Service No : IC-17033

Date of Birth : June 16, 1946

Place of birth : Alappuzha (Kerala)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Captain

Unit : 74 (I) Fd Coy

Arm/Regt : The Corps of Engineers

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971

Martyrdom : December 17, 1971

Captain GGK Panicker

Captain Gopalakrishna Gopal Panicker hailed from Nedumudi village of Alappuzha district in Kerala and was born on 16 June 1946. Son of Shri Parameshwaran Namboothiri and Smt Gowrikutty Kunjamma, Capt Panicker who hailed from a family steeped in military tradition, was destined for a life in the armed forces. Capt Gopi through his mother's side belonged to the illustrious Mathoor family whose members had for centuries been the Army commanders of various local kings and also the kingdom of Travancore. This heritage instilled a strong sense of duty and a passion for soldiering in Capt Panicker from an early age. He was a  bright student and an avid sports enthusiast, Capt Panicker’s talents were evident early on. He earned two double promotions during his school years, a testament to his academic brilliance. At the age of 16, he joined the prestigious University College in Trivandrum and also participated in the NCC. He was also a member of the 'Kerala State Junior Hockey Team' and was a remarkable goalkeeper, besides a very good footballer.

 

His involvement in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was equally impressive; he quickly rose through the ranks to become a Junior Under Officer and obtained his 'C' Certificate at the age of 17. Capt. Panicker's leadership skills shone during the 1963 Republic Day parade where he led the Kerala Men's NCC College contingent. It was here that he met Ms. Padmini, the leader of the Kerala Women's NCC College contingent, who would later become his wife.  After his time with the NCC, Capt Panicker joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) through the Officers' Training Corps (OTC) scheme. Upon commissioning, he joined the Bengal Engineer Group (BEG), informally known as the Bengal Sappers or Bengal Engineers, a military engineering regiment in the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. From its humble beginnings as a company of Bengal Pioneers raised by Captain T. Wood in 1803 to provide breaching and scaling capabilities, the Bengal Engineer Group evolved into one of the Army's most distinguished establishments. Over the years, the Corps underwent various name changes: First Sappers and Miners (1903), First Prince of Wales' Own Sappers and Miners (1906), First King George's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners (1923), King George V's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners Group (1937), King George V's Own Bengal Group Royal Indian Engineers (1946), and finally, the Bengal Engineer Group, Corps of Engineers in 1947.

 

Following his initial deployment in Nagaland, Capt Panicker was sent to the College of Military Engineering (CME) to undergo his Engineering Degree. He completed the 27th Engineering Degree Course and also underwent the 38th Young Officers' (YO) Course. During the Degree Course, he married Ms Padmini and the couple was blessed with a son Prasanth in Jul 1970. After completing his degree, Capt Panicker was posted to the 74 Independent Field Company in Ambala, a non-family station at that time. He left his wife and son in his parental home in Alappuzha before joining his unit. Shortly after, war broke out with Pakistan. Capt Panicker’s unit was swiftly moved to the Kargil in the western sector, where they faced harsh conditions and intense combat. In Kargil, Capt Panicker's engineering skills and leadership were crucial. The terrain was challenging, and the soldiers had to establish defensive positions, lay mines, and build fortifications under enemy fire. Capt Panicker’s ability to maintain high morale and effective operational strategies under these extreme conditions highlighted his exceptional capabilities as an officer. 

 

Indo-Pak War-  17 Dec 1971

 

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, Captain GGK Panicker's 74 (I) Field Company was under the operational control of the 121 Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 3 Infantry Division. This division was responsible for a vast sector, stretching from Samba to Ladakh, with one division facing the Tibetan border. In the Kargil sector, the enemy occupied several features that dominated the strategically important Srinagar-Leh highway. One of the most crucial features was located north of Shingo. This area was the responsibility of the 121 Infantry Brigade Group, which, in addition to Captain GGK Panicker's 74 (I) Field Company, included the 2/11 Gorkha Rifles, 7th Guards, 18th Punjab, and 9th J&K Militia (inducted around December 13) battalions. If necessary, three more battalions were available to support the Brigade: 5/3 Gorkha Rifles (Leh), likely from the 163rd Brigade of the 3rd Division, 13th J&K Militia (Drass) and a BSF battalion. 

 

The Brigade was given the task of capturing the Brachil pass-Hathi Matha area and clearing the picquets that dominated the road. Since Pt. 13620 was very strongly held, it was decided to tackle the position from the rear. During the night of 7/8 December,  2/11 Gorkha Rifles and 9 J&K Militia occupied some features and captured a number of enemy posts, effectively isolating Pt. 13620, which was finally captured by the Gorkhas in the afternoon after being subjected to air strikes. While the attack on Pt. 13620 was in progress, 18 Punjab attacked and captured Brachil pass after bitter fighting on 7 December. This was followed by the capture of several important posts by 7 Guards on 8 December. After a long approach march, 5/3 Gorkha Rifles captured Hathi Matha from the rear on 17 December, when the ceasefire was announced. Captain Panicker's unit played a vital role in supporting these operations by: 

  • Facilitating Troop Movement: Constructing and maintaining roads, and bridges to ensure smooth movement of troops and supplies. 
  • Denying Enemy Movement: Laying minefields and demolishing bridges to hinder enemy advances.

Even after the official end of the war on December 16, 1971, border skirmishes continued as both sides sought to gain tactical advantages. Captain Panicker's unit remained actively involved in these operations, providing essential engineering support to the Indian Army.

 

On the 17th of December 1971, amidst the tense and hazardous environment following the ceasefire, Capt Panicker showcased extraordinary bravery and selflessness. During demining operations aimed at clearing the battlefield of deadly remnants, he found himself in a dire situation, he volunteered to rescue two Jawans trapped in a minefield, stepping up in the absence of the designated officer. As he courageously led the effort, one of the Sappers working alongside him accidentally stepped on a mine. The resulting explosion was devastating, sending shrapnel flying. Capt Panicker sustained serious injuries from the shrapnel but, demonstrating remarkable dedication, he refused to be evacuated until his men received medical treatment. Despite his grievous injuries and the immense pain he must have been in, his priority remained the well-being of his comrades. Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries and significant blood loss he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Capt GGK Panicker was a valiant soldier and gritty officer who led from the front and laid down his life at the very early age of 25 years in the line of his duty. Following in his father's footsteps, his son Prasanth joined the Indian Navy to carry on the family legacy.
 

Capt Gopalakrishna Gopal Panicker is survived by his wife Smt Padmini Panicker and son Commander Prasanth G Panicker(Retd).

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1 Comment

  • Prasanth Gopalakrishna Panicker

    2024 at 12:15 pm Reply

    I am Cdr (IN) Prasanth G Panicker, Retd. , the son of Late Capt. GGK Panicker. I was pleasantly surprised to see my illustrious father’s name in Honour Point. He is from Bengal Engineering Group. I have tried my best to get further information from the BEG about his service and last days leading up to his Veermrutyu on 17 December 1971. However, not very successful.

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