Lance Naik Pawar Namdeo D

Lance Naik Pawar Namdeo Dagdu hailed from Dhamne village in Raigad district of Maharashtra. From a young age, he was inspired by a deep sense of patriotism and a strong desire to serve the nation. After completing his formal education, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the elite Parachute Regiment—one of the most prestigious arms of the Army, known for its exceptionally high standards of physical endurance, courage, and mental resilience. Upon selection, he underwent rigorous commando training that tested every aspect of a soldier’s capability, including unarmed combat, weapon handling, survival skills, airborne operations, and high-altitude warfare. Through sheer determination and perseverance, he completed this demanding course and earned his place in the 5th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (5 Para), an infantry battalion renowned for its daring operations and rich legacy of gallantry.

The 5 Para (Special Forces) is an infantry battalion with a glorious history of daring operations and unmatched gallantry. Highly specialized in mountain warfare and counter-insurgency operations, the battalion is also popularly known as the “Batalik Battalion.” Over the years, Lance Naik Namdeo Pawar served in diverse operational environments—ranging from dense forests and counter-insurgency zones to the snow-clad high-altitude frontiers of northern India. His ability to adapt to some of the toughest conditions highlighted both his versatility and commitment to the Army’s ethos. By 1999, through consistent hard work, discipline, and professionalism, he had risen to the rank of Lance Naik. His combat experience, physical fitness, and unwavering dedication to duty made him an invaluable asset to his battalion, trusted with critical responsibilities during both peacetime operations and the rigours of war.

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Op Meghdoot: 21 Sep 1999

During the Kargil War of 1999, the Indian Army undertook a series of daring operations to reclaim the icy heights illegally occupied by intruders. Among the many brave soldiers who stood out in those fierce battles was Lance Naik Namdeo Dagdu Pawar, a dedicated Light Machine Gunner of the 5th Battalion, Parachute Regiment (5 Para). When the battalion was assigned the task of assaulting and capturing Point 5203, Captain Carriappa—popularly known as Carie among his men—called for volunteers. Despite belonging to another company, L Nk Pawar immediately stepped forward. He had always been known for his physical strength, mental toughness, and exceptional combat skills. Beyond being a disciplined soldier, he was also a skilled boxer, having won several medals in regimental and inter-unit tournaments during peacetime. His courage and resilience made him an invaluable addition to the assault team.

The battle for Pt 5203 was intense and unforgiving. Enemy positions were well entrenched, and the approach was under constant fire. Yet, with the coordinated leadership of Capt Carriappa and the relentless covering fire from L/Nk Pawar’s Light Machine Gun, the assault team pressed forward. L/Nk Pawar’s accurate bursts suppressed enemy resistance, allowing his comrades to advance steadily uphill. By the morning of 22 June 1999, Pt 5203 had been captured. This victory was historic—it was the first major success in the Batalik Sub-Sector, and it paved the way for subsequent operations in the area. Soon after, Capt Carriappa’s company was given another critical mission—to capture Area Conical, a dominating feature along the Line of Control. True to his nature, Lance Naik Pawar once again volunteered to join Carie’s team. On the night of 23 July 1999, the team stealthily advanced and occupied a strong vantage point, taking the enemy by surprise. But the enemy quickly regrouped and launched a violent counter-attack. The exchange of fire was brutal, with bullets and grenades raining down from a distance of barely 50 to 100 metres. At one crucial moment, Capt Carriappa decided to engage the enemy with a Carl Gustav Rocket Launcher. As he prepared to shoulder the heavy weapon, L/Nk Pawar—sensing the imminent risk—grabbed him by the collar and dragged him down into a nearby sangar (stone shelter), shouting above the deafening gunfire.

This instinctive act saved his commander’s life, showcasing L/Nk Pawar’s remarkable loyalty, clarity of thought, and courage under fire. The battle raged through the night, and by the morning of 24 July 1999, Area Conical was in Indian hands. The mission had succeeded, but not without sacrifice—two gallant soldiers were martyred, and several others, including Capt Carriappa, sustained serious injuries. While Captain Carriappa was still undergoing treatment for his injuries, Lance Naik Namdeo Pawar was once again called upon for duty—this time in the Turtuk sector, a region of immense strategic importance along the northern borders. His commitment and resilience in the face of relentless challenges stood out, as he was deployed to one of the toughest battlefields in the world—the Siachen Glacier—under Operation Meghdoot. Serving in the extremely hostile and unforgiving terrain, where sub-zero temperatures and treacherous conditions tested even the strongest of soldiers, he continued to perform his duties with exceptional courage and determination. It was during this deployment, on 21st September 1999, that Lance Naik Namdeo Pawar made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life in the line of duty.

Lance Naik Namdeo Pawar is survived by his wife, Smt Sujata Namdeo and three daughters.