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Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, a name that epitomizes courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, was born on 25 June 1975 to Shri Gopi Chand Pandey and Mohini Pandey. A native of Rudha village, Kamlapur tehsil, in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh, he was the eldest among his siblings. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and discipline, which were further honed during his time at Sainik School, Lucknow. Inspired by an unyielding passion for serving the nation, he once penned in his diary, “Some goals are so worthy; it’s glorious even to fail.”
Determined to fulfill his dream of donning the Indian Army uniform, he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Upon completion of his rigorous training, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he refined his military acumen. He was commissioned into the First Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles (1/11 GR), an elite and battle-hardened regiment known for its valor and heroic legacy.
The Legacy of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles
The first battalion of the Gorkha Regiment (now Gorkha Rifles) was established in 1815 during the Anglo-Nepalese War. The indomitable spirit and martial prowess of the Gorkhas impressed the British, leading to their recruitment into the British Indian Army. After India’s independence in 1947, six Gorkha regiments (1 GR, 3 GR, 4 GR, 5 GR, 8 GR, and 9 GR) remained with the Indian Army, while others were transferred to the British Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement. The 11 Gorkha Rifles, the only Gorkha regiment raised post-independence on 1 January 1948, has since played a crucial role in various military operations, including the 1947 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. The battalion’s motto, ‘Yatraham Vijay Statra’ (We are metaphors of victory), truly encapsulates its unwavering commitment to national defense.
The Kargil War and Operation Vijay
During the summer of 1999, the Indian Army faced an audacious incursion by Pakistani forces who had surreptitiously occupied Indian posts vacated during winter. The intrusions were detected on 3 May 1999, prompting the Government of India to launch Operation Vijay on 25 May. The mission aimed to reclaim the lost territory and reestablish India’s strategic dominance in the region. The war culminated in a decisive Indian victory on 26 July 1999, a day now commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The Battle for Kalubhar Ridge
One of the critical battles of the Kargil conflict unfolded in the Batalik sector, where the Kalubhar Ridgeline dominated the battlefield. The enemy had entrenched itself in fortified positions along this high-altitude terrain, and recapturing it was imperative for the success of Operation Vijay. The Jubar Complex lay to the left of the ridgeline, while Point 5203 stood to its right in the Chorbat La region, near the Line of Control (LoC). The highest feature, Point 5287, loomed at approximately 16,000 feet, with Point 4812 positioned towards the south.
1/11 Gorkha Rifles, initially stationed in the Siachen Glacier, was tasked with clearing the Kalubhar Ridge. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, serving as the Number 5 Platoon Commander, was entrusted with a crucial mission: to neutralize enemy positions obstructing his battalion’s advance.
On the night of 2/3 July 1999, as his platoon advanced towards its objective, they came under a barrage of relentless enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Undeterred, Lieutenant Pandey quickly assessed the situation and maneuvered his troops to an advantageous position. With strategic precision, he ordered one section to clear the enemy positions on the right while he personally led the assault on four hostile positions on the left.
Exhibiting extraordinary valor, he charged the first enemy bunker, eliminating two enemy soldiers. Without hesitation, he moved to the second position, where he killed two more adversaries. As he advanced towards the third bunker, enemy fire struck him in the shoulder and legs. Despite his grievous injuries, his resolve remained unshaken. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he led his men in an assault on the fourth and final position, destroying it with a grenade. In this final heroic act, he was fatally hit by a burst from an enemy medium machine gun to the forehead. His supreme sacrifice provided a vital foothold for his battalion, ultimately leading to the successful recapture of the Kalubhar Ridge.
Posthumous Recognition and Immortal Legacy
For his unparalleled bravery, supreme sacrifice, and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. His indomitable spirit and gallantry continue to inspire generations of Indians. His words, etched in his personal diary, serve as a timeless testament to his unwavering resolve:
“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I promise (swear), I will kill death.”
Manoj Kumar Pandey
To honor his memory, Sainik School, Lucknow, was renamed Manoj Kumar Pandey UP Sainik School, Lucknow. Additionally, a gateway named Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey PVC Dwar was inaugurated in his honor.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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