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{{Short description|Indian para SF Soldier}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Major]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Major]]
| name          = Mohit Sharma
| name          = Mohit Sharma
| honorific_suffix = [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|AC]], [[Sena Medal|SM]]
| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|size=100%|country=IND|AC|SM}}
| image        = File:Maj. Mohit Sharma (1 Para SF) (cropped).jpg
| image        = Maj. Mohit Sharma (1 Para SF) (cropped).jpg
| image_size    =  
| image_size    =  
| caption      =  
| caption      =  
| birth_name    =  
| birth_name    =  
| birth_date    = {{birth date|df=yes|1978|1|13}}
| birth_date    = {{birth date|df=yes|1978|1|13}}
| birth_place  = [[Rohtak]], [[Haryana]].
| birth_place  = [[Rohtak]], [[Haryana]], India
| death_date    = {{death date and age|df=yes|2009|03|21|1978|01|13}}
| death_date    = {{death date and age|df=yes|2009|03|21|1978|01|13}}
| death_place  = [[martyred in action|KIA]] at Haphruda Forest, [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| death_place  = Haphruda Forest, [[Kupwara district|Kupwara]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India
| death_cause  =  
| death_cause  =  
| resting_place =  
| resting_place =  
| resting_place_coordinates =  
| resting_place_coordinates =  
| residence    =  
| residence    =  
| branch        = [[File:Flag of Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Indian Army]]
| branch        = {{army|India}}
| serviceyears  = 1999-2009
| serviceyears  = 1999–2009
| rank          = [[File:Major of the Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Major]]
| rank          = [[File:Major of the Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Major]]
| servicenumber = IC-59066<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/mohit-sharma-sm|title=Mohit Sharma, SM|accessdate=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322144836/http://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/mohit-sharma-sm|archive-date=2018-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| servicenumber = IC-59066<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/mohit-sharma-sm|title=Mohit Sharma, SM|accessdate=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322144836/http://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/mohit-sharma-sm|archive-date=2018-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| unit          = [[Para (Special Forces)|1 Para (SF)]]
| unit          = [[File:Balidaan Insignia (India).svg|23px]] [[Para (Special Forces)|1 Para (SF)]]
| nationality  =  
| nationality  =  
| other_names  =  
| other_names  =  
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| home_town    =  
| home_town    =  
| title        =  
| title        =  
| alma_mater    = [[National Defence Academy]]
| alma_mater    = [[National Defence Academy]]<br>
[[Indian Military Academy]]
| spouse        =  
| spouse        =  
| children      =  
| children      =  
}}
}}


[[Major]] '''Mohit Sharma''', [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|AC]], [[Sena Medal|SM]] (13 January 1978 - 21 March 2009) was an [[Indian Army]] Officer who was posthumously awarded the [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]], India's highest peace-time military decoration. Maj Sharma was from the elite 1st [[Para (Special Forces)|Para SF]].<ref name=TOI>{{cite news|title=Bravehearts all: Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar get Ashoka Chakras|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bravehearts-all-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar-get-Ashoka-Chakras/articleshow/4895352.cms|accessdate=1 October 2014|publisher=Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221114120/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bravehearts-all-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar-get-Ashoka-Chakras/articleshow/4895352.cms|archive-date=2015-12-21|url-status=live}}</ref> He was martyred in action on 21 March 2009 while leading his Bravo Assault Team during a counter-terrorism operation in [[Kupwara district]].
[[Major]] '''Mohit Sharma''' {{Post-nominals|country=IND|AC|SM}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=List of Ashoka Chakra Awardees|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmPhotoGalleryWithMenuWithTitle.aspx?MnId=YcHmoE8sMbws+W6m9HO3SA==&ParentID=tk6Qqzd/Xs7zqkvixljOiw==&flag=TJcc2dCDJaxzP/oMdmAjFA==|url-status=live|website=[[Indian Army]]}}</ref> (13 January 1978 21 March 2009) was an [[Indian Army]] Officer who was posthumously awarded the [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]], India's highest peace-time military decoration. Maj Sharma was from the elite 1st [[Para (Special Forces)|Para SF]].<ref name=TOI>{{cite news|title=Bravehearts all: Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar get Ashoka Chakras|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bravehearts-all-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar-get-Ashoka-Chakras/articleshow/4895352.cms|access-date=1 October 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221114120/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bravehearts-all-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar-get-Ashoka-Chakras/articleshow/4895352.cms|archive-date=2015-12-21|url-status=live}}</ref>  


