Havildar Bharat Sasmal

Havildar Bharat Sasmal hailed from Patospur village of Howrah district in West Bengal. He wanted to serve in the Armed Forces since his childhood and following his passion, he eventually joined the army after completing his school education. He was recruited into the 9 Mech Inf battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its dauntless soldiers and numerous battle exploits. 

During his service, he served in various operational areas and proved his mettle as a committed soldier. Later he was selected to be part of the Indian contingent in the UN Peace Keeping Force in Sudan. 

UN Operation: 09 Apr 2013

During 2013, Hav Bharat Sasmal was serving with UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) as part of the Indian contingent.  At that time India had about 2,200 army personnel in South Sudan as part of the UNMISS. They were two Indian battalions belonging to 6 Mahar and 9 Mech Inf, out of which one was based in Jonglei and the other was in Malakal, in the Upper Nile, on the border with Sudan. South Sudan had ended decades of civil war with Sudan in 2005 and was transitioning to a peaceful existence, but the civil strife was continuing with many rebels not accepting the peace accord.  

The Government forces were battling the rebels in Jonglei, while UN peacekeepers were patrolling between the two sides. On 09 Apr 2013, Lt Col Mahipal Singh from 9 Mech Inf was leading a patrol along with a 32-member squad in Jonglei. Hav Bharat Sasmal was a part of that team along with other soldiers of 6 Mahar and 9 Mech Inf battalions of the Indian contingent. However as the convoy reached Gumuruk, it was attacked by the rebels numbering over 200 with automatic weapons. Though the attack was sudden with a numerically superior enemy, Hav Bharat Sasmal and his comrades swung into action to give a befitting reply. A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter lasting over an hour. Hav Bharat Sasmal along with other soldiers displayed commendable courage and fighting spirit in neutralizing many rebels. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, Hav Bharat Sasmal received gun shots which proved fatal for him. Besides Hav Bharat Sasmal four other soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty which included Lt Col Mahipal Singh, Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal, Havildar Heera Lal, and L/Nk Nand Kishor Joshi.

Hav Bharat Sasmal was a valiant soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He was awarded the "Dag Hammarskjold Medal" by the UN for his outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. Hav Bharat Sasmal is survived by his wife, mother, daughter and son.