Indian Army is known for its brave soldiers who never back down from the situation and do their job, even when they have to sacrifice their lives to protect the nation. Since long you must be watching the stories of brave soldiers who martyred while protecting us. Here, we are showing you 5 commanding officers of Indian army who led from the front and became inspirations for future soldiers.
Colonel Rai
Colonel Rai was the Commanding Officer of 42 Rashtriya Rifles (42 RR) and was known to lead from the front. When he was killed, his status on popular messaging service WhatsApp read, “Play your role in life with such passion, that even after the curtains come down, the applause doesn’t stop.” That message was posted two months ago.
Colonel Santosh Mahadik
The officer, who originally belonged to the elite 21 Para unit of the Special Forces, was awarded Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his exceptional service and leadership as a young officer while fighting the terrorists in Lolab Valley in Kupwara in 2003. Â He took a bullet in his chest while commanding the 41 Rashtriya Rifles, during an encounter with terrorists in Manigah forest area of Kupwara.
Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar
Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar of 24 Punjab Regiment who was killed in the fidayeen attack in Uri had survived a similar battle in 2004, when he sustained three bullet injuries in the stomach in an attack by Pakistani militants in Srinagar. The only son of his Ranchi-based parents, 35-year-old Kumar is survived by two daughters (aged two and nine) and wife who live in Patna. Retired Colonel N C Deogharia, a neighbour of Kumar at Ranchi’s Sainik Colony, said: “Kumar always led from the front. The bullets he faced in 2004 emboldened his spirits to fight the militants. We will always be proud of him.”
Lt Col Niranjan
Lt Col Niranjan, a member of the NSG’s Bomb Disposal Squad, was killed while he was defusing the grenade at the scene of the terror attack as part of the combing operations that continued through the night. Four other security men were also injured in the blast. Lt Col Niranjan was a brave officer who led from the front when the situation demanded.