On 21 March 2009, he engaged in an encounter with terrorists in the Hafruda forest of the [[Kupwara]] sector of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. He killed four terrorists and rescued two teammates in the process, but sustained multiple gunshot wounds which killed him. For this act, he was posthumously awarded the [[Ashoka Chakra Award|Ashoka Chakra]], which is the highest peace time military decoration in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Ashok-Chakra-for-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar/article16534586.ece|title=Ashok Chakra for Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar|date=August 15, 2009|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> He was awarded two gallantry decorations earlier in his career. The first was the [[Awards and decorations of the Indian Armed Forces#Commendation Card|COAS Commendation card]] for exemplary counter-terrorism duties during [[Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir#Operation Rakshak|Operation Rakshak]], which was followed by a [[Sena Medal]] for gallantry after a covert operation in 2005.<ref name=TOI /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/battle-for--respect--inlaws-parents-fight-over-martyr-s-memory/572816/|title=Battle for ‘respect’: In-laws, parents fight over martyr’s memory - Indian Express|website=archive.indianexpress.com|access-date=2016-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416082607/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/battle-for--respect--inlaws-parents-fight-over-martyr-s-memory/572816/|archive-date=2016-04-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608081808/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |archive-date=2016-06-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319214620/http://majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |archive-date=2016-03-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  
On 21 March 2009, he engaged in an encounter with terrorists in the Hafruda forest of the [[Kupwara]] sector of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. He killed four terrorists and rescued two teammates in the process, but sustained multiple gunshot wounds. For this act, he was posthumously awarded the [[Ashoka Chakra Award|Ashoka Chakra]], which is the highest peace time military decoration in India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Ashok-Chakra-for-Mohit-Sharma-Sreeram-Kumar/article16534586.ece|title=Ashok Chakra for Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar|date=August 15, 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> He was awarded two gallantry decorations earlier in his career. The first was the [[Awards_and_decorations_of_the_Indian_Armed_Forces#Commendation_Card|COAS Commendation card]] for exemplary counter-terrorism duties during [[Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir#Operation Rakshak|Operation Rakshak]], which was followed by a [[Sena Medal]] for gallantry after a covert operation in 2005.<ref name=TOI /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/battle-for--respect--inlaws-parents-fight-over-martyr-s-memory/572816/|title=Battle for 'respect': In-laws, parents fight over martyr's memory - Indian Express|website=Archive.indianexpress.com|access-date=2016-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416082607/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/battle-for--respect--inlaws-parents-fight-over-martyr-s-memory/572816/|archive-date=2016-04-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |title=Welcome to the Parachute Regiment |access-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608081808/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |archive-date=2016-06-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |title=Biography of Major Mohit Sharma |access-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319214620/http://majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |archive-date=2016-03-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  


