Captain Devashish Sharma KC

Captain Devashish Sharma hailed from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and was the only son of Shri Jitendra Kumar Sharma and Smt Nirmala Sharma. His father, a poet and author by passion, also served as a respected Principal in the Kendriya Vidyalaya system—instilling in his son a deep sense of discipline, creativity, and commitment to education. Growing up in a nurturing and intellectually rich environment, Capt Devashish inherited his father’s sensitivity and love for words, while also absorbing the values of hard work and service. Capt Devashish received his early education in Visakhapatnam and Pachmarhi, places that played an essential role in shaping both his personality and aspirations. Later, he moved to Delhi, where he completed the first year of his B.Sc. at Hansraj College. However, it was during his time in Pachmarhi—while watching soldiers march during military parades—that a seed of inspiration took root. The sight of soldiers in uniform ignited in him a strong desire to serve the nation. Alongside this dream, another influence remained constant—his mother’s unfulfilled aspiration of becoming a doctor. Her silent wish and encouragement deeply impacted Capt Devashish, motivating him to pursue medicine in uniform.

With determination and academic excellence, he cleared the selection process for the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). This achievement marked a pivotal turning point and aligned his personal ambition with his mother’s hopes and the spirit of military service he admired. After completing his medical degree from AFMC, he was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1992 as an officer of the Army Medical Corps (AMC). Following his commissioning and subsequent military training, Capt Devashish received his first posting with the 10th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on 22 January 1993. Serving in a field unit brought out the best of him—not only as a medical professional dedicated to the welfare of troops but also as a committed soldier. His diligence, professionalism, and leadership earned him the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation, a proud milestone early in his career. Beyond his military and medical duties, Capt Devashish was known for his vibrant personality and varied talents. He was fond of English pop music and was an accomplished violinist. His love for music led him to join a music group, even performing publicly in Mumbai—reflecting his confidence, versatility, and passion for artistic expression. Along with his artistic abilities, he was a natural sportsman. A strong swimmer, he represented Madhya Pradesh in the sport during his AFMC years, demonstrating excellence both inside and outside the academic and military arenas. On 12 January 1994, Capt Devashish was deputed to serve with 26 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, which was operating in Jammu & Kashmir as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Dangarpur Operation (J&K): 10 Dec 1994

In 1994, Captain Devashish Sharma was serving with the 26 Punjab Battalion in Jammu & Kashmir as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO). His role, though rooted in medicine, was critical to the battalion’s operational success—especially in high-risk counter-insurgency environments where immediate medical intervention often meant the difference between life and death. His presence during missions was not merely procedural; it was a testament to his commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with troops facing danger. On 10 December 1994, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Dangarpura village of Sopore Tehsil in Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir. The area was known for militant activity, and the operation required multiple search parties to move from house to house, clearing suspected locations. During the course of the operation, one of the search parties led by an officer came under intense militant fire from a cluster of houses. In the sudden burst of firing, the officer sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm, while an NCO received a severe injury to his left hand. The situation grew tense as gunfire intensified, and the injured men remained exposed to danger.

At that critical moment, Captain Devashish Sharma, the Regimental Medical Officer, immediately volunteered to rescue the wounded. Fully aware of the grave risk involved, he moved forward under heavy and accurate hostile fire, reached the injured men, extricated them from the line of fire, and rendered life-saving first aid on the spot. His swift action ensured their survival and boosted the morale of the troops engaged in the operation. As the firefight continued, two more Sepoys were grievously injured. Without hesitation and showing complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Sharma once again dashed forward under sustained militant fire, pulled both casualties to safety, and administered medical aid. His repeated acts of courage, carried out in the face of direct enemy fire, exemplified an unwavering commitment to his comrades and his profession. Later in the day, as the cordon tightened, a militant hiding inside one of the houses opened indiscriminate fire in a desperate attempt to break the security perimeter and escape. The renewed firing caught the troops by surprise, and in this exchange, Captain Devashish Sharma was struck by a gunshot, the bullet piercing his left thigh. Another NCO was also critically injured. Despite bleeding profusely and being in great pain, Captain Sharma refused to withdraw. Demonstrating extraordinary grit, he crawled nearly twenty yards under continuous enemy fire, positioned himself steadily, and opened aimed fire, managing to neutralize the fleeing foreign mercenary. This act prevented the militant from escaping and potentially causing further casualties.

Even after eliminating the threat, Captain Sharma’s sense of duty and medical ethics prevailed over his own suffering. Ignoring his critical condition, he provided first aid to the injured NCO, ensuring the soldier received immediate care that could mean the difference between life and death. When evacuation helicopters were called in, Captain Sharma ensured that the injured NCO was evacuated in the first sortie, insisting that the casualty’s condition was more urgent. Only in the next sortie did he allow himself to be taken for medical evacuation to 92 Base Hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Captain Devashish Sharma succumbed to his injuries, having laid down his life after saving multiple comrades and eliminating a militant. For his exceptional bravery, unwavering determination, and supreme sacrifice during active operations, Captain Devashish Sharma was awarded the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry honour. With this recognition, he earned a unique and lasting distinction: he became the first officer of the Army Medical Corps to be awarded the Kirti Chakra.

Capt Devashish Sharma is survived by his mother, Smt Nirmala Sharma.

The citation of "Kirti Chakra" awarded to him reads: 

• Lieutenant General Dasarathy Raghunath, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal – the then Director General Medical Services (Army) – wrote to Mrs Nirmala Sharma:

“The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by Devashish is now a source of inspiration to young officers of the AMC. His name is spoken of with awe and a sense of pride… His name will be entered in the Roll of Honour in the AMC Centre, Lucknow.”

• Mrs Nirmala Sharma also received a communication dated Dec 12 1994, from Major General Sarbjit Singh Grewal, AVSM, VSM, Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding, 8 Mtn Division:

“As a brave soldier, he also displayed exemplary courage in killing the terrorist in spite of having sustained serious injuries. Devashish gave his life for the sake of the nation, a noble death for any soldier and a doctor,”

• An office complex in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh has been named, "Devashish Office Complex" in the honour of Captain Devashish Sharma KC.
• The Parade Ground at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, has been named Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra Parade Ground in honour of his supreme sacrifice and distinguished service.