Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar

Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar hailed from Bibi village in Phaltan Tehsil of Satara district of Maharashtra. Raised in a rural environment rooted in simplicity and strong values, he completed his early schooling in his hometown. After completing his initial schooling, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry, a regiment known for its distinguished combat record and proud traditions. His induction into the battalion marked the beginning of a demanding yet honourable military journey. After undergoing rigorous training, he developed strong fieldcraft, weapon proficiency, and tactical skills. He imbibed the regimental ethos of courage, resilience, and teamwork, which shaped him into a dependable and committed soldier.

Over the years, he served in various operational and field areas, where his sincerity, discipline, and adaptability stood out. He earned the trust and respect of his seniors through consistent performance and a responsible approach to duty. By 1964, in recognition of his dedication and growing field experience, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Naik. The promotion marked his evolution into a capable non-commissioned leader, entrusted with greater responsibility and the task of guiding fellow soldiers. Alongside his military career, he also built a stable family life. He married Ms Sulochana, who supported him through the demands and challenges of service.

Border Operation  (J&K): 23 Sep 1964

In 1964, during the period of heightened tensions along the India–Pakistan border, Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar’s unit, 20 Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI), was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. The 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI) traces its lineage to the former Baroda State Forces, of which it became the sole successor unit. The battalion was formally raised on 27 May 1949, following the integration of the Baroda State with the erstwhile Province of Bombay. Carrying forward the martial traditions of the state forces, the unit became part of the Indian Army’s Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and quickly established itself as a disciplined and dependable infantry battalion. In November 1960, 20 Maratha Light Infantry moved to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of 19 Infantry Division. Subsequently, the battalion was redeployed to the Rampur area in Kathua district, where it came under the operational control of 161 Infantry Brigade. The battalion was tasked with the demanding responsibility of holding forward pickets and conducting regular patrols along the Ceasefire Line, a role that required constant vigilance, endurance, and readiness in a sensitive border environment marked by frequent tensions and hostile activity.

Operating in rugged terrain and exposed forward locations, the soldiers of 20 MLI carried out sustained surveillance and domination patrols to prevent infiltration and safeguard Indian positions. These duties, though routine in appearance, involved significant risk and required exceptional fieldcraft and courage. On 23 September 1964, during one such patrol along the Ceasefire Line, a detachment of 20 Maratha Light Infantry came under a sudden and intense attack by an enemy force in overwhelming strength. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the patrol stood its ground and engaged the adversary with determination, carrying out its mission in keeping with the highest traditions of the regiment. During this fierce engagement, Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar displayed exemplary courage and steadfast devotion to duty. Fighting under heavy fire, he continued to perform his responsibilities and support his comrades despite grave danger. In the course of the action, he and several fellow soldiers sustained severe injuries while resisting the attack and protecting their position.

The wounded were evacuated under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions and rushed to an Army medical facility for treatment. Despite the best efforts of the attending medical teams, Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The other fallen heroes included Nb Sub Raghunath Kadam, Sep Dagdu Power, Sep Bajrang Shinde, Sep Baba Bhosle, Sep Janardhan Wagh, Sep Dashrath Shrisagar, Sep Namdev Dhage, Sep Ramchandra Chavan, and Sep Balkrishna Nanaware. Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar displayed exemplary courage and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave danger. His sacrifice, along with that of his comrades, remains a lasting testament to the bravery and commitment of the soldiers of the Maratha Light Infantry.

Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar is survived by his wife, Smt Sulochana.