2nd Lt Girija Shankar Nair

Second Lieutenant Girija Shankar Nair was born in Udayamperoor in Ernakulam district of Kerala, and was the son of Shri PG Nair. From an early age, he was drawn to the idea of serving the nation in uniform. What began as admiration soon grew into a resolute ambition—to join the Indian Army and don the Olive Green. With this goal firmly in mind, he began preparing for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). His hard work and determination paid off when he successfully cleared the examination and earned admission to the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

He joined the SS–10 Course, where he underwent rigorous physical conditioning, tactical training, and leadership development—training designed to transform young aspirants into capable and confident military officers. After months of demanding preparation, he passed out from OTA on 14 March 1971, proudly receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant along with 337 course-mates. He was commissioned into the 13 Guards Battalion of the Brigade of Guards, an infantry Regiment with a glorious history of courage and battle honours.

Eastern Theatre Operations: Dec 1971-Jan 1972

2nd Lt Girija Shankar Nair served with the 13 Guards, a battalion under 95 Mountain Brigade, during the Indo–Pak War of 1971. The battalion was part of 101 Communication Zone forces operating in the Eastern Sector, playing a crucial role in the advance toward Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Tangail, and ultimately Dacca (Dhaka). Major General Gurbax Singh Gill commanded the 101 Communication Zone Area, with Brigadier HS Kler leading the 95 Mountain Brigade and Brigadier Sant Singh commanding the FJ Sector under his operational control. The war officially began on 3 December 1971, and Indian forces under Eastern Command launched coordinated offensives toward key strategic locations in East Pakistan. The role of the 13 Guards was significant from the opening stages of the campaign. On 4 December, the battalion successfully captured Kamalpur, marking one of the first breakthroughs in the sector.

As the operations progressed, the Pakistani defences stiffened around Jamalpur, a fortified position. To outflank the enemy, 13 Guards, along with 1 Maratha Light Infantry, executed a demanding cross-country march and crossed the Shyamganj River on 6 December. Despite delays in moving heavy equipment through difficult terrain, the battalion succeeded in establishing roadblocks behind enemy lines—cutting off escape routes and adding pressure on the Pakistani garrison. Relentless Indian advances, combined with artillery and air strikes, eventually forced the Pakistani troops at Jamalpur to surrender on 11 December, allowing Indian forces, including 13 Guards, to continue the advance toward Dacca. The battalion later participated in securing key areas such as Sabhar, contributing directly to the encirclement of Dacca and the collapse of enemy resistance.

Although the war formally ended with Pakistan’s surrender on 16 December 1971, follow-up operations continued to secure remaining pockets of resistance. It was during one such post-hostilities operational task that Second Lieutenant Girija Shankar Nair laid down his life on 11 January 1972 in a battlefield accident. His sacrifice came at a time when the region was still unstable and operational risks remained high.

2nd Lt Girija Shankar Nair is survived by his sister Smt Sashikala Vijayan and brothers, Shri Satish C. Nair & Dr Suresh Nair.