Lt Natarajan Parthiban KC

Lieutenant N Parthiban was born on 21st August 1983 into a proud military family. His father, Major V Natarajan (Retired), served in the Indian Army, while his mother, Smt Tamil Selvi, provided a strong pillar of support at home. Growing up in a military environment deeply influenced Parthiban’s values and aspirations from an early age. Due to his father's frequent postings across the country, Lt Parthiban experienced a diverse academic journey, attending several schools across India. His education began at Sri Kanna Matriculation School in Chinthamani, Puliangudi, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. He later studied in Army Public Schools located in Delhi, Khaprail (West Bengal), and Patiala (Punjab), before finally completing his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Campus, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This constant relocation not only exposed him to different cultures but also strengthened his adaptability and resilience—traits that would later define his military career.

Fondly nicknamed “Kalaban” by his college friends—a name inspired by his admiration for Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam—Lt Parthiban displayed a deep passion for science, especially Electronics and Computer Science. During his college years at Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli, where he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Physics, he even took up part-time work related to these fields to deepen his understanding and practical knowledge. His journey toward the Armed Forces gained momentum when he joined the 'Senior Division' of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during college. With dedication and commitment, he earned the prestigious ‘C’ certificate, a milestone that further fueled his determination to don the uniform. His patriotic fervor was further ignited by the legendary words of Indian war heroes—“Yeh Dil Maange More” by Capt Vikram Batra, PVC, and “Some goals are so worthy, it is glorious even to fail” by Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC. These quotes left a lasting impression on Parthiban, reinforcing his desire to serve the nation.

While pursuing an M.Sc. in Physics, Lt Parthiban received a call to join the Officers Training Academy (OTA)—a dream come true for him. Without hesitation, he joined OTA and underwent rigorous military training, emerging as a commissioned officer on 18th March 2006. Upon commissioning, Lieutenant N Parthiban was inducted into the 5th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (5 JAK LI), an infantry regiment known for its valour, grit, and distinguished service in high-risk operations in challenging terrains.

Gurez Sector Operation(J&K): 07 Oct 2006

In 2006, Lieutenant N Parthiban was serving with the 5 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was deployed in the Gurez sector of Jammu & Kashmir—a region known for frequent infiltration attempts and intense counter-insurgency operations. On 7th October 2006, Lt Parthiban was leading a forward post in a dense forested area along the Line of Control when his unit received credible intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the border. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Lt Parthiban immediately sprang into action. Demonstrating exemplary leadership, he led a quick-reaction team to the suspected location and strategically positioned his men to provide covering fire. Unfazed by the high-risk environment, Lt Parthiban, along with his buddy, advanced towards the area where the terrorists were believed to be hiding. As they cautiously approached a cluster of large boulders, two terrorists suddenly sprang up and opened indiscriminate fire at close range. Lt Parthiban sustained severe bullet injuries, but his resolve remained unshaken.

In a rare display of raw courage and battlefield grit, Lt Parthiban, despite being grievously wounded and fully aware of the mortal danger, charged at the terrorists without hesitation. In the close-quarter combat that ensued, he successfully neutralized both terrorists single-handedly, preventing a possible infiltration and further casualties. However, in the process, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Following the operation, a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorists, underscoring the magnitude of the threat that had been averted due to Lt Parthiban’s gallant action. For his extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire, Lieutenant N Parthiban was posthumously awarded the "Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice not only thwarted a major infiltration attempt but also inspired generations of soldiers to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Lt Parthiban was also recognized as the youngest recipient of the Kirti Chakra at the time, a testimony to his fearless dedication to the motherland.

Lieutenant N Parthiban is survived by his mother Smt Tamil Selvi, father Major V Natarajan (Retd), and his sister Smt Pushpa Anand.

• In the honour of Lt Parthiban, “Parthiban Memorial Library” was inaugurated on his 9th martyrdom year at the native village Chinthamani. It Provides free service for all at Tirunelveli, in Tamil Nadu.
•  A road has been named after him as Lt N Parthiban Salai.

Operation Future

March ahead my noble soldier,

As our safety rest on your shoulder.

You live by the  chance and love by choice.

Where there is nothing to rejoice.

You have the heart to bear all pain.

Moving though sun snow and rain.

Yours is a breed that fights like a king.

For you its never a personal thing.

You are my role model without a question.

As you lead protest and kill by Profession.

Be it a regular duty or a CI operation.

With the death always looming near

You keep vigil without a fear.

You are the one who lives for the counterys name.

Not caring for money glamour or fame.

You are the one leader of the game.

And would like to become the same. 

    By: Lt  N Parthiban

• “Have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat, then you will not be ashamed to look at the mirror… Words by: Lt N Parthiban KC
• Born to do…Aim of his being…and Proved to be a true Son, a Brother, and a Buddy and a National… a true youth of this Mother Land… Words By:  Lt N Parthiban KC

Lt. Parthiban’s memorable moment (at OTA Kamptee)

The Uncertainty Principle In Life

Life is an endless journey, full of emotions, some pleasant, and some not so pleasant. But there are some incidents, which are like movie trailers. They keep on playing in the head again and again.

I remember one such incident in Nagpur. I was there for a camp at the NCC  Officers Training  Academy. Near the academy, there was a small park and on the last day of the camp, I went there for a walk. The park was deserted except for a man and a very young boy. They were playing and running all over the park. It was a kind of scene, which could make anybody feel good. The man would say “OK Let’s go home now” and the boy would say with unlimited vigor and enthusiasm “daddy just five more minutes”. I was amused as this went on and on and they played for more than two hours. Finally, they sat on a bench near mine and the man smiled at me.

Returning the smile, I told him “Sir, you must be the most patient and wonderful of all fathers”. At this, the man just grinned and looked up into the evening sky. When he looked at me again he was a completely changed man with tears in his eyes. He told me a story. It seems that he had a daughter, aged seven, who always wanted to play with him and spend some time with him. But, for him, his work was more important. He soon realized his mistake as his daughter died in a road accident. he could never play with her, even for five minutes.

Back in the academy, I was punished for coming late into barracks but I learned something that day. Life is completely unpredictable and no one can ever see the future. If we love somebody, we have to show it somehow. That night, I got an out pass and went out to the only phone booth in the academy, I called up my parents and told them that I loved them.