Lieutenant Mayekar Narendra Atmaram hailed from Vasco da Gama in Goa. He was born to Shri Atmaram and Smt. Bhagirathi, who instilled in him strong values of discipline, integrity, and service to the nation. After completing his graduation, he chose the path of the Armed Forces, inspired by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute meaningfully to national defence. He joined the Indian Army as a soldier and later got commissioned as an officer. He was commissioned into the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). The Corps of EME plays a vital role in sustaining the operational readiness of the Army by providing technical expertise in the design, development, inspection, maintenance, and refit of a wide spectrum of weapon systems, vehicles, and equipment. Officers of this corps combine soldierly qualities with high levels of technical proficiency, ensuring that fighting formations remain equipped and battle-ready under all conditions.
Upon completion of his rigorous military and technical training, Lieutenant Mayekar was posted to the North Eastern region of India—an area known for its challenging terrain and demanding operational environment. There, he was deputed to serve with the 11th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, providing essential engineering and maintenance support to the infantry unit. In this role, he worked closely with frontline soldiers, ensuring that critical equipment functioned reliably during counter-insurgency and operational tasks, thereby directly contributing to the battalion’s effectiveness in the field. Lieutenant Mayekar’s journey reflected the seamless integration of technical excellence and military commitment, exemplifying the ethos of the Corps of EME—serving silently but decisively behind the fighting forces to keep the Army’s spearhead sharp. After serving for some time, Lieutenant Mayekar entered into matrimony with Miss Neha. The couple was later blessed with a daughter, Nidhi, who brought great joy to their family.
Operation Rhino(Assam) : 26th Feb 2000
During February 2000, Lieutenant Mayekar Narendra Atmaram was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, deployed in Assam as part of Operation Rhino, a counter-insurgency campaign launched by the security forces to combat ULFA militants in the North Eastern region. The battalion’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) was severely affected by insurgent activity, requiring troops to remain continuously engaged in operations aimed at restoring security and maintaining stability. As part of sustained counter-militancy measures, the unit carried out regular patrols, surveillance tasks, and search operations to track suspicious movements and deny militants the freedom to operate. The insurgents active in the region largely belonged to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a militant organization seeking to establish an independent state of Assam. Their activities included operating from concealed hideouts, launching attacks on security forces, and intimidating the local population to sustain their influence. On 26 February 2000, acting on credible intelligence received from local sources regarding the presence of hardcore ULFA militants in Bagariguri village in Nagaon district, the unit planned a deliberate operation to neutralise the threat.
Lieutenant Mayekar was entrusted with leading the search and assault team assigned to clear the suspected militant hideout. At approximately 2230 hours, as he approached the target house with his party, the militants suddenly opened heavy fire. In the initial burst, Lieutenant Mayekar was grievously wounded in the abdomen. Despite sustaining a critical injury, he displayed exceptional composure and complete disregard for his personal safety. Refusing to withdraw, he rallied his men and prepared to press the assault, determined to prevent the militants from escaping or regrouping. Bleeding profusely, Lieutenant Mayekar closed in on the terrorists and engaged them in fierce close-quarter combat. Displaying exceptional courage and determination, he personally eliminated two militants in hand-to-hand fighting. Throughout the encounter, he continued to encourage and direct his troops, inspiring them to maintain the momentum of the assault. Motivated by his leadership and example, the soldiers pressed the attack and successfully neutralised the remaining militants. In the operation, three hardcore ULFA terrorists were killed, and a cache of arms, ammunition, and incriminating documents was recovered.
Even after being critically injured, Lieutenant Mayekar refused evacuation until he was certain that the mission had been accomplished and his men were safe. Only after the objective had been secured did he allow himself to be attended to. He later succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Lieutenant Mayekar Narendra Atmaram’s actions were marked by conspicuous bravery, indomitable spirit, and selfless devotion to duty. By leading from the front under intense fire and continuing to fight despite mortal wounds, he upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his exceptional gallantry and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Lieutenant Mayekar remains remembered as a valiant and dedicated officer whose courage and leadership exemplified the finest ideals of military service and devotion to the nation.
Lt Mayekar Narendra Atmaram is survived by his father Shri Atmaram, mother Smt Bhagirathi, wife Smt Neha Mayekar and daughter Ms Nidhi Mayekar.
प्रवीण चन्द्र चौधरी (अवकाश प्राप्त नौसेना अधिकारी)
2026 at 5:33 pmकीर्ति चक्र विजेता, वीर हुतात्मा Lt. Narender Mayekar जी को शत शत नमन। राष्ट्र की रक्षा हेतु उनके सर्वोच्च बलिदान को देश विशेषकर गोवा वासी सदैव याद रखेंगे, गौरव की अनुभूति करेंगे। Mormugao तालुका के SADA स्थित उनके स्मारक स्थल का दर्शन कर युवा प्रेरणा और ऊर्जा प्राप्त करेंगे। नमन है उस माँ को जिसने इस वीर सपूत को जन्म दिया, नमन है उस जीवन संगिनी को जिसने अपने पति को वीरगति प्राप्त करने के बाद भी जीवन पर्यन्त उनका संग नहीं छोड़ा अर्थात पति के गौरवगाथा के साथ, उनकी एकमात्र पुत्री के साथ अकेले जीने का संकल्प लिया और गर्व के साथ जी रही है। बस आवश्यकता है कि हम गोवा वासी कीर्ति चक्र विजेता की वीर नारी श्रीमति नेहा मायकर को यथोचित सम्मान दें, उनका आदर करें। उनके परिवार का ख्याल रखें।
Cdr. Gurprit Pal Singh Bajwa (Retd )
2026 at 5:33 pmMy Salute to the Brave officer who hails from Vasco da Gama.
A leader who has set the example to lead from the front.
मनोज विद्याधर मयेकर.
2026 at 5:36 pmसंपूर्ण देश तुमच्या हया बलिदानाला कधीच विसरणार नाही.आणि आमच्या भंडारी समाजाला तुमच्या बलिदानाचे कार्य सदैव प्रेरणादायी ठरेल. आम्हाला तुमचा अभिमान आहे. जय हिंद,जय महाराष्ट्र