Risaldar Ram Nath Ram

Risaldar Ram Nath Ram hailed from Oriyanpur village in Maniyar tehsil of Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. Born on 01 May 1952, he was the son of Shri Brij Nandan Chaudhary. Growing up in a family rooted in the traditions and values of rural India, he developed a sense of responsibility and a desire to serve the nation. Motivated by this aspiration, he joined the Indian Army on 28 October 1971, at the age of 19. Upon his recruitment, he was inducted into the 68 Armoured Regiment of the Armoured Corps, one of the Indian Army’s principal combat arms. The Armoured Corps plays a vital role in military operations by providing mobility, firepower, and protection through its armoured fighting vehicles. As a member of the regiment, he underwent military training and adapted to the discipline, professional standards, and demanding responsibilities associated with armoured service. His enlistment marked the beginning of a military career dedicated to serving the country and fulfilling the duties entrusted to him.

After serving in the Army for a few years, he married Ms Sudami Devi. The couple had two children, a daughter, Priyanka Yadav, and a son, Rakesh Kumar Yadav. Alongside his professional responsibilities, he remained devoted to his family while continuing to fulfil his duties as a soldier. During his military career, Risaldar Ram Nath Ram served in various operational areas and participated in several military operations, including Operation Rakshak, the Indian Army’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism deployment in Jammu and Kashmir. After serving with his parent unit, 68 Armoured Regiment, for some time, he was deputed to 24 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. In this assignment, he served in a challenging operational environment where troops were tasked with maintaining security and conducting operations against militancy.

Operation Rakshak (J&K): 05 Nov 2000

In November 2000, Risaldar Ram Nath Ram was serving with 24 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was deployed in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Rakshak. The region was affected by persistent militant activity, and the unit was regularly engaged in counter-insurgency operations to maintain security and prevent militant infiltration. The battalion, functioning under the operational control of XV Corps (Chinar Corps) headquartered in Srinagar, carried out a range of missions—independent raids, patrols, and coordinated operations with other security forces—to maintain security and stability across the Kashmir Valley. Life in this rugged and volatile Area of Responsibility (AOR) meant that every patrol, every movement, and every mission carried the risk of ambushes, sudden firefights, and infiltration attempts. The area of responsibility of the unit was particularly sensitive due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), where infiltration attempts by militants from across the border posed a constant security challenge. The region also witnessed frequent ceasefire violations, often with little or no warning, requiring troops to maintain a high state of operational readiness.

As part of its operational responsibilities, 24 RR Battalion routinely conducted surveillance and security operations to detect and thwart infiltration attempts. On 05 November 2000, intelligence sources reported a suspected infiltration attempt in Kupwara district near the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), close to the LoC. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Risaldar Ram Nath Ram and his team promptly mobilised to intercept the infiltrators and prevent them from advancing further into Indian territory. Taking charge of the operation, Risaldar Ram Nath Ram deployed his troops strategically to block possible escape routes and engage the infiltrators. A fierce exchange of fire ensued as the troops moved to foil the infiltration attempt and neutralise the militants. However, in the course of the engagement, Risaldar Ram Nath Ram sustained gunshot wounds and was critically injured. Despite the efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Risaldar Ram Nath Ram was a courageous soldier who demonstrated dedication and commitment to his assigned responsibilities in a challenging operational environment. He laid down his life at the age of 48 years, while carrying out his operational duties, upholding the highest traditions of the service.

Risaldar Ram Nath Ram is survived by his wife, Smt. Sudami Devi, his daughter, Priyanka Yadav, and his son, Rakesh Kumar Yadav.