Lance Naik Khushi Ram Yadav

Lance Naik Khushi Ram Yadav was born on March 30, 1966, in Dostpur village, located in the Narnaul tehsil of Mahendragarh district in Haryana. Born to Shri Chanda Ram and Smt. Badami Devi, he was raised in a nurturing environment alongside his two brothers, Hansraj Yadav and Rati Ram, and five elder sisters. From an early age, Khushi Ram displayed an extraordinary sense of responsibility and determination. Growing up in a rural setting, Khushi Ram's childhood was shaped by traditional values and a strong work ethic instilled by his parents. He attended Government School Shahbajpur for his initial education, where his commitment to learning and discipline were evident. His ambition to join the armed forces was a natural extension of his patriotic spirit and his aspiration to contribute to the country’s safety and integrity.

On February 10, 1984, at the young age of 18, Khushi Ram’s dream came true when he joined the Indian Army. He was inducted into the 10 Mahar Battalion of the prestigious Mahar Regiment. The Mahar Regiment, established in 1941, has a distinguished history of valour and sacrifice. Known for its exceptional discipline, bravery, and professionalism, the regiment has played a crucial role in several important military operations since its inception. L/Nk Khushi Ram embraced the ethos of the Mahar Regiment and swiftly adapted to the rigorous life of a soldier.

In his early years of service, L/Nk Khushi Ram Yadav underwent intensive military training, where his physical strength, mental fortitude, and unwavering dedication stood out.  As a member of the 10 Mahar Battalion, he participated in various operations and exercises, consistently demonstrating his reliability and valour on the field. As his military career progressed, L/Nk Khushi Ram reached personal milestones as well. After a few years of dedicated service, he married Ms. Prem Devi. Their union was a source of joy and strength, and the couple was blessed with three children: a son, Krishna Yadav, and two daughters, Manisha Kumari and Arti Kumari. By 1997, Lance Naik Khushi Ram Yadav had completed over 12 years of service in the Indian Army. His dedication and commendable performance earned him the promotion to the rank of Lance Naik. By this time, he had evolved into a seasoned and committed soldier, embodying the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. 

The patrol's route passed near Dhoyapathar village, a densely forested area shrouded in darkness and heavy rain, providing perfect cover for insurgents. Unbeknownst to the patrol, a group of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) militants lay in ambush, having planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the road. As the patrol neared the area around 2330 hours, the militants executed their premeditated attack. The IED was detonated beneath the civilian bus traveling behind the military vehicle, followed by a barrage of intense automatic gunfire targeting the 1xTon. The suddenness of the ambush, coupled with the adverse conditions of darkness, rain, and the dense jungle, made it challenging to locate the attackers. Despite the chaos, the soldiers of 10 Mahar battalion responded with remarkable composure, coordination, and courage. They immediately opened retaliatory fire, confronting the militants head-on. Tragically, the IED explosion claimed the lives of Nb Sub Sham Saran Pandey, Nk Jagdish Singh, and L/Nk Raghubir Singh, who were martyred on the spot. The remaining patrol members continued their counterattack with unwavering determination. Among them, Hav Amrik Singh and L/Nk Khushi Ram, though gravely injured, stood their ground and fought valiantly, ensuring the militants could not advance or seize any weapons. Their resilience and bravery forced the insurgents to retreat into the jungle.

Amid the intense firefight, two patrol members embarked on a perilous journey, walking 12 kilometers on foot to seek reinforcements from the Company location. However, by the time reinforcements arrived, both L/Nk Khushi Ram and Hav Amrik Singh had succumbed to their injuries, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Lance Naik Khushi Ram Yadav is survived by his wife Smt Prem Devi, son Shri Krishna Yadav, daughters Ms Manisha Kumari and Ms Arti Kumari.