Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
Born: 25 June 1975 | died: 3 July 1999
Manoj Kumar Pandey, who bravely fought the enemies in the Kargil war to defend the nation, had only one resolve: India First, i.e., Nation First. Manoj Pandey, who attained martyrdom by sacrificing his life for the country, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. He showed unwavering courage, valour, and exceptional leadership throughout the war, for which the entire nation is grateful.
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was born on June 25, 1975, in Rudha village, Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name was Gopichandra Pandey, and his mother’s name was Mohini. Manoj attended the Sainik School in Lucknow, where he learned discipline and patriotism. He was selected for the NDA. He wrote in one of the form’s columns that his ultimate goal is to get the Param Vir Chakra. He was the type of person who was not afraid of a challenge and craved respect and celebrity. Following his schooling, he was trained at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, near Pune, and commissioned as an officer in the 1st Corps of the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regiment. He was posted in the Kashmir Valley.
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was tasked with clearing the Khalubar Ridge in Batalik, Jammu and Kashmir, during Operation Vijay. Captain Manoj, commanding Platoon No. 5, marched forward with a thunderous war cry of ‘Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali’ on July 3, 1999. The enemy opened fire on his company as it advanced. He attacked the enemy without fear, killing four soldiers and destroying two bunkers. Despite being injured in the shoulder and legs, he continued to lead his party in capturing bunker after bunker. Meanwhile, a bullet struck him in the middle of the forehead. Manoj Pandey fell into a deep slumber at the last bunker, profusely bleeding, with the fiery words ‘Na Chhodanu’ (Nepali: don’t spare them). Encouraged by his unwavering bravery, his platoon men continued to attack the enemy, eventually capturing the post. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice.
On the occasion of ‘Parakram Diwas’ on January 23, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 unnamed Andaman and Nicobar Islands after the 21 Param Vir Chakra winners. One of these islands was also named after Manoj Kumar Pandey. “This renaming of the islands of Andaman and Nicobar is not only an honor to those Paramveer Chakra winners but also an honor to the Indian forces,” he said at the naming ceremony. From east to west, north to south, far and wide, whether sea or mountain, the area is deserted or inaccessible, and the country’s forces are deployed to protect every part of the country. Captain Pandey was only 24 years old when he was martyred. He set an example of bravery and courage for the nation at a young age.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Release -Central Bureau of Communication)