In 2019, [[Delhi Metro|Delhi Metro Corporation]] renamed the [[Rajendra Nagar metro station]] as "Major Mohit Sharma (Rajendra Nagar) metro station".<ref>https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/delhi-metro-red-line-two-metro-stations-on-dilshad-garden-new-bus-adda-corridor-to-be-renamed-heres-why/1499028/</ref>
In 2019, [[Delhi Metro|Delhi Metro Corporation]] renamed the [[Rajendra Nagar metro station]] as "Major Mohit Sharma (Rajendra Nagar) metro station".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/delhi-metro-red-line-two-metro-stations-on-dilshad-garden-new-bus-adda-corridor-to-be-renamed-heres-why/1499028/|title=Delhi Metro Red Line: Two metro stations on Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda corridor to be renamed; here's why|website=Financialexpress.com|date=26 February 2019|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Mohit was born on 13 January 1978 in Rohtak, [[Haryana]] in a [[Brahmin]] family. His nickname in family was "Chintu" while his NDA batch mates call him "Mike". He completed his 12th schooling from DPS Ghaziabad in 1995 after which he appeared for his NDA Exam. At the same time he got admission to [[Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering]], Shegaon, Maharashtra, during which he cleared the SSB exam and joined the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ssbtosuccess.com/major-mohit-sharma/|title=Inspiring Story of Major Mohit Sharma - 1st PARA (Special Forces)|last=Team|first=Editorial|date=2018-03-26|work=SSBToSuccess|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052219/https://www.ssbtosuccess.com/major-mohit-sharma/|archive-date=2018-08-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Mohit was born on 13 January 1978 in Rohtak, [[Haryana]] in a [[Hindu]] [[Brahmin]] family.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://indiancc.mygov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mygov-999999999711364041.pdf}}</ref> He was very naughty since childhood.<ref>{{cite web |title=Major Mohit Sharma Biography, Wife, Iftikhar, Birthday, Age, Family & More |url=https://biographyflix.com/major-mohit-sharma/ |website=BiographyFlix: Biography {{!}} Celebrity Biography {{!}} Famous People |publisher=BiographyFlix |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=26 March 2021}}</ref> His nickname in family was "Chintu" while his NDA batch mates call him "Mike". He completed his 12th schooling from DPS Ghaziabad in 1995 after which he appeared for his NDA Exam.{{clarify|date=September 2021}} At the same time he got admission to [[Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering]], Shegaon, Maharashtra, during which he cleared the SSB exam and joined the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ssbtosuccess.com/major-mohit-sharma/|title=Inspiring Story of Major moohit Sharma - 1st PARA (Special Forces)|last=Team|first=Editorial|date=2018-03-26|work=SSBToSuccess|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052219/https://www.ssbtosuccess.com/major-mohit-sharma/|archive-date=2018-08-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Military career ==
== Military career ==
In 1995, Major Mohit Sharma left Engineering and joined NDA to pursue his dream. During his NDA training, he excelled in multiple activities including swimming, boxing and horse riding. His favourite horse was "Indira". He, under the training of Col Bhawani Singh, became the champion of horse riding. He was also a winner in Boxing under feather weight category.
In 1995, Sharma left Engineering and joined NDA to pursue his dream. In his training, he proved his expertise in swimming, boxing and horse riding. His favourite horse was "Indira". Sharma became the champion of horse riding. He was also a winner in Boxing under the featherweight category.


After completing his academics studies in NDA, he joined the [[Indian Military Academy]] (IMA) in 1998. In IMA, he was awarded the rank of Battalion Cadet Adjutant. He got a chance to meet the then [[President of India]] [[K. R. Narayanan]] at the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]. He was commissioned a lieutenant on 11 December 1999.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1650  |date=2 December 2000|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2000/213194.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>
Mohit Sharma joined the [[Indian Military Academy]] (IMA) in 1998. In IMA, he was awarded the rank of Battalion Cadet Adjutant. He got a chance to meet the then [[President of India]] [[K. R. Narayanan]] at the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]. He was commissioned as a [[lieutenant]] in December 1999.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1650  |date=2 December 2000|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2000/213194.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>


