Major Akash Singh SC

Major Akash Singh hailed from Jammu in J&K and was born on 15 Apr 1975. He was fascinated with the army life and nursed a dream of joining the army since his childhood. He was a brilliant student during school days and received many accolades throughout his academic career. He continued following his dream and consequently got selected to join the ‘Officers Training Academy’ (OTA) Chennai, the gateway to join Army as an officer.

Maj Akash Singh was commissioned as an officer on September 04, 1999 at the age of 24 years. He was commissioned into 5 MLI of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and various battle honours. By 2009, Maj Akash Singh had put in around 10 years of service in the Army and had served in areas with different terrain and operational environments. During 2009 he was serving with his unit, deployed in J & K area not very far from his home town.

Mendhar Sector Operation : 09 Sep 2009

Maj Akash’s unit was operating in Poonch area during 2009 with the responsibility of patrolling and counter insurgency operations in that sector. On 09 Sep 2009, during patrolling in Mendhar sector, the troops belonging to Maj Akash’s unit observed movement of a group of armed militants along the Line of Control (LoC). Maj Akash assessed the situation and swung into action directing his troops to challenge them. On being challenged the militants opened fire on the troops and a fierce gun-battle ensued.

The militants were using automatic weapons and grenades to retaliate. During the heavy exchange of fire Maj Akash got hit by barrage of bullets and was severely injured. However before breathing his last, Maj Akash Singh gunned down two terrorists and also saved the life of his fellow soldier. Inspired by the valour of Maj Akash Singh his troops retaliated with great aggression and killed the infiltrators. Maj Akash Singh was martyred but made his unit proud with his exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice. Maj Akash Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” for his raw courage, leadership, camaraderie and supreme sacrifice.

Maj Akash Singh is survived by his father Thakur Shanker Singh, mother Smt Vidhya Devi, wife Smt Deepti Sambyal, daughter Khushi, son Tejas and brothers Shri Rajeshwar Singh, Dr. Jagdev Singh & Shri Vikas Singh.