Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar SC

Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar hailed from Ranchi, Jharkhand. He was the son of Shri S.K. Shukla and Smt. Sushma Shukla, who instilled in him the values of discipline, dedication, and patriotism, shaping his journey toward a life of service in the Indian Armed Forces. He completed his schooling at St. John's School, Ranchi, and later pursued his graduation from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi. With a strong aspiration to serve the nation, he successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) in 1999, marking the beginning of his distinguished military career. He was commissioned into the 24 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment—one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its valour and distinguished battle honours. Throughout his military career, Lt Col Sankalp exemplified the qualities of a fearless leader, always placing duty, honour, and courage above all else. Beyond the battlefield, he was a devoted family man. After a few years of service, he married Ms Priya, and together they built a loving home, blessed with two daughters, Sara and Mana.

Despite the demanding nature of his profession, Lt Col Sankalp ensured that his time with family was meaningful. Whenever he returned home from duty, he wholeheartedly embraced fatherhood, cooking meals for his daughters, taking them out for cycling and swimming, and watching cartoons with them. His playful nature and deep involvement in their lives made him not just a father but also a best friend to his little girls. His parents took great pride in his sense of responsibility—not just towards his family but also towards his duty as a soldier and even strangers in need. Lt Col Sankalp Kumar was a leader who always led from the front. His courage was tested in 2004 when he survived a fierce encounter with terrorists, an experience that only strengthened his resolve to serve the nation with even greater determination. A decade later, in 2014, he once again found himself in the line of fire, confronting militants with the same indomitable spirit that defined his military career. 

Uri Operation: 05 Dec 2014

On 05 December 2014, Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar led a combat operation aimed at neutralizing a Fidayeen (suicide) attack on 31 Field Regiment in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack had been launched by heavily armed terrorists who had infiltrated the Mahura Gun Area, a strategically significant location. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lt Col Sankalp swiftly took command and devised a tactical response to counter the threat. At 0545 hours, he established stop positions on the western side of the Mahura Gun Area, effectively containing the movement of the six terrorists who had managed to infiltrate the camp. By the time he reached the scene, the enemy had already inflicted casualties, killing five soldiers from his unit. Undeterred, he pressed forward with his team, determined to prevent further losses.

By 0550 hours, as Lt Col Sankalp advanced alongside Havildar Subhash Chand and Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, they came under heavy and effective enemy fire. In the heat of the battle, Lt Col Sankalp retaliated immediately, skillfully engaging the terrorists and pinning them down, thereby preventing them from launching further attacks on the troops stationed in the area. As the exchange of fire escalated, the terrorists resorted to more aggressive tactics, lobbing grenades and unleashing a volley of automatic gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, Lt Col Sankalp sustained grievous injuries. However, despite his wounds, he refused to withdraw. With absolute disregard for his personal safety, he continued engaging the enemy, displaying exceptional courage and unwavering determination. He knew that the terrorists aimed to cause more casualties and was resolute in preventing them from succeeding. In a rare display of extraordinary bravery, Lt Col Sankalp held his ground, using precise and effective fire to pin down the attackers. His actions significantly altered the course of the battle, ultimately leading to the elimination of one of the terrorists. However, in the process of defending his fellow soldiers and his country, he made the supreme sacrifice.

Lt Col Sankalp Kumar’s heroism and selfless sacrifice embody the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His conspicuous act of valour and exemplary fortitude in the face of overwhelming terrorist fire will forever be remembered as an inspiration to generations of soldiers and patriots. His legacy remains etched in the annals of history, a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his duty. Lt Col Sankalp Kumar was awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for his gallantry, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. Lt Col Sankalp Kumar is survived by his father Shri S.K. Shukla, mother Smt. Sushma Shukla, wife Smt Priya Shukla and two daughters Sara and Mana.

The citation for the Shaurya Chakra awarded to him reads:

On 05 December 2014, he was leading a column as part of the operation launched to neutralize the Fidayeen attack on 31 Field Regiment at Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. At 0545 hours, he established stops around western side of Mahura Gun Area wherein six terrorists sneaked inside and caused casualty to five Other Ranks. At 0550 hours Lt Col Sankalp Kumar along with Hav Subhash Chand and Lance Naik Gurmail Singh came under effective fire. The officer retaliated immediately pinning down the terrorists. Thereafter, terrorists lobbed grenades and fired a volley of burst grievously injuring the officer. With utter disregard to his personal safety,the officer continued to engage the terrorist who intended to cause more casualties to own troops. In a rare display of dauntless courage he pinned the terrorist with effective fire thereby resulting in his subsequent elimination before making supreme sacrifice of his life.

Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar displayed conspicuous act of valour and exemplary fortitude in face of terrorist fire.

• Lt Col Sankalp Kumar’s father, 70-year-old S K Shukla, said: “I am extremely unfortunate that my son has been killed. But I am also proud that he laid down his life for the nation.”
• On the day of his funeral, a pall of gloom fell over Sainik Colony at Ranchi where Lt Col Kumar was born and brought up. Professor I D Ram, his neighbour, said: “I am shocked. He was dear to everyone.”