His first posting was Hyderabad in 5th Battalion The [[Madras Regiment]] (5 Madras). On completing 3 successful years of Military service, Major Mohit opted for the [[Para (Special Forces)]] and he became a trained Para Commando in June 2003, followed by promotion to captain on 11 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1055  |date=31 July 2004|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2004/W_31_2011_102.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He was then posted in [[Kashmir]] where he showed his leadership and bravery. Promoted major on 11 December 2005,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=602  |date=29 April 2006|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2006/W_17_2011_093.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> he was awarded with the [[Sena Medal]] for his bravery. During the third posting, he was given the responsibility to train the Commandos in [[Belgaum]] where he instructed for 2 years. Mohit Sharma was then again moved to Kashmir where he made the supreme sacrifice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|title=Major Mohit Sharma AC SM - Honourpoint|work=Honourpoint|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=2018-03-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>
His first posting was Hyderabad in the 5th Battalion The [[Madras Regiment]] (5 Madras). On completing three successful years of Military service, Major Mohit opted for the [[Para (Special Forces)]] and he became a trained Para Commando in June 2003, followed by promotion to captain on 11 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=1055  |date=31 July 2004|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2004/W_31_2011_102.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> Before getting in [[Para (Special Forces)|1 Para (SF)]], he served with the [[Rashtriya Rifles|38 Rashtriya Rifles]]. He was then posted in [[Kashmir]] where he showed his leadership and bravery. Promoted as [[major]] on 11 December 2005,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=602  |date=29 April 2006|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2006/W_17_2011_093.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> he was awarded with the [[Sena Medal]] for his bravery. During the third posting, he was given the responsibility to train the Commandos in [[Belgaum]] where he instructed for two years. Mohit Sharma was then again moved to Kashmir where he attained martyrdom in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|title=Major Mohit Sharma AC SM - Honourpoint|work=Honourpoint|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=2018-03-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Ashoka Chakra ==
== Ashoka Chakra ==
[[File:The President, Smt. Pratibha Devising Patil giving away the highest gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Major Rishima Sharma wife of the Major Mohit Sharma (posthumous) in New Delhi on January 26, 2010.jpg|thumb|Maj Mohit's wife, Maj Rishima Sharma receiving the Ashok Chakra
[[File:The President, Smt. Pratibha Devising Patil giving away the highest gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Major Rishima Sharma wife of the Major Mohit Sharma (posthumous) in New Delhi on January 26, 2010.jpg|thumb|Sharma's widow, Maj Rishima Sharma receiving the Ashok Chakra.]]
]]
For the supreme sacrifice made by Major Mohit Sharma during Kupwara operation, he was awarded with the nation's highest peace time gallantry award '[[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashok Chakra]]' on January 26, 2010.  
For the supreme sacrifice made by Major Mohit Sharma during Kupwara operation, he was awarded with the nation's highest peace time gallantry award [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashok Chakra]]on January 26, 2010.  
{{quote|author=Gazette of India Notification|quote={{center|'''CITATION'''<br>
{{quote|author=Gazette of India Notification|quote=<center>'''CITATION'''<br>
'''MOHIT SHARMA'''<br>
'''MOHIT SHARMA'''<br>
'''1 PARA (SF)'''<br></center>
'''1 PARA (SF)'''<br>}}
Major Mohit Sharma, SM was leading Bravo Assault Team in operations in Kupwara District of North Kashmir. A valiant warrior, he excelled in the art of fighting guerrillas in jungle terrain having earlier spent four years in Jammu & Kashmir. On 21 March 2009, after receiving information of presence of some infiltrating terrorists in dense Haphruda Forest, he planned meticulously and led his commandos in tracking them. On observing suspicious movement, he alerted his scouts but terrorists fired from three directions indiscriminately.  In the heavy exchange of fire, four commandos were wounded immediately. With complete disregard to his safety, he crawled and recovered two soldiers to safety. Unmindful of the overwhelming fire, he threw grenades and killed two terrorists but was shot in the chest. In the brief respite that followed, he kept directing his commandos, in spite of serious injuries. Sensing further danger to his comrades, he charged in a daring close quarter combat killing two more terrorists and attained martyrdom fighting for his motherland in the finest traditions of Indian Army.
Major Mohit Sharma, SM was leading Bravo Assault Team in operations in Kupwara District of North Kashmir. A valiant warrior, he excelled in the art of fighting guerrillas in jungle terrain having earlier spent four years in Jammu & Kashmir. On 21 March 2009, after receiving information of presence of some infiltrating terrorists in dense Haphruda Forest, he planned meticulously and led his commandos in tracking them. On observing suspicious movement, he alerted his scouts but terrorists fired from three directions indiscriminately.  In the heavy exchange of fire, four commandos were wounded immediately. With complete disregard to his safety, he crawled and recovered two soldiers to safety. Unmindful of the overwhelming fire, he threw grenades and killed two terrorists but was shot in the chest. In the brief respite that followed, he kept directing his commandos, in spite of serious injuries. Sensing further danger to his comrades, he charged in a daring close quarter combat killing two more terrorists and attained martyrdom fighting for his motherland in the finest traditions of Indian Army.
For this act of conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership and exceptional courage far beyond call of duty, Major Mohit Sharma, SM was awarded ‘Ashok Chakra’ (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 09.|source=<ref name=Gov>{{citation|url=https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|title=Archived copy|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=2018-03-27|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
For this act of conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership and exceptional courage far beyond call of duty, Major Mohit Sharma, SM was awarded ‘Ashok Chakra’ (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 09.|source=<ref name=Gov>{{citation|url=https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|title=Honourpoint &#124; Major Mohit Sharma AC SM|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=2018-03-27|url-status=live}}</ref>}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 70: Line 71:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External link==
* [https://biographyflix.com/major-mohit-sharma/ Major Mohit Sharma Biography]
* [https://biographyflix.com/major-mohit-sharma/ Major Mohit Sharma Biography]


