Major Ashish Bhatnagar SC

Maj Ashish Bhatnagar hailed from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh and was born on 15th August 1967. The son of Shri K.K. Bhatnagar and Smt. Sudha Bhatnagar had a deep-rooted aspiration to join the Indian Army from a young age. Driven by this passion, he pursued his dream with dedication and, after completing his school education, was selected to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). He later trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and was commissioned into the 6 Sikh Light Infantry battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment—an infantry regiment known for its fearless soldiers and exceptional battle history.

In addition to his academic excellence, Maj Ashish Bhatnagar had a strong interest in sports. He excelled in multiple outdoor games and won numerous accolades in athletics, basketball, tennis, squash, and badminton. He was also an accomplished golfer, and once amazed everyone by achieving a rare hole-in-one during a golf tournament. He served as an Instructor at the Commando Wing and was known for his courage and physical prowess. One of his most memorable feats was executing the challenging 80-foot water jump, a daring act that earned him widespread admiration.

Operational Mission: 16th Aug 1997

In 1997, Maj Ashish Bhatnagar’s unit was deployed in the Pathankot area of Punjab. On 16th August 1997, while on operational duty in the sensitive Lasian Enclave of Gurdaspur, near the Indo-Pak border, Maj Ashish was involved in a mission that would become a testament to his courage and selflessness. At around 1745 hours, during the course of the operation, the boat carrying Maj Ashish and nine of his comrades capsized in the Ravi River. Without hesitation, and relying on his superior commando training, Maj Ashish leapt into the raging waters to save his comrades. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery, he gave his own life jacket to another officer, saving him from a near-death situation. Undeterred, he immediately went on to rescue another drowning soldier, bringing him to safety along with his weapon.

The rescue operation was made even more dangerous by the monsoon-swollen river, filled with muddy water and strong undercurrents. Yet, Maj Ashish continued the mission with unwavering resolve, prioritizing the lives of his fellow soldiers over his own. Tragically, during one such rescue attempt, he was caught in a powerful undercurrent and made the supreme sacrifice while trying to save others. His last words—“Hold on, you will be rescued” and “Do not follow me, the undercurrents here are very dangerous”—spoke volumes about his camaraderie, gallantry, and devotion to duty. In recognition of his conspicuous bravery, exemplary courage, and selfless sacrifice, Maj Ashish Bhatnagar was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

He is survived by his father, Shri K.K. Bhatnagar; mother, Smt Sudha Bhatnagar; and wife, Smt Richa Bhatnagar.

The citation of the Shaurya Chakra awarded to him reads:

During an operation on 16^th August 1997, Major Ashish Bhatnagar was on operational duty in the sensitive Lasian Enclave Gurdaspur near Ravi river on Indo-Pak border. At about 1745 hours, during an operational mission the boat carrying officer and his nine comrades capsized in Ravi River. A commando instructor with reputation, instinctively leading from front, Major Ashish Bhatnagar leapt into the strong current and gave his own life jacket to another officer and then rescued him from impending death. Again with electrifying speed with utter disregard to personal safety Major Ashish rescued another drowning soldier along with his weapon from the strong undercurrent and steadfastly continued the rescue effort to save others till he himself was trapped in strong undercurrents. While embracing a hero’s death, the safety of his comrades was the uppermost in his mind his last words being “hold on, you will be rescued” and “do not follow me, undercurrents here are very dangerous”.

Major Ashish Bhatnagar thus displayed conspicuous bravery exemplary courage and supreme sacrifice for his comrades.