Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal SC

Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal hailed from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and was born on 18 December 1987. He was the son of Shri O. P. Dhoundiyal and Smt. Saroj Dhoundiyal, and the youngest among four siblings, with three elder sisters. He grew up in a family deeply connected with public service—both his father and grandfather had served in the office of the Controller of Defence Accounts—instilling in him values of discipline, integrity, and dedication from an early age. Major Vibhuti received his schooling at St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun, where he displayed a keen interest in academics as well as extracurricular activities. He later completed his graduation from DAV College, Dehradun. From his childhood years, he nurtured a strong desire to join the Armed Forces and serve the nation in uniform. Determined to turn this aspiration into reality, he continued to pursue his goal with focus and perseverance during his college years. Soon after graduation, he successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination and was selected for training at the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. On 18 September 2011, he was commissioned into the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), a highly specialised arm responsible for the design, development, inspection, maintenance, and operational readiness of the Army’s sophisticated weapon systems and equipment.

As a young Lieutenant, Major Vibhuti was sent on attachment to the infantry unit 17 Mahar, deployed at Nangi Tekra in the Krishna Ghati sector of the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. Operating in a sensitive area along the Line of Control, he quickly adapted to the demands of active field service. During this tenure, he honed his field craft skills, gained operational exposure, and evolved into a confident and committed officer capable of functioning effectively alongside infantry troops in challenging terrain and hostile conditions. After completing his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, Major Vibhuti went on to serve in various Army formations across Rajasthan, Pune, and Secunderabad. Between 2013 and 2017, he also underwent several professional military courses at different Army training institutions. These courses further strengthened his technical expertise, tactical understanding, and leadership abilities, preparing him for higher responsibilities. In 2018, after serving for a few years with his parent Corps, Major Vibhuti was deputed to the 55 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. Initially, he functioned as the Officer Commanding of the Field Repair Increment (FRI) of EME, ensuring technical support and operational readiness in a demanding operational environment. Recognising his leadership qualities and field acumen, he was subsequently entrusted with the responsibility of Company Commander of Delta Company, 55 Rashtriya Rifles—an assignment that placed him directly at the forefront of counter-terrorism operations. On the personal front, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal married Ms Nitika Kaul on 19 April 2018. She belonged to a Delhi-based Kashmiri family, and their marriage marked a new chapter in his life, even as he continued to serve the nation with unwavering commitment and courage.

Pulwama Operation: 17/18 Feb 2019

During 2018–2019, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was serving with 55 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. The unit under the command of Colonel Pradeep Duggal operated in a highly volatile environment and undertook frequent search-and-destroy missions against militants operating in the region. Following the devastating terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama on 14 February 2019, in which a large number of personnel were martyred, the entire security grid in the Valley was placed on a state of maximum alert. Intelligence agencies launched an intensive manhunt to identify and neutralise those responsible for the attack, and large-scale coordinated operations were initiated by the security forces. On 17 February 2019, credible intelligence inputs were received regarding the presence of terrorists hiding in Pinglan village of Pulwama district, a neighbourhood of Kakapora and the native area of the suicide bomber involved in the 14 February attack. Acting swiftly on these inputs, 55 Rashtriya Rifles, in coordination with the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a meticulously planned search-and-destroy operation to apprehend or neutralise the terrorists.

The operation was launched on the night of 17 February 2019 under extremely challenging conditions. Dense fog and poor visibility severely restricted movement and observation, significantly heightening the risks faced by troops operating in a close-quarter combat environment. The target area was Pinglana village, which comprised two clusters of approximately 60 houses, divided by a road running through the middle. The assault element consisted of two teams — one led by Major Vibhuti and the other by Major Saurabh Patni. A third team, under the leadership of the unit’s Second-in-Command, Lieutenant Colonel Rahul Gupta, joined subsequently to reinforce the operation. Major Vibhuti’s assigned cordon area included around 30 houses within one of the clusters. During the systematic search, he identified the suspected structure as the second house within his designated sector. At approximately 1130 hours, Major Vibhuti reached the suspected house and commenced a detailed search operation. During the process, terrorists concealed inside a cowshed adjacent to the house suddenly opened fire. Major Vibhuti sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the initial burst of fire.

Despite being grievously injured, Major Vibhuti maintained remarkable tactical composure. Demonstrating exceptional courage and complete disregard for his personal safety, he crawled forward in the direct line of fire to close in on the cowshed and bring effective fire upon the hiding terrorists. His determined action prevented the terrorists from escaping and kept them pinned down. When the terrorists attempted to break contact and fled while firing indiscriminately, Major Vibhuti continued to engage them despite his critical injuries. His precise and resolute action facilitated the elimination of one terrorist. The neutralised terrorist was later identified as a foreign operative responsible for an earlier IED attack on security forces.  The injured personnel were promptly evacuated to the Army Hospital for medical treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, along with three of his brave comrades—Havildar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, and Sepoy Hari Singh—succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom. Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was a fearless and inspirational officer who exemplified leadership by example. He led from the front, upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army, and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In recognition of his exceptional courage, indomitable spirit, and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra".

Maj Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal is survived by his mother Smt Saroj Dhondiyal, wife Smt Nitika Kaul Dhondiyal, and three sisters. Later, carrying forward the legacy of her husband, Smt Nitika Kaul joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps in May 2021.

The citation for ‘Shaurya Chakra’ awarded to him reads:

On 17 February 2019, when the input of the presence of a terrorist group in a village was received, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal planned a Battalion level operation. During the search, the officer was fired upon by terrorist hiding in a cow shed resulting in multiple gunshot injuries to him. Despite being severely injured, the officer maintained his tactical composure and retaliated against terrorist fire. Exhibiting utter disregard for his personal safety, the officer crawled closer to the cowshed in line of fire to bring down effective fire on hiding terrorists. Subsequently, when terrorists moved out of the cowshed firing indiscriminately, the officer fired on fleeing terrorists facilitating the elimination of one terrorist. The officer succumbed to his injuries at the operation site while fighting with terrorists. The terrorist eliminated was identified as a foreign terrorist , responsible for an IED attack on security forces.

For displaying conspicuous bravery and unparalleled courage resulting in the elimination of one terrorist Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal is recommended for the award of “Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)”.