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[[Category:Ashoka Chakra]]
[[Category:Ashoka Chakra]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sena Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sena Medal]]
[[Category:Para Commandos]]
[[Category:Sena Medal]]
[[Category:Sena Medal]]
[[Category:National Defence Academy (India) alumni]]
[[Category:National Defence Academy (India) alumni]]

Revision as of 22:33, 19 December 2022



Mohit Sharma

Born(1978-01-13)13 January 1978
Rohtak, Haryana, India
Died21 March 2009(2009-03-21) (aged 31)
Haphruda Forest, Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, India
AllegianceIndia India
Service/branch Indian Army
Years of service1999–2009
Rank Major
Service numberIC-59066[1]
Unit 1 Para (SF)
Awards
Alma materNational Defence Academy
Indian Military Academy

Major Mohit Sharma AC SM[2] (13 January 1978 – 21 March 2009) was an Indian Army Officer who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peace-time military decoration. Maj Sharma was from the elite 1st Para SF.[3]

On 21 March 2009, he engaged in an encounter with terrorists in the Hafruda forest of the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He killed four terrorists and rescued two teammates in the process, but sustained multiple gunshot wounds. For this act, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, which is the highest peace time military decoration in India.[4] He was awarded two gallantry decorations earlier in his career. The first was the COAS Commendation card for exemplary counter-terrorism duties during Operation Rakshak, which was followed by a Sena Medal for gallantry after a covert operation in 2005.[3][5][6][7]

In 2019, Delhi Metro Corporation renamed the Rajendra Nagar metro station as "Major Mohit Sharma (Rajendra Nagar) metro station".[8]

Early life and education

Mohit was born on 13 January 1978 in Rohtak, Haryana in a Hindu Brahmin family.[9] He was very naughty since childhood.[10] His nickname in family was "Chintu" while his NDA batch mates call him "Mike". He completed his 12th schooling from DPS Ghaziabad in 1995 after which he appeared for his NDA Exam.[clarification needed] At the same time he got admission to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering, Shegaon, Maharashtra, during which he cleared the SSB exam and joined the National Defence Academy (NDA).[11]

Military career

In 1995, Sharma left Engineering and joined NDA to pursue his dream. In his training, he proved his expertise in swimming, boxing and horse riding. His favourite horse was "Indira". Sharma became the champion of horse riding. He was also a winner in Boxing under the featherweight category.

