Colonel Jojan Thomas AC

Colonel Jojan Thomas was born on 22 July 1965 in Kuttoor village of Thiruvalla district, Kerala, into a family deeply rooted in military traditions. He was the eldest of four siblings, born to Captain P.A. Thomas, an Army veteran, and Smt Aleyamma Thomas. The spirit of service ran strong in the family—both his younger brothers also went on to serve in the Armed Forces. Inspired by his father’s exemplary service and guided by a strong sense of duty to the nation, Jojan Thomas chose the path of a soldier. He joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, as part of the "SS-41 Course" and was commissioned into the Indian Army in March 1986. He was inducted into the 11 Jat Battalion of the famed Jat Regiment, known for its indomitable courage and glorious history in battle. Over the course of his career, he served with distinction in diverse and challenging operational environments, steadily building a reputation as a dedicated and fearless officer.

A qualified pilot, he also served with the elite Army Aviation Corps for six years, displaying versatility in both ground and aerial roles. His leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment earned him immense respect among peers, juniors, and superiors alike. In 2008, after more than two decades of distinguished service, Col Thomas was deputed to the 45 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in the terrorism-affected regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Tasked with leading anti-terrorist operations in one of the most volatile sectors, he continued to exemplify courage, tactical brilliance, and devotion to duty—qualities that defined his military journey from the very beginning.

Kupwara Operation: 22 Aug 2008

On 22 August 2008, at around 0330 hours, Colonel Jojan Thomas, the Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles, deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, received precise intelligence about the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the dense, hostile forests of Machhal in Kupwara district. The area was notorious for its rugged terrain, pitch-dark nights, and constant threat of enemy engagement. Without a moment’s hesitation, and fully aware of the dangers, Colonel Thomas personally led a quick reaction team to intercept the infiltrators before they could escape or launch an attack. As the team advanced, contact was soon established with the terrorists, triggering a fierce gunfight that shattered the silence of the night. True to his style of leading from the front, Colonel Thomas moved swiftly towards the enemy position, displaying absolute disregard for his own safety. In the intense close-quarter combat that followed, he shot down two terrorists from point-blank range.

During the firefight, Colonel Thomas was struck by multiple bullets, sustaining grievous injuries. But even in critical condition, his resolve remained unshaken. Spotting a third terrorist attempting to break cover, he engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand battle, overpowering and eliminating him before finally succumbing to his wounds. The operation resulted in the neutralization of three hardcore terrorists, effectively preventing a major strike in the region. Colonel Jojan Thomas’s extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice stood as a shining example of selfless service, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his unparalleled gallantry beyond the call of duty, Colonel Jojan Thomas was posthumously awarded the "Ashok Chakra", India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

Colonel Jojan Thomas is survived by his mother, Smt Aleyamma Thomas; wife, Smt Beena Jojan Thomas; daughter, Ms Meghana Thomas; and son, Shri Philemon Thomas.

The citation for the "Ashok Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 22nd August 2008, at about 3.30 am, Colonel Jojan Thomas, Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, established contact with a group of terrorists. Colonel Thomas immediately rushed to the area with available troops, and soon a fierce firefight ensued. Leading from the front, Colonel Thomas eliminated two terrorists from close quarters. In the process, he sustained severe gunshot wounds. In spite of this, he engaged the third terrorist in a fierce hand-to-hand fight before eliminating him. Colonel Jojan Thomas displayed exemplary leadership and exceptional gallantry in eliminating three hardcore terrorists and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

For his exemplary leadership, unparalleled courage beyond the call of duty, and supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, Col Jojan Thomas, is awarded India’s highest Gallantry Award in peace time the “Ashok Chakra”.

• Major Sandhu was a friend Col Jojan Thomas last spoke to, who paid tributes to his friend by saying “It’s a big loss for the Army. He had experience working in various terrains for over 20 years and also served as a pilot for six years. Youngsters looked up to him as he was a wonderful mentor and an inspiring personality. Above all, Col Thomas was a great human being,”.

• Co Thomas’ daughter Ms Meghana while paying tribute to her father said that ”We know it is a risky job. Since I am the eldest child, the family is now my responsibility.”  We moved to Bangalore three years ago after staying at several places in the country. My father wanted us to settle here and concentrate on our careers. Our life will take the course as he had planned it.”

Mrs Beena Thomas, wife of Colonel Jojan Thomas AC paid tribute to her husband on his “Day of Martyrdom” on 22 Aug 2019…..

An Indian army soldier’s courage reminds me of the saying by the famous English writer Gilbert Keith Chesterton, ” Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking a form of a readiness to die”. My husband was no different and was an epitome of courage and devotion to duty. Earlier, I could not have imagined staying even 11 days away from him but now 11 years have gone by since his martyrdom on 22 August 2008. Every moment in these years has been difficult but somehow I have felt his presence around whenever it was required. His invisible presence has comforted me whenever I have felt low and needed support to lean on.

It is said that time heals all wounds but I don’t think the time has succeeded in doing so in my case. Time has not stopped since 22 Aug 2008 and nor have my pain which regularly got accentuated on various occasions like our daughter’s wedding, son’s graduation, the birth of our granddaughter, Manoah and many such significant family events.

My husband laid down his life in the line of duty while leading an operation as the Commanding Officer of his battalion. Son of an army officer, he was a deep-rooted soldier at heart but he ruled the hearts of our family too. To commemorate his 11th “Day of Martyrdom”, we are organizing a medical camp at his village. We conduct such activities and follow a life-path that resonates with the values he cherished. Though I have missed his love and care all these years, I take immense pride in being Col Jojan Thomas’s wife- a valiant soldier and the recipient of the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

As the quote of Benjamin Disraeli says, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example”, I will continue to follow his great example and live life like a true soldier’s wife.

Mrs Beena Thomas