Mohit Sharma (soldier): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian para SF Soldier}}
{{Short description|Indian Army Special Forces Officer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Major]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Major (rank)|Major]]
| name         = Mohit Sharma
| name             = Mohit Sharma
| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|size=100%|country=IND|AC|SM}}
| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|size=100%|country=IND|AC|SM}}
| image         = 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]], India
| 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   = Haphruda Forest, [[Kupwara district|Kupwara]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India
| 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    =
| branch           = {{army|India}}
| branch       = {{army|India}}
| serviceyears     = 1999–2009
| serviceyears = 1999–2009
| rank             = [[File:Major of the Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Major (rank)|Major]]
| rank         = [[File:Major of the Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Major]]
| servicenumber   = IC-59066N<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=22 March 2018|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             = [[File:Balidaan Insignia (India).svg|15px]] [[Para (Special Forces)|1Para (Special Forces)]] <br/> [[File:Madras Regiment insignia (India).svg|30px]] [[Madras Regiment|5 Madras]]
| unit         = [[File:Balidaan Insignia (India).svg|23px]] [[Para (Special Forces)|1 Para (SF)]]
| awards           = {{plainlist|
| nationality  =
| other_names  =
| awards       = {{plainlist|
*[[File:Ashoka Chakra ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]]
*[[File:Ashoka Chakra ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]]
*[[File:Sena Medal ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Sena Medal]]
*[[File:Sena Medal ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Sena Medal]]
}}
}}
| education     =  
| education       =  
| allegiance   = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]
| allegiance       = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]
| employer      =
| alma_mater       = [[National Defence Academy]]<br/>[[Indian Military Academy]]
| occupation    =
| home_town    =
| title        =
| alma_mater   = [[National Defence Academy]]<br>
[[Indian Military Academy]]
| spouse        =
| children      =
}}
}}
[[Major (rank)|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==|website=[[Indian Army]]|last=Yyi}}</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. 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=21 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[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 militants in the Hafruda forest of the [[Kupwara]] sector of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. He killed four militants and rescued two teammates in the process, but got shot multiple times. 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=15 August 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-militancy 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=28 March 2016|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=16 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |title=Welcome to the Parachute Regiment |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608081808/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |archive-date=8 June 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |title=Biography of Major Mohit Sharma |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319214620/http://majormohitsharma.org/Biography.php |archive-date=19 March 2016 |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 Rail Corporation]] renamed the Rajendra Nagar metro station in [[Ghaziabad]] 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>
 
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 [[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>
His father's name is Rajendra Prasad Sharma and mother's name is Sushila Sharma. He was the second born of the Sharma family.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Ghosh |first=Uttara |url=https://indiancc.mygov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mygov-999999999711364041.pdf |title=Major Mike |publisher=Darjeeling group, WB&S Dte |year=2023 |language=English}}</ref> He completed his 12th schooling from Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad in 1995 after which he appeared for NDA Exam.<ref name=":0" /> At the same time he got admitted to [[Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering]], Shegaon, Maharashtra, during which he passed the SSB interview from Bhopal and joined the [[National Defence Academy]] (NDA) in December 1995.<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=26 March 2018|work=SSBToSuccess|access-date=26 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052219/https://www.ssbtosuccess.com/major-mohit-sharma/|archive-date=18 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Military career ==
== 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.
Sharma joined the [[Indian Military Academy]] (IMA) in 1998. In IMA, he was appointed Battalion Cadet Adjutant. After graduation, he was included in the 5th Battalion of the Madras Regiment. He was commissioned as a [[lieutenant]] in December 1999.<ref name=":1">{{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>
He was engaged in several undercover counterinsurgency operations which involved infiltrating militant outfits under secret identities. In one such operation he infiltrated the [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] military outfit under the identity of "Iftikhar Bhatt", even keeping a heavy beard and dressing as a local for his cover. During the operation he collected key intelligence to strike militant targets and also assassinated two high-level militants. He received a [[Sena Medal|Sena Medal for Gallantry]] for this operation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 December 2025 |title=Who Was Major Mohit Sharma, The Soldier At The Centre Of Dhurandhar Row |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-was-major-mohit-sharma-the-soldier-at-the-centre-of-dhurandhar-row-9741232 |url-status=live |work=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2025 |title=Major Mohit Sharma, the real-life 'Dhurandhar' who killed terrorists despite being shot, had left engineering to join NDA |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/major-mohit-sharma-the-real-life-dhurandhar-who-killed-terrorists-despite-being-shot-had-left-engineering-to-join-nda/articleshow/125884781.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |work=The Economic Times}}</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>
Sharma opted for the [[Para (Special Forces)]] in December 2002 and he became a trained Para Commando in June 2003.<ref name=":1" /> He was promoted as [[Major (rank)|major]] on 11 December 2005, He was awarded with the [[Sena Medal]] for his bravery for an operation he did in March 2004.<ref name=":1" /> He was posted as Instructor at Belgaum and was given the responsibility to train the Commandos in [[Belgaum]] where he instructed for two years. Mohit Sharma then moved in 2008 to Kashmir where he was killed in action 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=26 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=27 March 2018|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|Sharma's widow, 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 wife, Maj Rishima Sharma receiving the Ashok Chakra.|200x200px]]
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.
Sharma's unit was stationed in the [[Kupwara district]] of J&K in 2009 and frequently participated in operations against militants. On March 21, 2009, the security forces decided to conduct a search and destroy operation based on intelligence concerning a militant infiltration attempt in the Kupwara district. Leading the Bravo Assault Team against the militants who were infiltrating the dense Haphruda Forest was Sharma's responsibility.
{{quote|author=Gazette of India Notification|quote={{center|'''CITATION'''<br>
'''MOHIT SHARMA'''<br>
Attempting to ambush and overwhelm the team, militants opened heavy fire from three directions as the team manoeuvred stealthily through rugged foliage. As a result of the sudden onslaught in the initial burst, four commandos were critically injured. Sharma crawled forward to save his soldiers. Under continuous enemy fire, he pulled two wounded commandos to safety. Recognizing that the militants were trying to sever contact and move, Sharma threw grenades and eliminated two militants. In the process, he received a gunshot injury to his chest. In spite of the serious injury, he persisted in leading the attack.
'''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.
As the situation escalated and the surviving militants presented an immediate threat to his forces, Sharma took down two additional militants before succumbing to his wounds. In recognition of Sharma's sacrifice during the Kupwara operation, he received the nation's top peacetime bravery honour, the [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashok Chakra]], on 26 January 2010.<ref name=Gov>{{citation|url=https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|title=Honourpoint &#124; Major Mohit Sharma AC SM|date=21 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023414/https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-mohit-sharma-ac-sm/|archive-date=27 March 2018|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>}}
 
