Jemadar Hari Ram VrC

Jemadar Hari Ram, was born on February 16, 1929, in Santor village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. The son of Shri Ghisa Ram, he was raised with values of perseverance and resilience, which shaped his life and career. With a deep sense of duty and a strong desire to serve his nation, he joined the Indian Army on his 19th birthday, February 16, 1948. Jemadar Hari Ram was inducted into the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, an esteemed infantry regiment renowned for its gallantry and distinguished history dating back to the 18th century. The regiment has a legacy of excellence, with its soldiers participating in some of the most challenging operations in Indian military history.

Upon joining, Jemadar Hari Ram immersed himself in military training, mastering soldierly skills with dedication and commitment. His hard work and adaptability quickly earned him a reputation as a disciplined and reliable soldier. During his service, Jemadar Hari Ram married Ms. Lilawati Devi, a fellow Rajasthani. Together, they built a life rooted in traditional values and mutual respect. Despite the challenges of military life, Jemadar Hari Ram successfully balanced his role as a soldier with his responsibilities as a husband, epitomizing the Indian Army's ethos of duty toward both nation and family. By 1962, after 14 years of dedicated service, Jemadar Hari Ram had risen to the rank of Jemadar (now known as Naib Subedar). This promotion reflected his exceptional skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his duties. As a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), he played a pivotal role in guiding younger soldiers and upholding the discipline and morale of his unit.

Having served in various field units, he had gained extensive operational experience, making him a dependable and respected leader.  In 1962, Jemadar Hari Ram’s unit, 13 Kumaon, stationed at Ambala, was deployed to Jammu & Kashmir amid growing tensions along the northern borders. Known for its combat readiness and steadfast spirit, the Kumaon Regiment was entrusted with critical responsibilities in the strategically significant region.

Battle of Rezang La (Indo-China War): 18 Nov 1962

In June 1962, Jemadar Hari Ram's 13 Kumaon Battalion, under the command of Lt Col HS Dhingra, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in J&K. In Sep 1962, when the war clouds with China were on the horizon, the battalion was asked to move to Leh at short notice. The 13 Kumaon Battalion was put under the operational control of 114 Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier TN Raina (who later became COAS). 114 Infantry Brigade was given the responsibility of defending about 400 km of the Indo-China border, including the Chushul area. Besides 13 Kumaon, 114 Infantry Brigade had four other battalions under its command, including 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles Jemadar Hari Ram was functioning as the No 8 Platoon Commander of Charlie Company under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. As per the operational plan of 114 Infantry Brigade, the 'C' Company of 13 Kumaon was deployed at Rezang La. Alpha Company under the command of Maj GN Sinha was the battalion reserve at the battalion HQ on high ground near Chushul. The Bravo and Delta companies were deployed on Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La Pass under the command of Capt RV Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Jemadar Hari Ram and his troops had settled in and were busy strengthening their defenses.

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed to have optimum tactical advantage. The soldiers were placed on the forward slopes of the hill - 7th Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram on the north flank; 8th Platoon under Jemadar Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by 9th Platoon under Jemadar Ram Chander, with the company HQ next to it. The mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was on the reverse slope. The Chinese offensive in this sector commenced on November 18th, coinciding with the attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). A two pronged assault was launched against the Chushul defenses. The northern prong targeted Gurung Hill, while the second prong attacked the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, also known as the Ahir Company, at Rezang La. Rezang La was an isolated feature situated approximately 11 kilometers south of Spanggur Gap and dominated the lifeline of the Chushul garrison - the road connecting Leh via Dungti.

The first wave of attack was launched from the direction of Platoon 8 at around 2:00 AM by a column of about 30 enemy soldiers. The movement of Chinese soldiers was detected by the LP (Listening Post) of Platoon 8 and was conveyed to the Platoon Commander, Jem Hari Ram, by the Section-1 commander, Naik Hukum Chand. Jemr Hari Ram informed Capt Shaitan Singh and immediately sprang into action. He instructed the Section-1 commander to move to the LP position with an LMG detachment and halt the Chinese advance. Once the enemy was around 50 yards away, Naik Hukum Chand ordered, "Fire." The enemy was caught off guard, and in no time, the column of Chinese soldiers was brought down. The first attack of the enemy was successfully repulsed, and all section posts and mortar sections were now ready to face the next attack. The second attack was launched at 4:00 AM from the direction of Platoon 7 by another column of enemy soldiers. Jem Surja Ram swiftly redeployed his 'Section-Three' to the planned alternate location to engage the enemy. 'Section-Three,' under the command of Naik Sahi Ram, counterattacked the enemy with light machine guns, rifles, and grenades. Jem Surja Ram and his platoon, aided significantly by Naik Sahi Ram's section, successfully repelled the second enemy attack. The pattern continued, with the enemy launching attacks at regular intervals with increasing intensity. Jem Hari Ram and his troops held their defenses despite suffering losses of men and equipment until the sixth wave of attack, which came at 7:40 AM.

The sixth wave of enemy attack was accompanied by heavy mortar shelling and the use of two MMGs from two fronts. By this point, Platoon 8 had run out of ammunition. Undeterred, Naik Chandgi Ram of 'Section-Three' led his section in a bayonet charge, shouting the battle cry, "Dada Kishan Ki Jai." Following 'Section-Three,' Havildar Rama Nand, Sepoy Khoob Chand, and other soldiers of 'Section-Two' and the 2-inch mortar section charged the approaching enemy. In the next few minutes, Jem Hari Ram led his remaining soldiers in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the enemy soldiers, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice. Jem Hari Ram, leading the 8th Platoon, displayed exemplary bravery through his actions. Even with significant casualties within the platoon, he continuously motivated his comrades and directed operations. Jem Hari Ram displayed outstanding courage and gallantry, laying down his life at the age of 33 in the line of duty. He was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra" for his exceptional courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. After the ceasefire, Rezang La fell into no man's land, which meant it was disputed and not to be occupied by either country. Jem Hari Ram and other martyred soldiers of 13 Kumaon lay frozen there until a shepherd discovered their bodies nearly three months later.

Jem Hari Ram is survived by his wife Smt Lilawati Devi.

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

On 18 November 1962, the Chinese attacked the Rezang la Company post in Ladakh after heavy concentration of artillery and mortar fire. The defending company was greatly outnumbered but continued to fight very gallantly and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Jemadars Surja, Hari Ram and Ram Chander set fine example by their own actions. They continued to rally and encourage their men in spite of the heavy casualties suffered by them and displayed courage and devotion to duty of high order.