Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva VSM

Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva was born on October 1, 1958, in Delhi into a humble, God-fearing Arya Samaji family. His father, Shri Amolak Kanva, served as the Principal of a school in Delhi before retiring. Rooted in values of discipline and service, these early influences shaped Major Ashwini Kumar’s character and his commitment to serving humanity. After completing his schooling, Major Ashwini pursued medical education at the prestigious Delhi Medical College, where he developed both a deep passion for medicine and a sense of duty toward his nation. Upon earning his medical degree, he joined the Indian Army in November 1982, bringing his expertise and dedication to the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Commissioned as a Captain in the Armed Medical Corps (AMC), he quickly distinguished himself through his professionalism and commitment. 

Major Ashwini’s first posting as a young officer was to a unit stationed in the challenging high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, where he served for three years. In this harsh and demanding environment, he not only tended to the medical needs of soldiers operating under extreme conditions but also proved his resilience and adaptability. His next assignment brought him to Secunderabad, where he was attached to the 93 Field Regiment. In recognition of his abilities and service, he was promoted to the rank of Major in May 1987.

In July 1987, following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, Operation Pawan was launched, marking the deployment of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka. This mission was aimed at restoring peace and order amidst the escalating civil conflict in the region. Major Ashwini Kumar, driven by his sense of duty and loyalty to his comrades, volunteered to be part of this critical operation. On October 25, 1987, he deployed to Sri Lanka with his unit, stepping into a theater of complex challenges. With unwavering dedication, Major Ashwini provided vital medical support to troops operating in arduous conditions and amidst active conflict. His service during this period exemplified the highest ideals of the Indian Army—courage, compassion, and selfless devotion to duty. 

Op Pawan : 03 Nov 1987

In October 1987, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) launched Operation Pawan, a multi-pronged offensive aimed at neutralizing the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in and around Jaffna. The operation’s goal was to dismantle the LTTE’s operational capability, including its chain of command, leaving the rebel movement directionless and vulnerable. This effort paved the way for the IPKF to assault LTTE strongholds in the region. The operation commenced on 9 October 1987, with units such as 13 Sikh Light Infantry, 4/5 Gorkha Rifles, and 10 Para leading the charge. However, tensions escalated further following the IPKF's attack on Jaffna University on 12 October 1987, which was being used as a base by the LTTE. This marked a breaking point in relations with the LTTE, which retaliated with a series of attacks on Indian forces. Among the deployed personnel was Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva, a medical officer whose role became increasingly critical as casualties mounted amidst the relentless fighting. Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva served as the Regimental Medical Officer of the 93 Field Regiment, which was part of the 54 Infantry Division. In October 1987, the regiment was deployed from Secunderabad to Sri Lanka to join the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) as part of Operation Pawan. Major Kanva’s role as a medical officer was critical in providing medical support to the soldiers amidst the intense and volatile conflict in the region.

By November 1987, the IPKF had gained partial control of Jaffna, but sporadic skirmishes continued across the region, keeping the soldiers constantly engaged. On 3 November 1987, Maj Kanva was stationed at an Army camp on the outskirts of Jaffna, tirelessly tending to injured soldiers despite the volatile and dangerous conditions. As he was providing medical aid to a wounded soldier, an LTTE sniper, disguised as a patient, infiltrated the camp in a treacherous act of deception. Taking advantage of the situation, the sniper shot Maj Kanva at close range. Despite the best efforts of those around him, Maj Kanva succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. His death was a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers and medical personnel alike in conflict zones. Maj Ashwini Kumar Kanva was a dedicated soldier and compassionate officer who served selflessly, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty in the face of relentless challenges left an indelible mark on those who served alongside him.

In recognition of his extraordinary service and supreme sacrifice, Maj Kanva was posthumously awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal. This honour underscored his unwavering commitment to his duty and his invaluable contributions to the Indian Army’s efforts during one of its most challenging peacekeeping operations.

Tribute by Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva's friend Col AK Mehta (Retd) :

Maj Ashwini was one of my closest friends, who sacrificed his life in Sri Lanka while providing treatment to a patient during Op Pawan on 03 Nov 1987. Posted with 93 Fd Regt at that time, he was shot by an LTTE sniper. There cannot be a more dastardly act than killing a doctor delivering life saving treatment to a patient on battlefield.

We (Ashwini & myself) prepared for Medical entrance examination together and joined the same Medical College. We were perfect companion to each other all through our college days. Our interests too matched like our first names. The decision to join the Army was also taken together & we joined the Army on the same day at Army Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt on 12 Nov 1982. He was a perfect friend, a perfect son, a perfect brother, perfect soldier, and a perfect human being.

