder President of the Governing Body of The New Public School Society.

Col. Balraj Singh was born in 1919. He completed his graduation from DAV College Lahore. He attained his commercial Pilot license from Flying Club Patiala at the age of 19. He joined the forces of Maharaja of Patiala which were later merged with the Indian Army.

In the Indian Army, he was in the “Air OP” and in 1961 posted to London, as an instructor to accompany the INS Vikrant (The first Indian Aircraft Carrier) back home. Lt. Col. Balraj Singh had many accomplishments to his credit during his service in the army. He was actively involved in the Second World War in Jagatara; at the Kashmir border at the time of partition; and participated in the famous battle of Chushul during Chinese aggression in 1962. He was honoured by the Government of India for his valour.

He was a great sportsman too and represented the Services in “Volleyball”.

In 1964, he took over the Command of 9 Field Regiment which later became “9 Para Regiment”. In 1966, he was assigned the duty to raise “184 Light Regt. Pack” which later became “1841 Pinaka Regt.” He was a born leader in all aspects. After his retirement, he dedicated his life to serve the community in his hometown at Qadian.

He was an active social worker and a firm believer in the education of girl child. He took an active part in promoting education in rural areas and was Chairman of the Managing Committee of all four D.A.V. Institutes in Qadian, Distt Gurdaspur.

In his crusade as a social worker, he joined Bharat Vikas Parishad of Punjab and retired as the Patron. He was also a member of the Patiala State Olympic Association.

He passed away on August 16th, 2007 at the age of 88 years. Even at that age, he was an individual who exuded confidence and installed it all around him. It is indeed a matter of honor and great pride for his family, friends, and well-wishers, that even after almost forty years of retirement, the “9 Para Regiment” sent a delegation of officers to represent the Unit at the time of his last rites.