As we approach Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us take a moment to remember the brave souls who fearlessly fought for Bharat Mata, displaying unparalleled acts of valor during wartime. The Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, aptly translates as the "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave." This prestigious award is granted to those who have shown the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
A total of 21 Param Vir Chakra awards have been bestowed upon extraordinary individuals, out of which 14 were posthumous, honoring the sacrifice they made for the nation. These brave warriors hail from both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with the Grenadiers receiving the highest number of Param Vir Chakras.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a commendable step to immortalize the legacy of these valorous souls. On Parakram Diwas, 23rd January 2023, which marked the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands were named after the esteemed Param Vir Chakra awardees.
Here's a list of these national heroes who have etched their names in India's history:
- Major Somnath Sharma (posthumous) - November 3, 1947: During the Battle of Badgam in the 1947 Indo-Pak War, Major Somnath Sharma led his troops with exceptional bravery against a numerically superior enemy. Despite being seriously injured, he continued to inspire his men and repelled multiple enemy attacks. His leadership and self-sacrifice were instrumental in holding the enemy at bay and allowing reinforcements to arrive, ultimately securing the vital Srinagar airfield. He was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for valor.
- Naik Jadunath Singh (posthumous) - February 6, 1948: Naik Jadunath Singh displayed remarkable courage and determination during the Battle of Tithwal in the 1948 Indo-Pak War. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to fight and single-handedly held back the enemy's advance, allowing his comrades to regroup and counterattack. He made the ultimate sacrifice, refusing to be evacuated and choosing to fight till the end. His bravery and unwavering dedication to the mission earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
- Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane - April 8-11, 1948: Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane led a daring assault on a heavily fortified enemy position in the Rajouri sector during the 1948 Indo-Pak War. Despite facing heavy resistance, he fearlessly charged ahead and cleared the enemy bunkers, inspiring his men to press forward. His exceptional leadership and valor led to the capture of the objective and disrupted the enemy's defenses.
- Company Havildar Major Piru Singh (posthumous) - July 18, 1948: Company Havildar Major Piru Singh demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Tithwal in the 1948 Indo-Pak War. He led his section in the face of heavy enemy fire and successfully captured a crucial enemy position. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and repel counterattacks. He made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the captured position, ensuring its retention.
- Lance Naik Karam Singh - October 13, 1948: Lance Naik Karam Singh displayed exceptional courage and gallantry during the Battle of Tithwal in the 1948 Indo-Pak War. Despite being wounded in the leg, he continued to lead his section in fierce hand-to-hand combat and cleared several enemy positions. His indomitable spirit and leadership were critical in securing the objective and boosting the morale of his fellow soldiers.
- Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (posthumous) - December 5, 1961: Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria displayed extraordinary bravery during the Congo Crisis as part of the United Nations Operation in the Republic of the Congo. He fearlessly led his men in an assault on a heavily fortified enemy position and destroyed several enemy bunkers. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to inspire his troops until he succumbed to his injuries.
- Major Dhan Singh Thapa - October 21, 1962: During the Sino-Indian War, Major Dhan Singh Thapa displayed exceptional valor and leadership during the battle for Ladakh. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he led his men in a determined defense against the Chinese forces. His strategic planning and gallant actions inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, disrupting their advance.
- Subedar Joginder Singh (posthumous) - October 23, 1962: Subedar Joginder Singh led his section in the face of a massive Chinese assault during the Sino-Indian War. Despite being injured multiple times, he refused to back down and continued to fight till the end, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. His bravery and tenacity earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
- Major Shaitan Singh (posthumous) - November 18, 1962: Major Shaitan Singh displayed extraordinary courage and leadership during the Battle of Rezang La in the Sino-Indian War. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he led his men in an epic defense of the position. He made the ultimate sacrifice, refusing to retreat and choosing to fight till the last breath. His bravery and sacrifice were crucial in repelling the Chinese forces and securing the position.
- Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (posthumous) - September 11, 1965: Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore displayed exceptional valor and leadership during the Battle of Chawinda in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Leading a tank regiment, he fearlessly charged ahead and destroyed numerous enemy tanks and positions. He made the ultimate sacrifice while personally leading the charge.
- Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid - September 16, 1965: During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid displayed immense courage and determination as an anti-tank gunner. He destroyed several enemy tanks using a 106mm recoilless rifle, despite being heavily outnumbered and under intense enemy fire. His actions disrupted the enemy's armored assault and earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
- Lance Naik Albert Ekka - November 13, 1965: Lance Naik Albert Ekka showed exceptional bravery during the Battle of Gangasagar in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he led his section in a daring attack on enemy positions. He single-handedly destroyed two enemy bunkers and killed many enemy soldiers, inspiring his comrades to press forward. He was martyred while defending a critical position.
- Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (posthumous) - December 16, 1971: During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon displayed unparalleled courage and valor while defending the Srinagar Air Base from a large enemy air raid. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he engaged the enemy aircraft and shot down two enemy jets. He made the ultimate sacrifice, continuing to fight till the last, protecting the airbase.
- Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (posthumous) - July 3, 1987: Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal displayed exceptional bravery and leadership during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he fearlessly engaged enemy tanks and destroyed several of them. He was severely injured but continued to fight, refusing to abandon his tank. His heroic actions were instrumental in securing the victory.
- Company Havildar Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya - December 17, 1971: During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Company Havildar Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya displayed exemplary courage and leadership while leading his troops in the battle of Basantar River in the Shakargarh sector. Despite being severely injured and under continuous enemy fire, he refused to be evacuated and continued to inspire his men to fight. His strategic acumen and unwavering dedication led to the capture of several key enemy positions. He was instrumental in neutralizing enemy bunkers and destroying enemy tanks, thus facilitating the advancement of the Indian forces. For his extraordinary valor and selflessness, he was honored with the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award. His indomitable spirit and heroism serve as an inspiration to the entire nation.
- Naib Subedar Bana Singh - June 13, 1987: Naib Subedar Bana Singh exhibited extraordinary courage and determination during Operation Rajiv in the Siachen conflict. Leading his men in extremely hostile conditions, he captured an important enemy post, overcoming treacherous terrain and heavy enemy resistance. His valor and strategic acumen were crucial in securing the post for India.
- Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran (posthumous) - November 25, 1987: Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran displayed exceptional bravery and leadership during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. Despite being ambushed by LTTE militants, he led his troops with courage and decisiveness. In the face of heavy enemy fire, he rescued injured soldiers and continued to lead the charge. He made the ultimate sacrifice, fighting till the end to safeguard his men.
- Captain Vikram Batra (posthumous) - July 7, 1999: During the Kargil War, Captain Vikram Batra, code-named "Sher Shah," displayed outstanding leadership and valor during the capture of Point 5140. In a daring assault, he led his men to capture the strategic peak from enemy forces. Despite being injured, he insisted on regrouping and launching another attack to clear the remaining enemy positions. He was martyred during the operation.
- Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (posthumous) - July 7, 1999: Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey displayed exceptional bravery and leadership during the Kargil War. He led his platoon in capturing Point 4875, a crucial enemy position. Despite being injured, he continued to inspire his men and pushed forward. He made the ultimate sacrifice while leading the final assault on the enemy bunkers.
- Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav - July 4, 1999: During the Kargil War, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav showed extraordinary courage during the capture of Tiger Hill. Despite being injured in the initial assault, he continued to lead the attack and single-handedly destroyed several enemy bunkers, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. His gallant actions were instrumental in the successful capture of Tiger Hill.
- Rifleman Sanjay Kumar - July 4, 1999: Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed exceptional courage and bravery during the Kargil War. In the face of heavy enemy fire, he captured a strategic position on Point 4875. Despite being injured, he refused evacuation and continued to engage the enemy. His unwavering determination and fearless actions ensured the success of the operation.
These gallant recipients embody the spirit of courage and self-sacrifice, forever etched in the hearts of the nation. Their acts of valour continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the unyielding dedication and resilience of our armed forces. Let us honor their sacrifice and pledge to uphold the values they fought for, on this momentous occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. ???????
