Captain Manoj Kumar

Captain Manoj Kumar hailed from Tilaiya district in Jharkhand, where he was born on 3 December 1959. Son of Shri Nakul Prasad Singh and Smt Surajmani Devi, he grew up with a strong sense of discipline, determination, and responsibility—qualities that became the cornerstone of his life. These traits were further nurtured when he joined Sainik School, Tilaiya, in Koderma district of Jharkhand, as part of the 1976 batch. The environment of the Sainik School, with its emphasis on academics, physical training, and leadership development, laid the foundation for his military aspirations and strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. Motivated by his growing passion for the Armed Forces, Capt Manoj Kumar worked with dedication and earned his place at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). At the NDA, he underwent rigorous training that tested his physical endurance, mental resilience, and leadership skills. After passing out of NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for advanced military training. Here, he was further groomed into a professional soldier, prepared to lead from the front in challenging conditions.

Upon completion of his training at IMA, he was commissioned into the 11th Battalion of the Madras Regiment—an infantry regiment renowned for its indomitable soldiers, rich traditions, and glorious history of battlefield exploits. After serving for sometime, he got married to Ms Sangita Sinha on 29 February 1984, and the couple was blessed with a son, Aradhye Ackshatt. As a young officer, he quickly established himself as a dedicated and professional soldier. He developed into a fine leader, admired for his exceptional field-craft skills and operational acumen. His determination in tough situations, combined with his ability to connect with his men, earned him the respect of both his superiors and subordinates. Beyond being a courageous soldier, he was known for his warmth, humility, and caring nature, which endeared him to all who served with him. By 1987, he had already proved his mettle as an officer and had risen to the rank of Captain.

Operation Pawan: 22 October 1987

In October 1987, Captain Manoj Kumar was serving as a Company Commander with the 11th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, then deployed in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). At that time, the battalion had been tasked with a critical operation—advancing along the axis EPS Soranpattu–Pallai–Mirsuvil–Kodikaman–Chavachcheri–Jaffna—with the objective of clearing the area of entrenched LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) militants. As the battalion pushed forward, Captain Manoj Kumar led his company with courage and tactical precision. The advance reached Ethumudvil, near Mirsuvil (MS 182), when suddenly the company came under intense and concentrated fire from LTTE positions concealed within the built-up areas west of the road. The situation grew critical, as the militants had taken strong defensive positions, making the movement of troops extremely hazardous.

Displaying exemplary leadership and complete disregard for personal safety, Captain Manoj Kumar decided to take the fight head-on. Along with his runner and radio operator, he moved forward under heavy fire. Armed with a rocket launcher (RL), he crawled from one Palmira tree to another, skillfully using the scant cover available, and closed in on the enemy stronghold. With remarkable composure in the face of danger, he fired a direct shot at one of the LTTE bunkers, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy and momentarily halting their volume of fire. However, this daring action also provoked the militants, who responded with even more ferocity, intensifying the firefight. Captain Manoj Kumar, undeterred, continued to inspire his men to press forward. The encounter soon escalated into close-quarter, hand-to-hand combat as his company closed in on the hostile positions. In the thick of battle, leading from the very front, Captain Manoj Kumar was grievously injured. Even in his wounded state, he remained steadfast, ensuring that his men carried on the momentum of the assault. He was quickly evacuated to the Field Hospital. But despite the best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries en route, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty at the age of 28 years.

Captain Manoj Kumar is survived by his wife, Smt Sangita Sinha, and son  Shri Aradhye Ackshatt.