Ram Singh Thakur
| Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri | |
|---|---|
| Born |
15 August 1914 Khanyara, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, British India |
| Died | 15 April 2002 (aged 87) Bhaisakund, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Allegiance | INA, India |
| Years of service | 1942–1974 |
| Rank | Company Havildar Major |
| Unit | 1st Gorkha Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa War |
| Awards | King George VI Coronation Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Premu Thakuri |
| Other work | Band Master |
Captain Ram Singh Thakuri (Nepali: कप्तान राम सिहँ ठकुरी 15 August 1914 – 15 April 2002) was an Indian Gorkha freedom fighter, musician and composer. He also composed, while serving in the Indian National Army a number of patriotic songs including Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja and Subh Sukh Chain.
Later in life, Captain Singh worked for the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Arms Constabulary (PAC) and founded the Constabulary band.
Ram Singh was born in the North Indian Village of Khanyara, near Dharamsala on 15 August 1914 (Exactly 33 years before India became Independent). As the son of a serviceman, Singh was encouraged to enroll in the army. After completing school in 1922, Singh joined the 1st Gorkha Rifles as a recruit in the band. From early childhood, he had an interest in music, which was encouraged by his grandfather, Jamni Chand, who migrated from Munakot village in Pithoragarh district of Kumaon hills, Uttarakhand in 1890.
In the Army, Singh combined his love for music along with his service. He trained in classical and western music as well as ballad, brass band, string band and dance band.
Singh earned the King George VI medal while serving in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between 1937 and 1939. Promoted in 1941 to Company Havildar Major, he was sent to Singapore and Malaya with his unit during World War II.
After the Fall of Singapore, the Japanese forces took a large number of PoWs. Of these, a large number volunteered to join the Indian National Army. Singh, who had initially not volunteered, was sent to Japan, where he met Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Singh later joined the Indian National Army as it was reorganised under the leadership of Bose. Subhas Chandra Bose was instrumental in tapping the talent of Captain Ram Singh as a dedicated music director. On his personal request, Singh composed the tunes for Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja, the INA's marching song and now a noted patriotic song from India. He also composed the tune for Subh Sukh Chain (or the Qaumi Tarana as it was known), the National Anthem to be adopted by Azad Hind. In 1944, Capt. Ram Singh was decorated by Subhas Chandra Bose for his contributions. Singh also received a violin and a saxophone as gifts from Bose.
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