Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla SC

Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla was born in the village of Itwarpura in the Vaishali district of Bihar to Shri Gopal Narayan Singh and Smt. Phuljhari Devi. Raised in a modest and value-driven household, he imbibed qualities of discipline, resilience, and service from an early age. Even as a young boy, he displayed a strong sense of patriotism and was deeply inspired by the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Stories of valor and national service kindled in him a passionate desire to wear the olive-green uniform and serve the country with honor.  Determined to turn his aspiration into reality, Binod Kumar Shukla focused on his education, understanding that academic and physical discipline were both essential to joining the armed forces. After successfully completing his school education, he took the decisive step of enlisting in the Indian Army. His commitment, sincerity, and physical aptitude earned him a place in the 17th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment—a unit known for its gallantry, legacy, and operational excellence.

The Bihar Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, has a proud history marked by acts of exceptional bravery and selfless service in both war and peace. Its soldiers have consistently distinguished themselves in numerous military operations across varied and challenging terrains. Being part of such a prestigious regiment, Havildar Shukla embraced the regiment’s ethos of courage, loyalty, and duty with great zeal. Over the course of his military career, Havildar Shukla served in multiple operational deployments, earning the respect of his superiors and the admiration of his peers. His leadership qualities, tactical skill, and calmness under pressure made him a dependable figure in the unit. Whether in peacetime duties or high-risk counter-insurgency operations, he remained steadfast and professional, upholding the values and traditions of the Bihar Regiment with unwavering dedication.

Srinagar Operation (J&K): 22 Mar 1997

In March 1997, the 17th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, to which Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla belonged, was deployed in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir. This region, known for its intense insurgent activity, posed significant operational challenges for the security forces. The battalion was tasked with maintaining internal security and conducting counter-insurgency operations, frequently engaging in high-risk missions to neutralize terrorist threats. On 22 March 1997, acting on credible intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed militants, the unit launched a specific cordon and search operation in Ahan village, in Ganderbal Tehsil of the Srinagar district. Given the volatile environment and the potential for armed resistance, the operation was meticulously planned. As the troops advanced cautiously and began combing the area, they came under sudden and heavy gunfire from a house where the militants had entrenched themselves. The ambush escalated into a fierce firefight, placing the soldiers in immediate and grave danger. In the midst of the chaos, Hav Binod Kumar Shukla displayed extraordinary courage and leadership.

With complete disregard for his personal safety, he maneuvered himself close to the house under fire. Demonstrating presence of mind and tactical skill, he hurled an improvised explosive device (IED) into the building, forcing the militants out of their stronghold. As they attempted to flee, Havildar Shukla charged into the house without hesitation. Engaging the terrorists in close-quarters combat, he successfully eliminated one militant in hand-to-hand fighting. While grappling with another, he sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Despite his critical injuries, Havildar Shukla continued to fight with remarkable determination and unwavering spirit until he succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield. Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla’s valour, grit, and supreme devotion to duty epitomize the finest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, fearless leadership, and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla is survived by his wife Smt Shunila Shukla.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 22 March 1997, a specific search operation was launched by 17th Battalion the Bihar Regiment at Ahan village of Srinagar District. During the search, the militants opened heavy volume of fire from the house in which they were hiding. Havildar Binod Kumar Shukla undeterred by the heavy volume of fire and with utter disregard to personal safety, managed to threw an improvised explosive device towards the militants and seeing the militants attempting to escape he charged into the room and engaged the militants in hand-to-hand fight and killed one of them. While fighting with other militants he sustained gunshot wound on his head, but he kept engaging other militants till he breathed his last.

For his conspicuous act of bravery and supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of Indian Army, he was awarded 'Shaurya Chakra' posthumously.