Mohit Sharma joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1998. In IMA, he was awarded the rank of Battalion Cadet Adjutant. He got a chance to meet the then President of India K. R. Narayanan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 1999.[12]

His first posting was Hyderabad in the 5th Battalion The Madras Regiment (5 Madras). On completing three successful years of Military service, Major Mohit opted for the Para (Special Forces) and he became a trained Para Commando in June 2003, followed by promotion to captain on 11 December.[13] Before getting in 1 Para (SF), he served with the 38 Rashtriya Rifles. He was then posted in Kashmir where he showed his leadership and bravery. Promoted as major on 11 December 2005,[14] he was awarded with the Sena Medal for his bravery. During the third posting, he was given the responsibility to train the Commandos in Belgaum where he instructed for two years. Mohit Sharma was then again moved to Kashmir where he attained martyrdom in 2009.[15]

Ashoka Chakra

Sharma's widow, Maj Rishima Sharma receiving the Ashok Chakra.

For the supreme sacrifice made by Major Mohit Sharma during Kupwara operation, he was awarded with the nation's highest peace time gallantry award 'Ashok Chakra' on January 26, 2010.

CITATION

MOHIT SHARMA

1 PARA (SF)

Major Mohit Sharma, SM was leading Bravo Assault Team in operations in Kupwara District of North Kashmir. A valiant warrior, he excelled in the art of fighting guerrillas in jungle terrain having earlier spent four years in Jammu & Kashmir. On 21 March 2009, after receiving information of presence of some infiltrating terrorists in dense Haphruda Forest, he planned meticulously and led his commandos in tracking them. On observing suspicious movement, he alerted his scouts but terrorists fired from three directions indiscriminately. In the heavy exchange of fire, four commandos were wounded immediately. With complete disregard to his safety, he crawled and recovered two soldiers to safety. Unmindful of the overwhelming fire, he threw grenades and killed two terrorists but was shot in the chest. In the brief respite that followed, he kept directing his commandos, in spite of serious injuries. Sensing further danger to his comrades, he charged in a daring close quarter combat killing two more terrorists and attained martyrdom fighting for his motherland in the finest traditions of Indian Army.

For this act of conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership and exceptional courage far beyond call of duty, Major Mohit Sharma, SM was awarded ‘Ashok Chakra’ (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 09.

— Gazette of India Notification, [16]

See also

References

  1. "Mohit Sharma, SM". Archived from the original on 2018-03-22. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  2. "List of Ashoka Chakra Awardees". Indian Army.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Bravehearts all: Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar get Ashoka Chakras". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2015-12-21. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  4. "Ashok Chakra for Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar". The Hindu. August 15, 2009.
  5. "Battle for 'respect': In-laws, parents fight over martyr's memory - Indian Express". Archive.indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-16. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  6. "Welcome to the Parachute Regiment". Archived from the original on 2016-06-08. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  7. "Biography of Major Mohit Sharma". Archived from the original on 2016-03-19. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  8. "Delhi Metro Red Line: Two metro stations on Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda corridor to be renamed; here's why". Financialexpress.com. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  9. https://indiancc.mygov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mygov-999999999711364041.pdf. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. "Major Mohit Sharma Biography, Wife, Iftikhar, Birthday, Age, Family & More". BiographyFlix: Biography | Celebrity Biography | Famous People. BiographyFlix. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  11. Team, Editorial (2018-03-26). "Inspiring Story of Major moohit Sharma - 1st PARA (Special Forces)". SSBToSuccess. Archived from the original on 2018-08-18. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
  12. "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 2 December 2000. p. 1650.
  13. "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 31 July 2004. p. 1055.
  14. "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 29 April 2006. p. 602.
  15. "Major Mohit Sharma AC SM - Honourpoint". Honourpoint. Archived from the original on 2018-03-27. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
  16. Honourpoint | Major Mohit Sharma AC SM, archived from the original on 2018-03-27, retrieved 2018-03-26

External link