Lieutenant Baliram Parab

Lieutenant Baliram Parab was born in the family of Chaukul of Amboli, located at the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Since his childhood he was fascinated by Army life and had his earlier education in King George’s Military School Belgaum in Karnataka. After completing his school education Lt Parab joined the Army and was commissioned into the Parachute Regiment.Lt Parab was a committed soldier and loved challenges of military life. He later volunteered for the special forces and joined 2 Para(SF), known for its daredevil operations in very demanding situations.

Indo-Pak war : 16 Sep 1965

During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Lt Baliram Parab’s  unit was deployed in the Lahore Front of Pak sector. Lieutenant Baliram Parab who was commanding a company, went into the attack just after mid-night on 15 September. Lt Baliram Parab’s unit was tasked to attack enemy held position  in order to get into a position of domination.

 The objective was a bridge which was well guarded by the enemy with his many machine guns and covered with defensive artillery and motor fire. The area  also had minefield. The attack went in as planned and during the assault stage Lieutenant Baliram Parab was wounded in the leg by a bullet. He tied a first field dressing on the bleeding wound and carried on the assault, limping; but with determination, he was seen by his comrades encouraging his men to carry on inspite of the mine field, the heavy shelling and the thick belt of Medium Machine Gun and other arms fire. The attack was successful. The enemy suffered lot of causalities; so did our attacking troops. In this brisk battle Lieutenant Baliram Parab was killed by one of the enemy shells.

Earlier in the year Lieutenant Baliram Parab had fought against “the PAKISTANI invaders” in KUTCH. His bravery, determination and devotion on duty came to be well known to his Battalion and his field Formation. In the attack of 16 September, his Commanding Officer who directed the attack has recorded that “Baliram was undoubtedly one or the bravest officer I have seen.” “I can vouch for his unflinching bravery, great personal courage and exemplary leadership.”