Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar SM

Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar, a brave son of Jajanwala village in Jind district, Haryana, joined the Indian Army in 2015, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and an unwavering desire to serve the nation. Born to Shri Balwan Singh and Smt. Ram Snehi Devi, in 1997 he grew up in a close-knit family and shared a strong bond with his sister, Manju Bala. Even as a child, he would often say with quiet determination that one day he would join the Indian Army. His commitment to this dream was evident throughout his school years. He was deeply dedicated to physical fitness and discipline, and every day he, along with a group of village youths, followed a strict fitness routine. His passion and consistency naturally inspired others around him. As a result of his encouragement and example, many young men from the village were motivated to prepare for recruitment and eventually joined the Army. His journey was not without struggle—he faced setbacks and succeeded on his third attempt, finally achieving his long-cherished goal. In 2015, he proudly joined the Indian Army, turning a childhood dream into a life of service.

Through relentless effort, rigorous training, and outstanding performance, he earned the rare honour of being inducted into one of the most elite formations of the Indian Army — the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). Serving with such a unit is a distinction achieved only by the finest soldiers, and Pradeep Kumar embraced this responsibility with humility and pride. The 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), proudly known as the “Red Devils,” is the oldest battalion of the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army. Originally raised in 1761, the unit was later converted into a Special Forces battalion in 1978. Over the decades, it has built an exceptional legacy of courage and operational excellence. 1 Para (SF) specialises in special operations, urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and covert missions, operating in hostile and high-risk environments. Its soldiers are selected through one of the most demanding processes in the military and are trained to the highest standards of physical endurance, mental resilience, and tactical expertise.

As a Para Commando, he served in some of the most challenging operational environments, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where he was regularly involved in high-risk counter-terrorism and special operations. These missions demanded not only exceptional physical endurance but also sharp tactical awareness, courage under fire, and absolute commitment to duty. Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar consistently demonstrated these qualities, earning the respect of his seniors and the admiration of his comrades. He was married to Ms Manisha (Married in 2022), and despite the demanding nature of his service, he remained a caring husband and a deeply responsible family man. 

Kulgam Operation (J&K): 06 July 2024

In 2024, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar was serving with the elite 1 Para (Special Forces), deployed in the highly sensitive Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC). This region, characterised by rugged mountainous terrain and persistent infiltration attempts, remains one of the most volatile military frontiers in the world. For over two years, he had operated in this hostile environment with unwavering commitment and professionalism. On 6 July 2024, acting on specific intelligence about the presence of two terrorists hiding in a village in Kulgam district, a cordon-and-search operation was launched. Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar was detailed as the leading scout of the search party, entrusted with the critical task of guiding his team to the identified house. As the troops approached the target, the terrorists suddenly opened heavy fire on the search party. Reacting instantly to the ambush, Lance Naik Pradeep displayed exceptional presence of mind and fearless leadership. He returned accurate fire and successfully neutralised one terrorist, buying crucial time for his team to take cover and reorganise.

During the intense exchange of fire, he sustained serious bullet injuries. Despite bleeding profusely, he continued to engage the second terrorist and provided vital covering fire to ensure the safety and repositioning of his comrades. He was eventually evacuated from the site by fellow soldiers, but despite all medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom in the line of duty.  In recognition of his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and supreme sacrifice, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) by the Indian Army on 15 Jan 2026. 

Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar is survived by his father, Shri Balwan Singh, mother, Smt Ram Snehi Devi, wife Smt Manisha Devi and sister Ms Manju Bala.