Grenadier Mukh R Budania SM

Hailing from Dinwa Ladkhani village in Fatehpur tehsil of Sikar district, Rajasthan, Grenadier Mukh Ram Budania was a soldier who embodied courage, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to duty. Raised in a family that valued honour and service, he grew up hearing stories of legendary Rajput warriors and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. These tales ignited in him a deep-seated passion for the armed forces and a firm resolve to dedicate his life to protecting the nation. From an early age, Grenadier Mukh Ram displayed an indomitable spirit and a strong sense of responsibility. His unwavering determination led him to pursue a career in the Indian Army, where he was recruited into the 6th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment. This battalion, part of one of the most storied and battle-hardened regiments of the Indian Army, had a history of fearless warriors and strategic excellence in combat.

During the year 2002, Grenadier Mukh Ram was serving with the 6 Grenadiers Battalion of the Indian Army. At the time, his unit was deployed in Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of the ongoing Operation Parakram—a large-scale military mobilization initiated in response to heightened cross-border tensions and insurgency. Given the prevalence of militant activity in the region, the battalion was frequently engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations to neutralize threats and maintain security. On 23 April 2002, intelligence sources provided critical information regarding the presence of armed terrorists in a village within the unit's Area of Responsibility (AOR) in Rajouri district. Given the seriousness of the threat, it was decided to launch a search and destroy operation to neutralize the militants. A specialized team was assembled for this high-risk mission, and Grenadier Mukh Ramh was among those selected to take part in the operation.

In the early hours of the morning, Grenadier Mukh Ram and his comrades moved stealthily to the target location and executed a tactical cordon around the suspected hideout. The aim was to prevent the terrorists from escaping and systematically flush them out. As the team advanced, they spotted suspicious movement and soon established contact with the terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight. Amidst the heavy exchange of gunfire, one of the terrorists attempted to flee, taking advantage of a gap in the security perimeter. Grenadier Mukh Ram, showing remarkable presence of mind and determination, immediately chased the fleeing terrorist through a nearby field, refusing to let him escape. During the intense close-quarters battle, Grenadier Mukh Ram, alongside his brave comrade Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary, engaged the terrorist in a direct confrontation. Displaying extraordinary courage and combat skills, the two soldiers eliminated the terrorist, preventing him from regrouping with other insurgents or causing further harm.

However, in the course of the firefight, both Grenadier Mukh Ram and Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, they fought valiantly till their last breath, ensuring the mission was a success. Unfortunately, due to the severity of their wounds, they succumbed to their injuries and made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation. Grenadier Mukh Ram was a dedicated and fearless warrior, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Recognizing his extraordinary valour, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious "Sena Medal".

Grenadier Mukh Ram is survived by his wife Smt Sumitra Devi.