Lt Anurag Shukla

Lieutenant Anurag Shukla hailed from Singra Khurd village, situated in the Medninagar block of Palamu district, Jharkhand. Born into a family that upheld values of integrity and perseverance, he was the son of Shri Jitendra Shukla and Smt Usha Shukla. Growing up in a close-knit family, he shared a deep bond with his two sisters, Supriya and Roshni, who were his pillars of support and encouragement throughout his journey. Lt Anurag displayed remarkable academic potential from a young age. He completed his early education up to Class X at DAV School in Daltonganj, where he was known for his discipline, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination. With a keen interest in broadening his horizons, he moved to Ranchi for higher studies and pursued a degree in Economics from the prestigious St. Xavier’s College. His academic pursuits reflected his analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity, but his true calling lay elsewhere.

Since his early years, Lt  Anurag harbored a strong aspiration to serve in the Indian Army. Inspired by the stories of valour and patriotism, he remained steadfast in his ambition, working tirelessly toward his goal. His perseverance bore fruit when he successfully cleared the highly competitive Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). This achievement secured him a place at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, one of the most esteemed military training institutions in the country. During his rigorous training at IMA, he honed his physical endurance, strategic acumen, and leadership skills, preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Upon completing his training, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army and joined the 10th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (10 JAK Rif). The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is a regiment known for its fearless soldiers and a glorious history of battle exploits, having played a significant role in numerous military operations.

Karanpur Army Exercise : 19 April 2019

In 2019, Lieutenant Anurag Shukla was serving with the 10th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (10 JAK Rif), which was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. A dedicated and promising young officer, he was known for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to duty, and deep camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. As part of their operational preparedness, his battalion was tasked with participating in a crucial combat training exercise in Rajasthan. In April 2019, 10 JAK Rif moved to the Karanpur area in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, to conduct the exercise. This high-intensity training was designed to enhance combat readiness, strengthen battlefield tactics, and improve the physical endurance of the soldiers. As a key member of the unit, Lt Anurag Shukla was actively involved in the exercise, leading his team in various combat maneuvers and ensuring that each aspect of the training was executed with precision.

On the afternoon of April 19, 2019, a routine training session took a tragic turn. One of the battalion’s soldiers, Rifleman Sharvjeet Singh, had gone for a swimming practice session but soon found himself in distress. Struggling against the strong currents, he began to drown, desperately calling for help. Lt Anurag Shukla, who was present at the location, instantly recognized the gravity of the situation. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang into action, displaying remarkable presence of mind and selflessness. Fully aware of the risks involved, he jumped into the water to rescue his comrade, prioritizing the life of his fellow soldier over his own safety. Despite the perilous conditions, Lt Anurag Shukla fought against the powerful currents and successfully managed to bring Rifleman Sharvjeet Singh to safety. However, in the process of this heroic rescue, he himself got caught in the deep waters. The swift-moving currents proved to be overwhelming, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to make it back to shore.

A rescue team was immediately deployed, and for nearly an hour, they struggled to extricate him from the water. Once recovered, he was rushed to the Government Hospital at Gajsinghpur, where the medical team did everything possible to revive him. Unfortunately, by the time he was brought in, it was too late, and the nation lost a brave son at the young age of 23. His act of extraordinary courage, selflessness, and camaraderie epitomized the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He laid down his life in the noblest of ways—saving a fellow soldier, upholding the values of duty and sacrifice.

Lt Anurag Shukla is survived by his father, Shri Jitendra Shukla, his mother, Smt Usha Shukla, and his two sisters, Supriya and Roshni.