Service No : IC-19847

Date of Birth : 1950

Place of birth : Mumbai (Mah)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Captain

Unit : 3 Para (SF)

Arm/Regt : The Parachute Regiment

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971

Martyrdom : December 14, 1971

Captain PN Pethe

Captain Prakash N Pethe was born in 1950 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where he grew up alongside his sister, Kiran, in a family that nurtured strong values of discipline and patriotism. From an early age, he displayed a deep admiration for the Armed Forces, inspired by stories of courage, sacrifice, and battlefield heroism. This early influence shaped his unwavering ambition to serve the nation in uniform. After completing his schooling, he pursued this dream with determination and was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. He joined the 33rd NDA Course, where he underwent rigorous military, academic, and physical training, laying a strong foundation for his future as an officer. On successful completion of his training at NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for his pre-commission training. In December 1967, he passed out from IMA and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army—one of the Army’s elite infantry regiments known for its exceptional standards of training, courage, and operational excellence.

 

Demonstrating exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose, 2nd Lt Pethe soon volunteered for the Special Forces—a decision that demanded extraordinary courage and determination. After successfully clearing the rigorous selection and training process, he was inducted into the 3 Para (former 1st Kumaon), a unit widely regarded among the finest special operations forces in the country. Specializing in mountain warfare and counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations, the unit lives by its motto, Shatrujeet (Conqueror of Enemies). Life in the Special Forces tested him to his limits, but he embraced every challenge with determination and quiet professionalism, earning the respect and admiration of both his peers and superiors. By 1971, he had been promoted to the rank of Captain and had evolved into a battle-hardened soldier and a capable leader, known for his professionalism, courage, and ability to inspire his men in challenging operational conditions.

 
Indo-Pak War (Western Sector): 14 Dec 1971
 

During December 1971, Captain Pethe’s unit, 3 Para (Special Forces), was deployed along the western border in Rajasthan as part of the operational framework of the Indian Army. The Indo-Pak War of 1971, which formally concluded on 16 December 1971 with a decisive Indian victory on the eastern front, had in fact commenced earlier with a pre-emptive strike by the Pakistani Air Force on 3 December 1971. This was followed by coordinated hostilities across multiple sectors, including Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, thereby opening the western front of the conflict. Within this operational framework, 3 Para (Special Forces) was functioning under the 51st (Independent) Parachute Brigade, which was deployed in the Ganganagar sector under the operational control of the 11 Corps. Although this sector did not witness large-scale conventional engagements, it remained tactically active, with forces carrying out aggressive patrolling and limited raids to keep the enemy under pressure and deny them any opportunity to exploit weaknesses.

 

Thus, in sectors such as Ganganagar, where large-scale conventional battles were limited, the relentless actions of airborne and Special Forces units ensured sustained pressure on the enemy. Their deep penetration missions, raids, and reconnaissance tasks played a vital role in shaping the operational environment, undermining enemy capabilities, and contributing significantly to India’s broader strategic success in the war. Amidst these intense operational activities, Captain PN Pethe of 3 Para(Special Forces) was entrusted with a critical reconnaissance task. On 14 December 1971, he was sent out on a patrol mission to ascertain the location and strength of Pakistani defensive positions. Such missions demanded not only courage but also exceptional fieldcraft, as they often involved moving stealthily in close proximity to enemy-held areas. During the course of this patrol, Captain Pethe came under enemy fire and was grievously wounded, having been shot in the neck. Despite the efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice at the age of 21 years in the line of duty. His actions reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army, embodying courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the mission even in the face of grave danger.

 

Captain Prakash N Pethe is survived by his sister, Smt. Kiran Ram Kishan.

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8 Comments

  • Milind Mahajan

    2022 at 3:59 am Reply

    Hello
    I had read about Cpt Prakash Pethe’s 1971 war heroics in Jan-Feb 1972 issue of Marathi children’s magazine called “Kishor”. I was 9 year old then. You may pl trace this magazine to get more information on our hero Cpt Prakash Pethe.
    Thank you
    Milind mahajan

  • Parag Parashuram Raut

    2024 at 8:46 pm Reply

    Story is published by author S.G. Shevade in his book “Saat Abhimanyu”

  • Prakash Tularam Ghogale

    2024 at 10:29 pm Reply

    Post cease fire, Capt PN Pethe 3 Para was sent on patrol to find out location of Pakistani defences. Regrettably he was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries.

  • Dr Ajit Marathe

    2025 at 2:36 pm Reply

    He belonged to Ratlam (MP) and was son of a railwayman

  • Anand Pethe

    2025 at 1:25 pm Reply

    He was my uncle.

  • Bhaumik Avdhut Bhuskute

    2026 at 6:56 am Reply

    He was my grandfather’s brother
    Mr Ulhas Shriram Pethe is my maternal grandfather.
    Ms Tejal Ulhas Pethe is my mother.
    My mother also belongs to Pethe family from Vasai

  • Bhaumik Avdhut Bhuskute

    2026 at 6:58 am Reply

    Please can you elaborate more about Pethe family.
    I’m the grandson of the same family.

  • Bhaumik Bhuskute

    2026 at 8:07 am Reply

    He was my maternal uncle grandfather.
    Brother of Mr Ulhas Shriram Pethe
    Uncle of Ms Tejal Ulhas Pethe

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