Lieutenant Pankaj Vikram SM

Lieutenant Pankaj Vikram, a valiant son of Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, was born on June 15, 1963. He was the son of Shri Jitendra Vikram, who later relocated the family to Raipur for professional reasons. From a young age, Lt Pankaj exhibited a deep sense of duty and a strong inclination towards serving his nation. Lt Pankaj completed his schooling at Holy Cross School, Pensionbada, Raipur where he was known for his discipline and determination. His academic pursuits led him to the Government Engineering College, where he successfully completed his engineering degree, showcasing his intellectual acumen and commitment to excellence.

In 1986, Lt Pankaj took a pivotal step toward realizing his patriotic aspirations when he was selected as an officer in the Indian Army. Following a year of rigorous military training that honed his physical endurance and leadership skills, he was commissioned into the 8th Engineering Regiment. In July 1987, he was posted to Secunderabad, where he began his illustrious career in service of the nation. During this period, Indian troops were actively engaged in peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka under the mandate to stabilize the region and restore peace.

IPKF Operations : August 1987

As part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 29, 1987, the militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was expected to surrender their arms to the Indian Army. At this time, Lieutenant Pankaj Vikram was serving with the 8th Engineering Regiment, which became one of the first units to join the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). After the signing of the accord, civilians began returning to their homes, only to find many premises heavily mined and rigged with booby traps. The Indian Army undertook a massive operation to remove these mines and traps, ensuring the safe return of civilians. As part of this initiative, Lieutenant Pankaj Vikram was assigned a critical operation on August 12, 1987. The mission, led by Major GHD Dulip Singh, also included Naib Subedar G Mukunda Rao and Naib Subedar Dhyalan. The team was tasked with clearing explosives from houses near Jaffna Fort, a region heavily affected by insurgent activity.

Lt Pankaj Vikram and his team successfully defused explosives in one house before moving to a nearby compound, where a booby trap was identified. Fully aware of the risks, Lt Pankaj Vikram, demonstrating exemplary courage and leadership, took charge of clearing the trap. He briefed his team thoroughly and began the delicate process of neutralizing the explosive device. However, during this operation, the LTTE triggered another improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in a massive explosion. The devastating blast severely injured Major Dulip Singh and Naib Subedar G. Mukunda Rao, who later succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Lt Pankaj Vikram, despite his grievous injuries, held on for two more days before succumbing to his wounds on August 14, 1987. Lt Pankaj Vikram was a fearless soldier and an inspiring leader who led from the front in the face of grave danger. Displaying remarkable courage, Lt Pankaj laid down his life at the age of 24 years in the line of his duty. Lt Pankaj Vikram was given the gallantry award, "Sena Medal" for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, leadership and  supreme sacrifice. 

Lieutenant Pankaj Vikram is survived by his elder brother Shri Neeraj Vikram.