Service No : 13627256K

Date of Birth : June 15, 1986

Place of birth : Bageshwar(U'khand)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Havildar

Unit : 2 Para (SF)

Arm/Regt : The Parachute Regiment

Operation : CI & IS Ops

Martyrdom : January 18, 2026

Hav Gajender Singh Gadiya

Havildar Gajender Singh Gadiya was born on 15 June 1986 to Shri Dhan Singh and Smt. Chandra Devi, in the Veethi-Gainad village in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, a region renowned for its rich martial heritage and for generations of brave men who have served the nation with honour and distinction. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this rugged and inspiring landscape played a formative role in shaping his early life. The values imparted by his family and reinforced by his surroundings left a deep imprint on his character and worldview. From a young age, Havildar Gajender Singh exhibited a profound love for the nation and a clear sense of purpose in life. Even during his formative years, he stood apart for the attributes that would later define him as a soldier—physical strength, mental fortitude, and a deep respect for responsibility. Guided by these ideals, he joined the Indian Army in 2004, fulfilling his aspiration to serve the nation in uniform. From the outset of his military career, his dedication, professionalism, and exemplary conduct set him apart. Over the years, his quiet leadership and operational competence became increasingly evident. His steady rise to the rank of Havildar was a reflection not only of his professional skills but also of his dependability as a leader. 

 
He was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, one of the most elite and decorated infantry regiments of the Army, celebrated for its airborne capability, daring ethos, and participation in some of the most challenging operations undertaken by the Armed Forces. Serving in this regiment further sharpened his soldierly skills and strengthened his resolve to operate at the highest levels of military excellence. Driven by exceptional physical endurance, mental fortitude, and an unyielding commitment to duty, Hav Gajender Singh volunteered for the Special Forces—an arduous path that demands extraordinary grit, resilience, and courage. After successfully clearing the extremely rigorous selection and training process, he was inducted into the prestigious 2 Para (Special Forces). This historic unit, originally raised in 1797 as the 3rd Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry and converted into a Special Forces battalion in 2000, is renowned for its specialisation in mountain warfare and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. Life in the Special Forces tested him to the very limits of human endurance, but Havildar Gajender Singh embraced every challenge with courage, discipline, and unwavering resolve. 
 
Operation TRASHI-1 (J&K): 18 Jan 2026
 

During 2026, Havildar Gajender Singh was serving with 2 Para (Special Forces), a premier Special Forces unit deployed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, close to the Line of Control. The unit was operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) – Delta Force and was placed under the operational control of the XVI Corps, popularly known as the White Knight Corps. This elite Corps is tasked with securing an extensive and strategically vital area stretching from the formidable Pir Panjal ranges to the Shivalik hills, including the sensitive plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. Renowned for its operational excellence, the formation operates relentlessly in one of the most demanding and volatile theatres in the country. The security environment in the unit’s Area of Responsibility remained highly unstable due to persistent militant presence and repeated infiltration attempts. As a result, troops were continuously engaged in intensive counter-terrorism and area domination operations in extremely challenging conditions. These operations were conducted in inhospitable terrain characterised by dense forests, steep gradients, and harsh weather, where constant vigilance, swift reaction, and precise execution were essential to deny terrorist movement and protect civilian lives.

 

On 18 January 2026, credible intelligence inputs revealed that a group of heavily armed terrorists had taken shelter in the dense and rugged forests along the Bhart Ridge in Kishtwar district. In response, the Indian Army, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Special Operations Group teams, swiftly launched a series of well-coordinated search and cordon operations as part of Operation TRASHI-1. The objective was to track, isolate, and neutralise the terrorists operating in the Singhpora forest area of Chhatroo. As the joint search teams cautiously advanced through the thickly forested terrain, maintaining close coordination and tactical discipline, the terrorists suddenly opened heavy and indiscriminate fire, springing a surprise ambush. This led to a fierce close-quarter gun battle in the dense jungle. Despite intense enemy fire and extremely adverse conditions, Havildar Gajender Singh displayed exceptional courage, composure, and battlefield leadership. Undeterred by the grave danger, he continued to carry out his assigned tasks with resolute determination, making a decisive contribution to the conduct of the operation. During the encounter, terrorists lobbed grenades, resulting in injuries to eight Army personnel, who were subsequently evacuated and airlifted to the Udhampur Hospital. Hav Gajender Singh Gadiya was grievously wounded and later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Havildar Gajender Singh’s resolute actions during the encounter reflected the highest traditions of the Special Forces—fearlessness in the face of the enemy, professional excellence under fire, and unwavering devotion to duty. 

 

Hav Gajender Singh Gadiya is survived by his father, Shri Dhan Singh, and mother, Smt. Chandra Devi, wife Smt Leela Gadiya, sons Rahul & Dheeraj, sisters Smt Khashti & Smt Pushpa, and brother Shri Kishan Gadiya.

  • If you find any information that is incorrect or inappropriate or have additional information about the soldier that can be added to his memorial site, please contact us by using the tab given below.
    click here
No Comments

Post a Comment