== Awards and decorations ==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto; border: none;"
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|width=106|ribbon=Ashoka Chakra ribbon.svg}}
|{{Ribbon devices|width=106|ribbon=Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg}}
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=IND_Special_Service_Medal_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|width=106|ribbon=IND Operation Parakram medal.svg}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Sainya_Seva_Medal_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND High Altitude Medal Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|width=106|ribbon=IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg}}
|
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto; border: none;"
|[[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]]
|[[Sena Medal]]
|[[Special Service Medal (India)|Special Service Medal]]
|[[Operation Parakram Medal]]
|-
|[[Sainya Seva Medal]]
|[[High Altitude Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Sanjog Chhetri]]
* {{anl|Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar metro station}}
* [[Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar metro station]]
* {{anl|Sanjog Chhetri}}
 
== In popular culture ==
In the 2025 [[Hindi]]-language film ''[[Dhurandhar]],'' the character Hamza Ali Mazari (Jaskirat Singh Rangi), played by [[Ranveer Singh]], was speculated to have been based on Major Mohit Sharma's life but the makers of the movie denied such claims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Trisha |date=2025-12-06 |title=Who was Major Mohit Sharma? The Ashok Chakra awardee at the heart of the Dhurandhar controversy |url=https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/who-was-major-mohit-sharma-the-ashok-chakra-awardee-at-the-heart-of-the-dhurandhar-controversy-11764968530667.html |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> His family approached Delhi High Court, citing concerns about the portrayal of the Sharma's private life.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-05 |title=Who was Major Mohit Sharma? The 'Dhurandhar' soldier who faced terrorists head-on and became a legend |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/who-was-major-mohit-sharma-the-dhurandhar-soldier-who-faced-terrorists-head-on-and-became-a-legend/articleshow/125778765.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2026-02-19 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}yy


==External link==
==External links==
* [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:National Defence Academy (India) alumni]]
[[Category:Indian military personnel killed in action]]
[[Category:People from Rohtak]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 23 March 2026


Major

Mohit Sharma

AC SM
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-59066N[1]
Unit 1Para (Special Forces)
5 Madras
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. Sharma was from the elite 1st Para SF.[3]

On 21 March 2009, he engaged in an encounter with militants in the Hafruda forest of the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He killed four militants and rescued two teammates in the process, but got shot multiple times. 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-militancy 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 Rail Corporation renamed the Rajendra Nagar metro station in Ghaziabad as Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar metro station.[8]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

His father's name is Rajendra Prasad Sharma and mother's name is Sushila Sharma. He was the second born of the Sharma family.[9] He completed his 12th schooling from Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad in 1995 after which he appeared for NDA Exam.[9] At the same time he got admitted to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering, Shegaon, Maharashtra, during which he passed the SSB interview from Bhopal and joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in December 1995.[10]

