Havildar Vidya Prakash

Havildar Vidya Prakash Sharma was born on 01 May 1964 in Ghasso Kalan village of Jind district, Haryana, to Shri Bagu Ram Sharma. Growing up in a humble background, he developed a deep sense of responsibility and commitment early in life. After completing his education, he chose to dedicate himself to the service of the nation by joining the Indian Army. On 17 July 1981, he was enrolled in the Corps of Army Air Defence, an arm of the Army tasked with protecting Indian skies from aerial threats. After successfully completing his training, he was allotted to the 148 Light Air Defence Regiment (Composite), a unit known for its operational readiness and professionalism.

Over the course of his service spanning more than 14 years, Havildar Vidya Prakash Sharma grew into a dependable junior leader, admired by his superiors and peers alike for his discipline and sense of duty. His career took him to various operational areas of the country, including sensitive and high-risk zones such as Jammu & Kashmir and the Siachen Glacier, where he contributed to crucial operational deployments under challenging conditions. His record includes active service in key operations: from 01 February 1987 to 06 May 1987, he was deployed as part of 'Operation Meghdoot"; from 06 May 1992 to 03 August 1992, he took part in Operation Rakshak, the counter-insurgency campaign in J&K; and once again from 10 January 1995 to 17 February 1995, he was actively involved in counter-insurgency duties. Through his dedicated service and devotion to duty, Hav Vidya Prakash Sharma exemplified the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Corps of Army Air Defence.

Train Accident: 20 Aug 1995

In 1995, Havildar Vidya Prakash Sharma was serving with the 148 Light Air Defence Regiment (Composite), a frontline unit of the Army Air Defence entrusted with the vital task of ensuring operational readiness and defending against aerial threats. Like every soldier of his regiment, Hav Sharma carried out his duties with complete dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Tragically, while still in active service, fate dealt a cruel blow. On 20 August 1995, at the young age of just 31, he lost his life in an unfortunate train accident while travelling in the line of duty. His untimely demise came while he was still serving the nation, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and sacrifice.

During his service, Hav Sharma was honoured with several medals that reflected his professionalism, courage, and commitment. Among them were:

• Sainya Seva Medal with Clasp J&K (25 June 1989) – for his operational service in Jammu & Kashmir.

• Uchch Tungata Padak (High Altitude Medal, 10 July 1987) – for enduring challenging deployments at extreme altitudes.

• Special Service Medal (Op Meghdoot, 20 December 1988) – for his participation in operations in Siachen.

• Siachen Glacier Medal (08 July 1987) – recognizing his service in the world’s highest battlefield.

• 9 Years Long Service Medal (17 July 1990) – a mark of his discipline and sustained commitment.

Each of these honours stands as a testament to the selfless dedication with which Havildar Vidya Prakash Sharma served the Army and the nation. His life, though cut short, remains an example of duty and sacrifice in the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces.

Havildar Vidya Prakash Sharma is survived by his wife, Smt Santosh Kumari.