Captain Mukesh Srivastava SM

Captain Mukesh Srivastava hailed from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He was the proud son of the late Shri Anand Kumar Srivastava and Smt Sarojini Srivastava. Raised in an environment grounded in discipline, patriotism, and strong moral values, he was deeply influenced from an early age by the ideals of service and dedication to the nation. These formative influences shaped his personality, instilling in him a profound sense of responsibility, leadership, and a desire to serve the country. Captain Mukesh Srivastava completed his early education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, AMC (Armed Forces Medical College) in Lucknow. He later pursued his higher education at Lucknow University, where he completed his graduation. Driven by a deep passion for the armed forces, he joined the Indian Army, choosing the infantry as his preferred arm of service—a decision that reflected his desire to serve on the front lines.

He was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Gorkha Rifles, one of the most renowned regiments of the Indian Army, known for its valor and combat excellence. Right from the beginning of his military career, Captain Srivastava displayed remarkable leadership, courage, and commitment to duty. He underwent rigorous training and successfully completed several specialized military courses, where he excelled in counter-insurgency tactics and jungle warfare operations. Within his battalion, he earned the affectionate nickname "Sheru", symbolizing his fearless spirit and indomitable will. His exceptional performance and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently selected for a critical deputation to the 32 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion—an elite counter-insurgency unit formed specifically to combat terrorism and insurgency in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir. While serving with the 32 Rashtriya Rifles, Captain Mukesh Srivastava participated in numerous high-risk counter-terrorism operations. These missions demanded not only military acumen but also immense courage and resilience. Operating in treacherous terrain under extreme weather conditions, he and his team were often engaged in direct confrontations with heavily armed insurgents. 

In 2001, Captain Mukesh Srivastava was serving with the 32 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counter-insurgency unit deployed in the Kupwara sector of Jammu & Kashmir—a volatile and strategically critical region notorious for infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC). As part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and thwart cross-border terrorism, units in this area were frequently tasked with tracking, intercepting, and eliminating infiltrators attempting to cross into Indian territory. On 13 April 2001, credible intelligence inputs indicated the presence of heavily armed infiltrators within the unit’s area of responsibility. Considering the potential threat these infiltrators posed to both civilians and military assets, a decision was swiftly made to launch a search-and-destroy mission to neutralize them before they could consolidate or escape. Recognized for his sharp tactical acumen, unwavering resolve, and combat experience, Captain Mukesh Srivastava was assigned to lead the operation. Under his leadership, a team of soldiers initiated a careful and high-risk reconnaissance and search maneuver in the dense and rugged terrain of the Kupwara sector.

During the operation, the team came under intense enemy fire. Displaying nerves of steel and exemplary battlefield leadership, Captain Mukesh swiftly reorganized his troops under fire and led a counter-assault to engage the terrorists. In the ensuing close-quarters combat, Captain Mukesh was struck by 13 bullets in the chest and abdomen, yet he continued to fight relentlessly for over 40 minutes, ensuring the safety of his comrades and preventing the terrorists from advancing toward the unit’s position. Amidst the chaos, when Captain Mukesh mounted a fearless counterattack, the remaining terrorists, enraged and desperate, launched a direct charge on his position. A furious gun battle followed. Despite sustaining severe bullet injuries, including wounds to his head and body, Captain Mukesh refused to withdraw. True to his duty and spirit, Captain Mukesh Srivastava continued to command and inspire his men until his last breath, ensuring that the enemy could neither break through the cordon nor inflict further casualties. His supreme sacrifice decisively turned the tide of the engagement, eliminating the threat and preserving the integrity of the operational post. For his extraordinary bravery, indomitable spirit, and leadership under fire, Captain Mukesh Srivastava was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal", one of India’s prestigious gallantry awards, honouring soldiers for acts of exceptional courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy.

Captain Mukesh Srivastava is survived by his mother, Smt Sarojini Srivastava, and his brother, Shri Rupesh Srivastava. 

• In honour of his exemplary service and sacrifice, Captain Mukesh Srivastava Park has been established in Lucknow. This park serves not only as a tribute to his legacy but also as a symbol of pride for the city and a place of remembrance for all who cherish the values he stood for—duty, courage, and patriotism.