Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar SC

Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar was born on December 31, 1960, in Mumbai to Shri Udupi Vasudev Bhandarkar and Smt Shakuntala Bhandarkar. He was raised in a close-knit family, growing up alongside his two brothers, Arun and Anil. His eldest brother, Colonel Arun Bhandarkar, followed the honourable path of military service, dedicating his life to the Indian Army. Having an elder brother in the Armed Forces played a significant role in shaping his perspective on courage, leadership, and sacrifice. After completing his early education at National English School—now known as National Public School, Rajajinagar, Bangalore—he continued his studies at Sainik School Bijapur. It was here that he received rigorous training and discipline, laying the foundation for his future in the armed forces. The structured environment, combined with a strong emphasis on leadership, physical endurance, and academic excellence, played a pivotal role in shaping his military aspirations and preparing him for the challenges ahead. His aspirations took a definitive step forward when he was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. Following his training at NDA, as part of 59th Course, he moved to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun to complete his officer training.

Commissioned into the 18 Madras Battalion of the Madras Regiment, Lt Col Ajit became part of a regiment known for its gallant soldiers and remarkable battle honours. After a few years of service, he married Ms. Shakuntala on 11 Oct 1990, and the couple was blessed with two sons, Nirbhay and Akshay. Throughout his military career, Lt Col Ajit participated in various operations across diverse terrains and environments, leading to frequent relocations for his family. They lived in cities like Pune, Indore, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, adapting to the nomadic lifestyle of an Army family. Later in his career, Lt Col Ajit was deputed to the 25 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. Since the unit was stationed in a high-risk field area, his family remained in Delhi while he carried out his duties in the conflict zone.

Faizalabad Operation: 30 Oct 1999

During October 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar was serving with the 25 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was deployed in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The battalion was part of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) – Romeo Force, operating under the operational control of XVI Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps. This Corps is regarded as one of the finest operational formations of the Indian Army, responsible for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The area under the battalion's responsibility was highly volatile and infested with militants, necessitating frequent counter-insurgency operations. As an experienced and valiant officer, Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar played a key role in leading such operations to neutralize threats and ensure security in the region.

On 30 October 1999, intelligence reports indicated the presence of five hardcore militants in Faizalabad village (Surankote), Poonch. With the mission of eliminating the threat, Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar personally led a cordon and search operation, demonstrating his exemplary leadership and courage. As the operation progressed, he spotted the militants attempting to escape towards a nearby nallah (a dry riverbed). Without hesitation, he pursued them, determined to prevent their escape. In a close-quarters battle, he engaged the militants at point-blank range, shooting down one of them. As he advanced further, another militant, concealed within the nallah, opened fire indiscriminately, critically injuring him. Despite sustaining grievous injuries, Lt Col Ajit refused to back down. Summoning his remaining strength, he lobbed a grenade towards the militants, crawled forward, and successfully neutralized another terrorist. His fearless actions not only eliminated three hardcore militants but also saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. However, during this intense combat, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. For his exceptional bravery, indomitable spirit, and selfless leadership in the face of enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards.

Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar is survived by his wife Smt Shakuntala Bhandarkar, his two sons, Nirbhay and Akshay, his parents, and his two brothers. His sacrifice left behind not just a void in his family but also an inspiring legacy of patriotism, valour, and commitment to the nation. His wife, Smt Shakuntala Ajit Bhandarkar, after dedicating over three decades as an educator, continues to contribute to society as the co-founder and Director of Metamorphes Foundation, a nonprofit organization working towards the welfare and empowerment of veterans and veer parivars (families of martyrs). As a tribute to her husband’s unwavering bravery, she authored a book titled “The Saga of a Braveheart: Lt Col Ajit V. Bhandarkar”, which was released on his 60th birth anniversary on 31 Dec 2020. 

The spirit of service and dedication to the nation has also been carried forward by Lt Col Bhandarkar’s sons. His elder son, Major Nirbhay Bhandarkar, followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Indian Army and was commissioned into his father’s unit 18 Madras after passing out from the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. His younger son, Lt Cdr Akshay Bhandarkar, chose to serve the country through the Indian Navy, joining as an officer after completing his engineering degree. The story of Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar is a testament to selfless sacrifice, bravery, and an enduring commitment to the motherland. His name continues to inspire future generations of soldiers and citizens alike, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Citation for the “Shaurya Chakra” awarded to him reads:-

On 30 October 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar led an operation in village Faizalabad (Surankot) in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. A cordon and search operation was launched to eliminate five hardcore militants hiding in the village. Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar spotted the militants escaping towards a nalla. He chased the militants inside the nalla and shot dead one militant at point blank range. The second militant hiding inside the nalla fired indiscriminately, injuring him grievously. Despite being injured, he moved ahead and lobbed a grenade on the militants. He then crawled forward and shot down a militant. His action saved the lives of other personnel. His daring action resulted in the elimination of three hardcore militants. He, However, succumbed to his injuries.

Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar, thus, displayed gallantry and bold leadership while facing the militants and made the supreme sacrifice.

• “They gave their today for our tomorrow. I feel the void he’s left behind, but his sacrifice has only made me stronger. He always wanted me to stand on my feet and I am proud that I did.”  : his wife Smt Shakunthala Bhandarkar.

• Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar’s wife Smt Shakunthala Ajit Bhandarkar, after having completed three decades in school as an Educator, is currently the co-founder and Director of Metamorphes Foundation, a non profit organization which works towards the welfare and empowerment of veterans and veer parivars. She has also written a book “The Saga of a Braveheart Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar ” a biography on the brave-heart as a tribute on his 60th “Birth Anniversary”.

• To keep the legacy going Metamorphes Foundation has instituted a Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar Memorial Award for Excellence in Schools across India.

• The documentary "The Saga of Braveheart", produced by MAYA Films in association with Metamorphes, has been a powerful tribute to courage and sacrifice. As part of India’s 75th year of Independence – The Amrit Mahotsav, it has been screened over 75 times across schools, colleges, and NCC camps, inspiring young minds with the stories of valour and dedication. Beyond educational institutions, the documentary has also been showcased at prestigious Indian Armed Forces establishments, including the Defence Services Staff College, Army War College, The Madras Regimental Centre, and the Madras Engineering Group, reinforcing its significance within the military fraternity. Recognized for its impactful storytelling, "The Saga of Braveheart" has received top honours in the film industry, winning the Best Documentary Award at the 13th Dadasaheb Phalke Documentary Awards 2023 and the Best Script Award at the Noida International Film Festival 2023. This remarkable achievement highlights the documentary’s ability to capture the spirit of heroism and patriotism, ensuring that the legacy of India’s bravehearts continues to inspire generations.

• In honour of his exceptional service and supreme sacrifice, a gate named "Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar Dwar" has been erected at Sainik School Bijapur. This tribute stands as a symbol of remembrance and respect, ensuring that his legacy of bravery and dedication to the nation continues to inspire future generations of cadets.