Captain Premjit Rockpa SC

Captain Premjit Rockpa was born on April 18, 1951, in the remote village of Ghoshal in the Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Son of Late Shri Chhering Tandup and Late Smt. Gurudassi, Captain Premjit grew up alongside six siblings. From a young age, Capt Premjit displayed an extraordinary thirst for knowledge. His schooling began in a modest village primary school, where students sat on sacks instead of benches. Despite these challenges, his sharp memory and determination set him apart. For higher studies, he moved to Keylong, enduring a grueling 10-kilometer trek through harsh terrain each week. As he grew older, Capt Premjit was drawn to the Indian Army, an ambition that worried his mother, who had already lost her younger brother in service. Nevertheless, in 1969, while repeating his 11th grade, he secretly appeared for the Army selection exams and passed. Though his mother was heartbroken, his determination remained unshaken.

Capt Premjit’s military journey was marked by relentless perseverance and resilience. While undergoing rigorous training, he continued his studies and prepared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) exams. His commitment was unwavering—he often skipped dinner, performed headstands to stay awake, and pushed himself beyond exhaustion. In October 1972, despite clearing the SSB interview, he faced a temporary setback when he was deemed unfit due to being slightly overweight. Refusing to give up, he worked tirelessly and cleared the medical tests a month later, securing admission to the Army Cadet College. On December 5, 1976, he achieved his dream, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant. Soon, he joined the elite 9 Para (Special Forces), where he became known for his extraordinary endurance, courage, and camaraderie.

Siachen Reconnaissance Expedition : Sep-Oct 1981

In 1981, while serving with the Parachute Regiment and deployed in the Siachen Glacier region, Capt Premjit Rockpa showcased outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment during two landmark missions. He was a key member of a vital reconnaissance operation that helped India secure strategic control over the glacier ahead of potential enemy occupation. Known for his calm demeanor and tireless resolve, he earned the deep respect of his commanding officer, Col DK Duarah, who fondly referred to him as his “right hand.” Capt Premjit remained cheerful and composed even under the most extreme conditions, a trait that inspired everyone around him.

Later that year, on 13 September 1981, Capt Premjit was chosen for the prestigious 'All Paratroopers Expedition' to Nanda Devi East—one of the most treacherous and technically demanding peaks in the Himalayas.  As both the leader of a climbing column and the expedition's signal officer, he demonstrated unmatched determination and selflessness. Voluntarily taking on the most difficult segment of the climb, he led the ascent up a near-vertical wall of rock and ice to establish Camp I, the proposed patrol base. He worked tirelessly to set up base camps, open perilous routes along the South Ridge, and maintain essential communication links—all while putting the safety and success of his comrades above his own.

However, after successfully leading his team to the summit of Nanda Devi East, tragedy struck during the descent. Capt Premjit, who was last seen on 04 Oct 1981 slipped on a thin layer of verglas—a sheet of ice covering the rocks—and fell fatally. His body was later seen through binoculars, but relentless avalanches and rockfalls made recovery impossible. Capt Premjit Rockpa was just 30 years old, with 11 years of distinguished service to the nation. His supreme sacrifice on the icy slopes of Nanda Devi symbolized not only his fearless commitment to duty but also his deep, personal connection to the mountains that shaped his spirit. A soldier, a mountaineer, and a leader of rare grit, he faced nature’s harshest challenges with unwavering courage and quiet determination.

In recognition of his exceptional bravery, gallantry, and steadfast devotion to duty, Capt Premjit Rockpa was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra on 26 January 1983. 

Citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

The Parachute Regiment had organised a 'Paratroopers Nanda Devi Expedition' in September-October, 1981.

Captain Premjit was the leader of a column besides being the signal officer of the expedition. He exhibited tremendous dedication, great enthusiasm and extraordinary sustained courage; in that he as a leader, voluntarily chose to take on the technically difficult task of surmounting the first and the most formidable obstacle of near vertical rock and ice wall leading to the proposed site of patrol base/camp I.

Captain Premjit was so highly motivated that he, always not caring for his personal comfort and safety, went out of the way to ensure successful accomplishment of the task. His work during the preparatory phase of the assault which comprised the establishment of base camps and opening up of routes along long and treacherous stretches through South Ridge at Nanda Devi, as also his manning of the signal communications, was in the best traditions of mountaineers and the Parachute Regiment. After a gruelling climb Captain Premjit and his companions succeeded in scaling the summit of Nanda Devi East successfully. However, during the descent he slipped over the verglas (layer of frozen ice over the rocks) and died of a fatal fall.

Captain Premjit thus displayed exemplary courage, team spirit and devotion to duty of a high order.

• A trust named "Captain Premjit Rockpa Memorial Charitable Trust" has been established in honour of the late Captain Premjit Rockpa. The trust is dedicated to serving society through initiatives in education, medical aid, and the promotion of sports.