Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

History often remembers generals who led armies and soldiers who won battles. Yet, hidden in its pages are ordinary people whose extraordinary courage changed the course of history. One such forgotten heroine is Mali Bi, a Gujjar woman from the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, whose bold act during the 1971 India-Pakistan War helped save an entire town.

Remembering Heroes

All she possessed was an unshakeable love for her land and the courage to risk her own life for people she might never even know.

In December 1971, as war raged between India and Pakistan, she saw a group of armed Pakistani soldiers secretly advancing through difficult terrain, hoping to launch a surprise attack on Poonch,  a town situated on the Line of Control LoC).

For many, the safest option would have been to remain silent. Speaking out meant inviting certain danger. If the infiltrators discovered her intentions, she would certainly lose her life.

Determined not to let the opportunity pass, Mali Bi set off on foot through snow-covered hills and rugged mountain tracks to reach the nearest security post. The journey itself was perilous. Every step exposed her to enemy patrols, freezing temperatures and unforgiving terrain. Yet she pressed on, driven by one thought: that if she failed, hundreds of innocent lives could be lost.

When she finally reached an Indo-Tibetan Border Police post, another challenge awaited her. Mali Bi spoke only Gojri, while the soldiers could not understand her language. Somehow, with the help of local interpreters, she conveyed the urgent message.

In no time, the information reached the Indian Army.

Acting on Mali Bi's tip-off, Indian troops intercepted the infiltrators before they could execute their plan.

Around 30 Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed or captured, and subsequent interrogations revealed that Pakistan had planned a major attack on Poonch. The operation was foiled before it could unfold, saving not only military positions but also countless civilians living in the border town.

Military officers later acknowledged that Mali Bi's presence of mind and her act of passing on the information played a crucial role in protecting Poonch. The Indian Army recommended Mali Bi for a gallantry award in recognition of her exceptional bravery.

Instead, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri in 1972, making her the first Gujjar woman from Jammu and Kashmir to receive one of the country's highest civilian honours.

Yet, despite such an extraordinary contribution, Mali Bi's name gradually faded from public memory. She returned to her simple life in the hills, carrying with her the quiet satisfaction of having done her duty.

Her story survived largely in the memories of soldiers, local communities and historians who refused to let her courage be forgotten.

In recent years, efforts have been made to restore her rightful place in history. The Jammu and Kashmir administration named the Government Degree College in Mandi after her, ensuring that future generations would learn about the woman who placed her nation above her own safety.

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Mali Bi was an unlettered tribal woman from the Muslim community with no position of power. Yet, she perfectly understood the dangers of Pakistan soldiers setting foot on Indian soil.

Her raw courage and intrinsic sense of patriotism continue to inspire the rest of us even decades later.