Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar SC

Lieutenant Commander Manoranjan Kumar hailed from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. He was born into a family with a strong military background, being the son of an army veteran, Shri Naveen Kumar, and Smt Rukmini Devi. His father served in the Armoured Corps of the Indian Army, which greatly influenced young Manoranjan’s aspirations from an early age. Growing up in a disciplined and service-oriented environment, he imbibed a strong sense of patriotism and a deep-rooted desire to serve in the armed forces. Due to his father’s postings across the country, Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar completed his schooling in various places, adapting to different environments and excelling academically. He demonstrated exceptional dedication to his studies, scoring an impressive 91% in Class X and 89% in Class XII. Despite the challenges of frequently changing schools, he remained focused and determined, which reflected in his academic achievements.

Inspired by his father’s military service and driven by his own passion for the armed forces, Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar decided to pursue a career in defence. However, while his father served in the Indian Army, he was particularly drawn to the Indian Navy and its technical advancements. After completing high school at Army Public School, Bareilly, he was selected for the Indian Navy through the Direct Technical Entry Scheme. Following his selection, he underwent rigorous technical training in electronics engineering at premier naval training establishments in Goa and Lonavala, Maharashtra. These training programs equipped him with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for a naval officer specializing in electronics and warfare technology. After successfully completing his training, he was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Navy in 2009. His dedication, technical proficiency, and leadership skills saw him rise through the ranks steadily. By 2014, he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, a significant milestone in his naval career. Alongside his technical expertise, he also underwent specialized training as a naval diver, further enhancing his operational capabilities and versatility within the Navy.

INS Sindhuratna: 26th February 2014

In 2014, Lieutenant Commander Manoranjan Kumar was serving aboard the Indian Navy’s Kilo-class submarine INS Sindhuratna. He had joined the vessel in January 2012 and was entrusted with multiple crucial responsibilities, including that of Watch-Keeping Officer (Electrical), Diving Officer, and Officer-in-Charge of the Third Compartment. His role was integral to the submarine's operations, as he was responsible for maintaining electrical systems, overseeing diving operations, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the third compartment. INS Sindhuratna, commissioned into the Indian Navy in December 1988, had participated in numerous naval operations over the years. While the Kilo-class submarines had an estimated lifespan of 30 years, the Navy undertook extensive refits to extend their operational capabilities. The most recent refit of INS Sindhuratna was carried out between May 2013 and December 2013, aimed at ensuring the submarine’s continued readiness for maritime operations. Following the completion of this refit, on 25 February 2014, INS Sindhuratna set sail with a crew of 94 personnel for post-refit sea trials to assess the submarine’s performance and operational integrity.

In the early hours of 26 February 2014, at approximately 0530 hours, INS Sindhuratna was sailing 80 km off the Mumbai coast when an unexpected emergency arose. A significant build-up of smoke was reported in the third compartment, which also housed one-half of the submarine’s main batteries. The presence of smoke in such a sensitive area posed a severe threat to the submarine and its crew, as it could lead to catastrophic damage and potential loss of life. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar and Lt Cdr Kapish Singh, who was serving as Deputy Electrical Officer, immediately sprang into action. Drawing upon their training, experience, and leadership, they mobilized all available personnel and damage control assets to contain the crisis. Despite the growing intensity of heat and rapidly declining visibility due to the thick smoke, both officers remained undeterred and took decisive steps to mitigate the emergency. As conditions inside the third compartment worsened, Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar and Lt Cdr Kapish Singh quickly assessed the potential risks. Realizing that the ambient temperature and smoke levels had reached dangerous levels, they made the critical decision to evacuate the 13-member damage control team to safer areas, thus minimizing casualties. Their selfless and quick thinking drastically reduced the number of potential fatalities, ensuring the survival of their fellow sailors.

Despite the life-threatening conditions, both officers continued their fire-fighting efforts, relaying vital damage control updates to the Command Post and providing crucial assessments of the fire's progression and its potential impact on the submarine. Their determined actions prevented the fire from spreading to the battery compartment, which could have resulted in a catastrophic explosion that might have destroyed the entire vessel. As the smoke thickened and the oxygen levels plummeted, breathing became increasingly difficult, yet Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar and his colleague remained steadfast in their mission. They continued their relentless efforts to contain the fire and push their fellow crew members to safety, displaying unparalleled bravery and unwavering determination. While saving their comrades, both officers were exposed to toxic gases for an extended period, leading to severe poisoning. Their selfless commitment to duty ultimately cost them their lives. In their final moments, they ensured the safety of all 94 crew members and the submarine, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Navy. Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar led from the front, exemplifying the spirit of a true military leader, before making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. For his extraordinary courage, selfless devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards. His actions not only saved the lives of his fellow sailors but also prevented a national maritime disaster, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the nation and the service.

Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar is survived by his father, an Army veteran, Shri Naveen Kumar, and his mother Smt Rukmini Devi.