Major Chitresh Bisht SM

Major Chitresh Bisht was born on December 1, 1987, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He was the son of Shri S.S. Bisht, a retired Police Inspector, and Smt Rekha Bisht. Raised in a family that valued discipline and service, Major Chitresh grew up alongside his elder brother, Neeraj, and younger sister, Shruti. From a young age, he exhibited qualities of leadership, determination, and a deep sense of patriotism, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the Indian Army. With a keen interest in engineering and a strong desire to serve the nation, Major Chitresh joined the Indian Army through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) in 2006. He pursued his engineering studies at the prestigious College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, where he underwent rigorous technical and military training. After successfully completing his course, he was commissioned as an officer on June 12, 2010, from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

He was inducted into the 55 Engineering Regiment, part of the Corps of Engineers—one of the oldest arms of the Indian Army. The Corps of Engineers plays a crucial role in both war and peace, consisting of three primary divisions: Combat Engineers: Responsible for mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability operations, including the construction of bridges, tracks, helipads, and defensive structures. They also lay and defuse minefields and create obstacles for enemy forces. Military Engineering Services (MES): Focuses on infrastructure development for the armed forces. Border Roads Organization (BRO): Plays a key role in constructing and maintaining strategic roads and bridges in border areas. Additionally, the Corps of Engineers contributes officers to the Military Survey and Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO).

Major Chitresh specialized as a Combat Engineer, trained in handling explosives, laying and defusing mines, and conducting high-risk bomb disposal operations. Throughout his service, he participated in several challenging missions that required precision, technical expertise, and immense courage. His role was critical in ensuring both the mobility of Indian troops and the denial of the same to enemy forces through the use of obstacles and demolitions. By 2019, Major Chitresh was serving with the 55 Engineering Regiment as a Bomb Disposal Squad Leader. In this capacity, he was responsible for neutralizing explosive threats in operational zones, a role that demanded unwavering bravery, sharp tactical acumen, and an unflinching commitment to duty.

Naushera Mine Clearing Operation: 16 Feb 2019

By 2019, Major Chitresh Bisht was serving with the 55 Engineering Regiment, deployed in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. This region, situated along the Line of Control (LoC), was highly volatile and prone to infiltration by militants. Due to its strategic significance, Indian Army units stationed here had to maintain constant vigilance to prevent enemy incursions and safeguard the integrity of the nation's borders. Major Bisht’s regiment was responsible for manning forward posts, ensuring the security of military installations, and facilitating safe movement of troops in the area. One of the major challenges in this hostile terrain was the presence of landmines, which posed a serious risk to patrolling soldiers. These mines, often planted along well-trodden tracks, could cause devastating casualties. To mitigate this threat, the Bomb Disposal Squad played a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing explosive devices before they could harm Indian troops.

As a Combat Engineer and Bomb Disposal Squad Leader, Major Chitresh Bisht had been at the forefront of numerous mine-clearing operations, displaying extraordinary skill, composure, and courage in handling explosives under life-threatening conditions. On 16 February 2019, Major Bisht was tasked with leading a mine-clearing operation in the Laam sector of Naushera, where intelligence reports had indicated the presence of landmines along a critical patrol route. Given the constant movement of troops in the area, it was imperative to ensure the track was fully sanitized to prevent any casualties. At approximately 3:00 PM, Major Bisht and his team detected mines planted on the Naushera track. Without hesitation, he took charge of the operation, meticulously guiding his team through the delicate process of neutralizing the explosive devices.

With exceptional skill and composure, he successfully defused one of the mines. However, instead of stepping back and allowing another team member to take over, Major Bisht—driven by his unwavering sense of duty—continued to clear the area himself, ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers. As he proceeded to neutralize another mine, the device suddenly got activated, triggering a powerful explosion. The blast was devastating, and Major Bisht, who was at the forefront of the operation, bore the full impact of the explosion. His body shielded his comrades behind him, absorbing most of the splinters and preventing further casualties. Despite the valiant efforts of his team to provide medical assistance, Major Chitresh Bisht succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in the line of duty. Major Chitresh Bisht's selflessness, fearlessness, and dedication to his duty stand as a testament to his character. His personal sacrifices reflected his deep love for the nation—so much so that he had been slated to get married on 7 March 2019, just weeks after his ultimate sacrifice. Yet, his devotion to his motherland and comrades took precedence over personal happiness, as he laid down his life while safeguarding others. For his extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Major Chitresh Bisht was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" (Gallantry)—a well-deserved honour that immortalized his bravery in the annals of Indian military history.

Major Chitresh Bisht is survived by his father Shri S.S. Bisht, mother Smt Rekha Bisht, elder brother Shri Neeraj Bisht, and younger sister Ms Shruti Bisht. 

Ms Shruti, sister of Major Chitresh Bisht paid tribute to him on the 2nd anniversary of his “Day of Martyrdom” …

I never knew that there would come a time when he wouldn’t be physically present with us. It still gives me chills and tears come rolling down my cheeks to remember that day. Who would have thought that he wouldn’t be around; ‘Our beloved hero and the sunshine of the house’ won’t be there with us.

Its been two years since he left for the heavenly abode and changed the life of everyone in the family. I cannot recall a single day wherein Mummy and Papa don’t think about him. There is always sadness in their eyes when they talk about that day but when we start sharing his memories and talk more about him, the sadness give way to a slight smile for a while. I guess that’s the aura he had and he will always have that made people smile even when they don’t want to. He gave us a lot of memories to live with but we still crave for more.

He was a lively person and always went beyond the call of his duty. He always lived his life on Chetwode credo, his own ease, comfort and safety came last, always and every time. In his life, he always made sure that there was a part of his passion in every activity. When he bought his first car he took the number of the vehicle as 7055 ; 70 was part of his company’s name and 55 was part of his regiment’s name; that was his love and dedicated for his Regiment .. It is rare to find a person like him.

I know he is watching over us always and silently cheering us, in everything we do. There isn’t a moment, when he is not missed and we know that the pain of him not being around with us is lifelong. But we are immensely proud of him and he will continue to live in our memories and guide our deeds as well.

Shruti