Lt Ram Prakash Roperia AC

Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia was born on June 10, 1959, in Pali village of Hissar District, Haryana, into the family of Shri Bhal Singh. He began his early education at the village school, where he laid the foundation of his academic journey. Demonstrating a strong inclination towards discipline and learning, he later secured admission to the prestigious Sainik School in Kunjpura, Haryana. Known for grooming future leaders of the armed forces, Sainik School played a pivotal role in shaping his character and aspirations. Lt Roperia excelled in his studies and successfully completed his Higher Secondary education with a First Class in 1976. Lt Ram Prakash Roperia was admired not only for his academic achievements but also for his well-rounded personality. He possessed an amiable disposition, which earned him the respect and affection of both his teachers and classmates. A bright and diligent student, he also actively participated in various sports, showcasing his versatility and leadership qualities.

After completing his schooling, he enrolled in Haryana Agricultural University to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Agriculture. Staying true to his academic dedication, he graduated with a First Division, further reinforcing his consistent record of excellence. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve the nation, Lt Ram Prakash Roperia chose to join the Indian Armed Forces after his graduation. He was selected for training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, one of the country’s most esteemed institutions for military leadership. Upon completion of his rigorous training, he was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army on December 19, 1981. Lt Roperia was inducted into the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, a unit known for its valour and illustrious history. As a young officer, he exemplified courage, discipline, and commitment to duty—qualities that defined his service in the Indian Army.

Operation Blue Star: 05/06 Jun 1984

In the early 1980s, the state of Punjab witnessed a surge in militancy as the Sikh separatist movement escalated into violent agitation under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. By December 1983, anticipating arrest, Bhindranwale and hundreds of armed supporters occupied and fortified the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, effectively transforming the sacred religious site into a heavily defended militant stronghold. As the security situation continued to worsen, the Government of India launched Operation Blue Star in June 1984 with the objective of evicting the militants from the temple premises. The task was entrusted to the 350 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier D.V. Rao, comprising units including 26 Madras, 10 Guards, 12 Bihar, and 9 Kumaon, with additional support from 1 Parachute Regiment and the Special Frontier Force (SFF). At the time, Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia was serving with the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, and was functioing as the Officer Commanding of ‘C’ Company.

On the night of 5th/6th June 1984, ‘C’ Company was assigned a highly perilous task—to secure the first floor of a heavily fortified building within the Golden Temple complex. The staircases leading to the upper floor were under intense and continuous fire from militants armed with automatic weapons, making conventional entry impossible. Understanding the urgency of the mission, Lt Roperia devised a bold strategy: to scale the building using ladders. However, the first three attempts were repulsed by withering machine-gun fire. Refusing to retreat, Lt Roperia called for volunteers and personally led a fourth assault, accompanied by Naib Subedar K.G. Koshy. Displaying indomitable courage and disregard for personal safety, the team succeeded in climbing to the first floor under heavy fire. Their daring breakthrough enabled the rest of the company to enter the building. Once inside, Lt Roperia swiftly took command and led his men in intense close-quarter combat, methodically clearing room after room of entrenched militants hiding behind sandbags and using heavy weaponry. The objective was eventually secured after neutralizing multiple hostile threats.

With the upper floor cleared, Lt Roperia attempted to link up with ‘D’ Company operating on the ground floor. The staircase connecting the two levels remained under hostile fire. As he began descending, he was ambushed by militant gunfire. Without hesitation, he threw grenades into the stairwell and charged forward, engaging the enemy directly. During the fierce exchange, Lt Roperia sustained grievous gunshot wounds to his shoulder and neck. Despite his critical condition, he managed to reach the ground floor and establish contact with ‘D’ Company, ensuring the continuation of the mission. Moments later, he collapsed from his injuries. Though evacuated to a military hospital, Lt Roperia succumbed to his wounds, laying down his life in the line of duty. For his exceptional bravery, fearless leadership, and supreme devotion to duty, Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia was posthumously awarded the "Ashok Chakra", India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice was part of a larger act of collective bravery. Many of his comrades from 26 Madras also laid down their lives during the course of Operation Blue Star. On 6th June 1984, the battalion lost Subedar Kuruppan P.R., Naik Prabha Kumar M., Naik S.P. Soman Pillai, Lance Naik Unni Krishnan, Sepoy Koshy Kunju K.S., Sepoy Singuru V. Murthy, Sepoy Pusalapati Ankaiah, and Sepoy C. Rayappan. The next day, on 7th June 1984, further losses included Naib Subedar K.G. Koshy, Havildar Dasari Rama Rao, Lance Havildar M. Vamuniyan, Naik N. Mani, Sepoy Salu T., and Sepoy Natrajan C. These brave soldiers upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army, standing together in unity, courage, and sacrifice during one of its most intense and complex urban operations.

Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia is survived by his father, Shri Bhal Singh. 

The citation for the “Ashok  Chakra” awarded to him reads:

On the night of the 5th/6th June, 1984, during Operation 'Blue Star', 'C' Company of 26 Madras was tasked to secure the first floor of a strongly held building complex. The building complex was heavily fortified and strongly held by highly motivated terrorists. Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia was officiating as the Officer Commanding 'C' Company, 26 Madras. A few staircases leading to the first floor of the building were effectively covered with automatic weapons by the terrorists. Lieutenant Roperia decided to climb onto the first floor of the building with the help of ladders. However, his progress was hampered due to effective machine gun fire. Three attempts to reach the first floor failed, and further movement appeared difficult. Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia asked for volunteers to accompany him, and in utter disregard for personal safety, he along with Naib Subedar K.G. Koshy personally led the fourth attempt and succeeded in climbing the first floor of the building. This personal example of indomitable courage and outstanding leadership by Lieutenant Roperia greatly inspired his men and enabled his company to reach its allotted objective. Thereafter, Lieutenant Ram Prakash and Nb Sub K.G. Koshy started clearing the bunkers under heavy machine gun fire.

He personally led his company and cleared the complete first floor of the building. He then decided to link up with 'D' Company, which was on the ground floor. He personally led his men to clear the staircase. The moment he opened the door of the staircase, he was fired upon by the terrorists. Lieutenant Roperia lobbed two hand grenades and entered the staircase. One of the terrorists, though injured, fired at Lieutenant Roperia, injuring him seriously in the shoulder and neck. In spite of having been seriously injured, he fired at the terrorist and killed him. Unmindful of his injury and in complete disregard for his personal safety, he climbed down the staircase and established contact with 'D' Company. After reaching the ground floor, he collapsed due to sheer exhaustion and excessive bleeding. He was evacuated to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

In this action, Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia displayed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, exemplary personal valour, outstanding leadership, and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order, and laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Army.