Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma

Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma hailed from Palu village in Rajgarh Tehsil of Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh, and was born on 01 April 1974. He was the beloved son of Shri Lachiram Sharma and Smt Vidya Devi, and grew up in a close-knit family alongside his brother, Rajesh Sharma. From an early age, Gdr Hitesh nurtured a deep admiration for the Armed Forces. The discipline, courage, and patriotism embodied by soldiers left a lasting impression on him, and he dreamt of one day donning the Army uniform to serve the nation. After completing his school education, Gdr Hitesh pursued this dream with determination, and, at the age of 21 years, he was successfully recruited into the Indian Army in April 1995. He was enrolled in the 19th Grenadiers battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its gallant warriors and illustrious battle history.

As a young soldier, Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma imbibed the values of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice that defined his regiment. His dedication, discipline, and sincerity soon earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. After serving for some years with his parent unit, he was deputed to the 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force actively engaged in combating militancy in Jammu & Kashmir. This deputation placed Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma at the very forefront of operations that demanded not just military skill but also immense courage, and a willingness to risk one’s life for the safety and security of fellow citizens.

Operation Parakram (J&K): 24 Sep 2002

In September 2002, Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma was serving with the 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a unit tasked with counter-insurgency operations in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, close to the Line of Control (LoC). This area was among the most volatile regions in the Valley, notorious for frequent infiltration attempts by heavily armed militants from across the border. The responsibility of 29 RR was immense: to prevent these infiltrations, neutralize militant networks, and ensure the safety of the civilian population. The battalion operated in a relentless cycle of search-and-destroy missions, ambushes, and area domination patrols, often in unforgiving terrain and under constant threat. It was in this demanding environment that Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma proved his unwavering commitment to duty. On 24 September 2002, 29 RR received actionable intelligence about the presence of militants in the Pattan area of Baramulla district. The information pointed to a group of heavily armed terrorists planning an attack. Immediate action was necessary to eliminate the threat.

At the time, Grenadier Hitesh was suffering from a mild fever. His comrades advised him to rest and allow others to take up the operation, but his sense of duty and brotherhood left no room for hesitation. True to the ethos of a soldier, he volunteered to join the mission, determined to stand shoulder to shoulder with his team. As the operation unfolded, the troops of 29 RR came under intense and indiscriminate fire from well-entrenched militants. The firefight was fierce, with the enemy using both the cover of terrain and the concealment of buildings to their advantage. In the chaos, one of Gdr Hitesh’s closest comrades was gravely injured and fell in an exposed position, vulnerable to further enemy fire. Without sparing a thought for his own safety, Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma charged forward through nearly 200 meters of open ground, fully exposed to enemy fire. Bullets whizzed past him, but his only focus was to reach his fallen brother-in-arms. Displaying commendable courage, he lifted his injured comrade onto his shoulders and began moving him to safety. This act of selflessness, however, drew the militants’ attention. The terrorists, realizing his bravery, unleashed a barrage of bullets at him. Grenadier Hitesh was struck multiple times, yet he continued shielding his comrade with his own body. Severely wounded, he collapsed but refused to surrender to his injuries.

Even in his final moments, Grenadier Hitesh displayed extraordinary grit and fighting spirit. His indomitable willpower and ferocity inspired his fellow soldiers, who ultimately neutralized the terrorist threat. The operation ended successfully, averting a major disaster and safeguarding countless lives. At just 28 years of age, Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma made the supreme sacrifice for the nation on that fateful day in the plains of Baramulla. He laid down his life not only for his country but also in an act of pure brotherhood — choosing to risk everything to save his comrade. 

Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma is survived by his mother, Smt Vidya Devi and brother Shri Rajesh Sharma.