Military career[edit | edit source]

Sharma joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1998. In IMA, he was appointed Battalion Cadet Adjutant. After graduation, he was included in the 5th Battalion of the Madras Regiment. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 1999.[11]

He was engaged in several undercover counterinsurgency operations which involved infiltrating militant outfits under secret identities. In one such operation he infiltrated the Hizbul Mujahideen military outfit under the identity of "Iftikhar Bhatt", even keeping a heavy beard and dressing as a local for his cover. During the operation he collected key intelligence to strike militant targets and also assassinated two high-level militants. He received a Sena Medal for Gallantry for this operation.[12][13]

Sharma opted for the Para (Special Forces) in December 2002 and he became a trained Para Commando in June 2003.[11] He was promoted as major on 11 December 2005, He was awarded with the Sena Medal for his bravery for an operation he did in March 2004.[11] He was posted as Instructor at Belgaum and was given the responsibility to train the Commandos in Belgaum where he instructed for two years. Mohit Sharma then moved in 2008 to Kashmir where he was killed in action in 2009.[14]

Ashoka Chakra[edit | edit source]

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

Sharma's unit was stationed in the Kupwara district of J&K in 2009 and frequently participated in operations against militants. On March 21, 2009, the security forces decided to conduct a search and destroy operation based on intelligence concerning a militant infiltration attempt in the Kupwara district. Leading the Bravo Assault Team against the militants who were infiltrating the dense Haphruda Forest was Sharma's responsibility.

Attempting to ambush and overwhelm the team, militants opened heavy fire from three directions as the team manoeuvred stealthily through rugged foliage. As a result of the sudden onslaught in the initial burst, four commandos were critically injured. Sharma crawled forward to save his soldiers. Under continuous enemy fire, he pulled two wounded commandos to safety. Recognizing that the militants were trying to sever contact and move, Sharma threw grenades and eliminated two militants. In the process, he received a gunshot injury to his chest. In spite of the serious injury, he persisted in leading the attack.

As the situation escalated and the surviving militants presented an immediate threat to his forces, Sharma took down two additional militants before succumbing to his wounds. In recognition of Sharma's sacrifice during the Kupwara operation, he received the nation's top peacetime bravery honour, the Ashok Chakra, on 26 January 2010.[15]

Awards and decorations[edit | edit source]

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Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Ashoka Chakra Sena Medal Special Service Medal Operation Parakram Medal
Sainya Seva Medal High Altitude Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

See also[edit | edit source]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

In the 2025 Hindi-language film Dhurandhar, the character Hamza Ali Mazari (Jaskirat Singh Rangi), played by Ranveer Singh, was speculated to have been based on Major Mohit Sharma's life but the makers of the movie denied such claims.[16] His family approached Delhi High Court, citing concerns about the portrayal of the Sharma's private life.[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Mohit Sharma, SM". Archived from the original on 22 March 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  2. ↑ Yyi. "List of Ashoka Chakra Awardees". Indian Army.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Bravehearts all: Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar get Ashoka Chakras". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  4. ↑ "Ashok Chakra for Mohit Sharma, Sreeram Kumar". The Hindu. 15 August 2009.
  5. ↑ "Battle for 'respect': In-laws, parents fight over martyr's memory - Indian Express". Archive.indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  6. ↑ "Welcome to the Parachute Regiment". Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "Biography of Major Mohit Sharma". Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  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. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ghosh, Uttara (2023). Major Mike (PDF). Darjeeling group, WB&S Dte.
  10. ↑ Team, Editorial (26 March 2018). "Inspiring Story of Major moohit Sharma - 1st PARA (Special Forces)". SSBToSuccess. Archived from the original on 18 August 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 2 December 2000. p. 1650.
  12. ↑ "Who Was Major Mohit Sharma, The Soldier At The Centre Of Dhurandhar Row". NDTV. 3 December 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ↑ "Major Mohit Sharma, the real-life 'Dhurandhar' who killed terrorists despite being shot, had left engineering to join NDA". The Economic Times. 13 December 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ "Major Mohit Sharma AC SM - Honourpoint". Honourpoint. Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  15. ↑ Honourpoint | Major Mohit Sharma AC SM, 21 March 2009, archived from the original on 27 March 2018, retrieved 26 March 2018
  16. ↑ Bhattacharya, Trisha (6 December 2025). "Who was Major Mohit Sharma? The Ashok Chakra awardee at the heart of the Dhurandhar controversy". mint. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  17. ↑ "Who was Major Mohit Sharma? The 'Dhurandhar' soldier who faced terrorists head-on and became a legend". The Economic Times. 5 December 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 19 February 2026.

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External links[edit | edit source]

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