Grenadier Naresh Kumar was born on 20 May 1974 in Sherpur village, Pathankot district, Punjab. He was the son of Shri Nasib Chand and Smt Kamla Devi. He grew up in a close-knit family and had one elder brother, Avinash Chander, and five sisters. From his early years, Gdr Naresh Kumar was known for his disciplined nature, sense of responsibility, and strong commitment towards his family. As he grew up, he developed a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation. The military profession appealed to him because it offered him an opportunity to lead a life of discipline, honour, and service to the country. Motivated by this aspiration, he decided to join the Indian Army and dedicate himself to the defence of the nation. In April 1995, at the age of 21 years, Gdr Naresh Kumar joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 6 Grenadiers Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, one of the Indian Army's distinguished infantry regiments, known for its proud military traditions, battle honours, and record of valour and sacrifice.
After his recruitment, he underwent approximately eight months of rigorous military training. The demanding training transformed him from a young recruit into a disciplined and well-trained soldier, preparing him for the challenges and responsibilities of military service. During his training, he imbibed the essential qualities of a soldier—discipline, physical endurance, courage, comradeship, and an unwavering sense of duty. After successfully completing his training, Grenadier Naresh Kumar was posted to his parent unit, 6 Grenadiers, which was deployed in the Siachen Glacier sector. On joining his battalion in one of the world's most challenging operational environments, he adapted quickly to the demanding conditions and performed his duties with sincerity, dedication, and commitment.
Operation Meghdoot: 21 Jan 1996
In 1996, Grenadier Naresh Kumar's unit, 6 Grenadiers, was inducted into the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot. Siachen, regarded as one of the world's most remote and inhospitable operational areas, is also known as the highest battlefield in the world. The deployment posed extraordinary challenges for the troops, with extremely low temperatures, treacherous and rugged terrain, rarefied atmosphere, and the ever-present danger of avalanches. The troops of 6 Grenadiers were tasked with manning and defending strategically important posts in their area of responsibility. Besides maintaining a constant vigil from their positions, the soldiers regularly undertook patrols to monitor the surrounding terrain and ensure the security of the area. Life on the glacier demanded exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty, as even routine movements could become hazardous in the extreme environment.
On 21 January 1996, the Siachen region experienced a spell of heavy snowfall, further worsening the already difficult conditions. The accumulation of fresh snow considerably increased the danger of avalanches, which remain one of the most unpredictable and deadly hazards in high-altitude areas. On that fateful day, Grenadier Naresh Kumar, along with two other soldiers, was part of a patrol tasked with maintaining vigilance over their designated area. The patrol was moving along its assigned route through the rugged and snow-covered terrain when it was suddenly struck by a massive avalanche. The avalanche came down with tremendous force, leaving the patrol with virtually no time to react. The patrol leader was caught in the snow and became trapped. Realising that his leader was in danger, Grenadier Naresh Kumar, along with his other comrade, Grenadier Satpal, immediately moved towards him to assist and rescue him. Without hesitation and fully aware of the risks involved, he placed the safety of his leader before his own. While attempting to save him, Gdr Naresh Kumar and Grenadier Satpal got caught in the avalanche. The enormous mass of snow swept them away and buried them beneath the snow.
As soon as the incident was reported, the Army launched a massive rescue operation on a war footing to locate the missing soldiers. Specially equipped avalanche rescue teams were deployed to the site and worked tirelessly despite extremely difficult weather conditions, unstable snow, rugged terrain, and the enormous risks associated with operations at an altitude of around 19,000 feet. At such extreme elevations, thin air, severe cold, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions make every rescue effort exceptionally challenging. Nevertheless, the rescue teams continued their search through the deep and accumulated snow in the hope of locating Grenadier Naresh Kumar and Grenadier Satpal. Despite the relentless efforts of the rescue teams, Grenadier Naresh Kumar and Grenadier Satpal could not be rescued and made the supreme sacrifice while serving in the unforgiving heights of Siachen on 21 January 1996. Their sacrifice reflected the extraordinary courage, comradeship, and devotion to duty that characterise service in the world's highest battlefield. Serving in an environment where every movement is fraught with danger, both soldiers remained committed to their responsibilities until the very end. Their final moments stand as a poignant reminder of the risks endured by soldiers deployed in Siachen, where avalanches, extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and hostile weather pose a constant threat to life. The body of Grenadier Naresh Kumar was finally recovered in September 1996, nearly nine months after the avalanche incident. The recovery brought closure to his family and comrades, while also bearing testimony to the extraordinary conditions in which soldiers served and sacrificed their lives in the unforgiving heights of Siachen.
Gdr Naresh Kumar is survived by his father, Shri Nasib Chand, and his mother, Smt Kamla Devi.
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