I have seen his parents and other family members trying hard to overcome his untimely loss and suffer even today. I hope there is a greater realisation among all Indians to appreciate the sacrifice of our soldiers like Maj Kanva. Before he received orders to move to Sri Lanka, as if he had an inkling about his death, he spent adequate time with me & Maj (now Maj Gen) DV Singh, all three of us being closest friends. We spent the last night before his departure talking for hours and that turned out to be our last meeting.

When I heard about his martyrdom in Sri Lanka, I was shattered and refused to believe it for some time. That feeling which tugs at my heartstrings even now, is very difficult to describe in words. As we had been largely following the same path in our lives, I also went to Sri Lanka as part of the IPKF. There, I got the opportunity to meet his unit personnel, who had a lot to tell about their comrade, a committed soldier and an officer par excellence.

Truly, soldiers never die. Even after 31 yrs, he is still alive in our hearts. Ashwini you were a true and dearest friend and will always remain so, as long as I live.

Jai Hind!

Tribute by Major Ashwini Kumar Kanva's friend Dr (Maj Gen) D V Singh & Mrs Neeru Singh : 

My friend Maj Ashwini has a special place in my life. Our friendship dates back to 1975 when we were part of a group of five close friends striving to become medical doctors. What brought us together were not only the circumstances but also the core values of profound national spirit and the immense respect for the Armed Forces in general.

We finished our graduation in Medicine and planned to join the Armed Forces as doctors. Soon three of us (and later one more of us joined the Indian Air Force) were commissioned officers in the Indian Army and left Delhi for military training in Lucknow at the Army Medical Corps Center & College. During the military training, we took abundant interest in the small arms training, being passionate about accurate shooting and would exchange our experiences on various issues related to training at the end of each training day. All three of us were adventure-loving and daring officers who would accept any difficult situations and challenges with great elan. With the military training coming to an end we were mentally prepared to be separated from each other and were posted out to different geographical terrains in field areas wide apart in different corners of the country.

Ashwini got posted to the GREF in Ladakh as a medical officer. As part of his duty to look after the health and infirmity of the GREF personnel including the civilian labor he had to travel many hours daily in the high altitude through snowbound areas. This apparently was a great satisfaction to his adventurous spirit and appetite and he enjoyed it thoroughly. On one such occasion, he was engaged in an operation related to the rescuing and treatment of his comrades injured due to the collapse and repairs of part of the bridge at Khardungla, the highest motorable pass of the world. He was awarded the coveted “Vishisht Seva Medal” for the exceptional act of devotion to duty as a young captain. He was a daring but principled officer always willing to share extra responsibility looking at each opportunity as a fresh challenge to the soldier in him.

After his victory over the snowy peaks, he was posted as a Regimental Medical Officer with the 93 Field Regiment, a unit of gunners located in the plains in the southern part of the country. I too was now posted and living with my wife Neeru in our first ever home in the official army residence at Dehradun after our marriage. The peace posting saw the prospects of marriage for Ashwini too and he along with our other army friend from the group of five, Maj Ashwini Mehta visited us at our home in Dehradun, while he had come to meet a prospective life partner for himself at Roorkee. He had not been able to attend our wedding and this was, therefore, the first time that my wife Neeru happened to meet him.

He was destined to undergo yet more stringent tests, trials and triumphs of his soldiering capabilities. As an IPKF initiative in Srilanka, his unit was inducted to participate in the ‘Op Pawan’ and reached Jaffna in Oct 1987. On that fateful day of 3rd Nov 1987, he was immortalized with the ultimate test and triumph in the service of his motherland. The brave son of Mother India was martyred when a burst of fire by the LTTE snipers hit him while attending to a wounded officer of his regiment following a skirmish with the terrorists of the LTTE. He was the only doctor available over a span of many miles to attend to the sick and injured Indian Army soldiers and local civilians. So when he fell to the multiple bullets fired from the automatic weapons by the enemy, the brave-heart, who was engaged in saving the lives and limbs of others, could do nothing to save himself and succumbed to the uncontrollable bleeding.

Personally, for both of us, it was a heart-shattering and shocking blow. I and my wife were at Pune while I was attending an important course at AFMC. As soon as I learnt of the tragedy I left my classes and returned back to inform Neeru of the unbelievable loss. We were never to see Ashwini again in our life. And thus an obedient son, an affectionate brother and a great friend was lost in his youth while performing his duty to save the life of a comrade, fearlessly daring the enemy snipers.

We miss him in person but remember him fondly for his affectionate ways, respectful demeanor, and daring personality.

Jai hind..!