Major Dhruv Yadav

Major Dhruv Yadav was born on December 29, 1983, in Haryana, into an Air Force family. He was the son of Wing Commander Rajvir Yadav, VSM, a decorated Air Force officer, and Smt Shalini Yadav. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic environment, he imbibed the values of duty, courage, and service from an early age. His schooling at the esteemed Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Doon Valley, Dehradun, further solidified his ambition to serve in the armed forces. With a keen desire to wear the uniform, Maj Dhruv Yadav cleared the rigorous selection process for the National Defence Academy (NDA), one of India’s premier military training institutions. After completing his training at NDA, he moved on to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he honed his leadership skills and military acumen. Upon commissioning, he joined the 75 Armoured Regiment of the Armoured Corps, the elite combat arm of the Indian Army, known for its formidable tank warfare capabilities.

After serving with his regiment for some time, Maj Dhruv Yadav was chosen as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, a role reserved for highly skilled and competent officers. His tenure at IMA was marked by dedication and excellence in training future officers of the Indian Army. On 18 Nov 2011, Maj Dhruv Yadav married Ms Surbhi Singh and they were blessed with a son, Rehaan.

Combat Training Exercise : 22 Sep 2015

In September 2015, Major Dhruv Yadav's unit was deployed in Pokhran, Rajasthan, for a high-level combat training exercise. The training was meticulously planned to enhance operational readiness and included various combat elements such as live tank maneuvers, firepower demonstrations, and strategic simulations. Such exercises are integral to maintaining the combat efficiency of military personnel, ensuring they are prepared for real battlefield scenarios. The challenging desert terrain of Pokhran provided an ideal setting for the exercise, simulating the conditions of actual warfare. The exercise aimed to test not only the mechanical prowess of the tanks but also the tactical expertise and coordination of the soldiers operating them. Every movement had to be precise, as real-time decision-making under high-pressure conditions was a key aspect of the training.

Major Dhruv Yadav was leading a tank column during the exercise—a position of immense responsibility that demanded sharp tactical acumen, quick decision-making, and seamless coordination with his unit. As the leader, he was responsible for executing strategic maneuvers, ensuring the synchronization of multiple armored vehicles, and maintaining direct communication with command units. While overseeing the maneuvers, an unfortunate and unexpected incident occurred. A misfired round from a rear tank resulted in a splinter striking Major Yadav. The impact was severe, and despite the best efforts of medical personnel present at the training ground, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was immediately evacuated to the nearest military hospital for emergency medical intervention. However, despite exhaustive attempts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries. Throughout his military career, he was widely respected for his leadership qualities, tactical brilliance, and profound sense of camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. His ability to inspire those around him made him an invaluable asset to his unit and the Indian Army as a whole. His loss was felt deeply—not only by his family and comrades but by the entire nation. At the time, Major Dhruv Yadav's wife, Smt Surbhi Singh, was eight months pregnant. His sacrifice highlights the risks military personnel face even during training exercises, underscoring their immense responsibility in safeguarding national security.

Major Dhruv Yadav is survived by his father Wing Commander Rajvir Yadav VSM (Retd), mother Smt Shalini Yadav, and wife Smt Surbhi Singh, son Rehaan Yadav and sister Ms Namrata Yadav.

Tribute by his mother Smt Shalini Yadav:

“My dearest dearest Dhruvee,

That you laid down your life during a combat exercise, that the sun set on the Pokhran ranges while our son breathed his last, that you bashed on regardless to be taken away by a cruel act of God, has left a big hole in our hearts. If…… If only you had gone to the Congo on the U.N Peace Keeping Mission….., if only you had ducked….., if only that shrapnel had grazed your shoulder. You would have been home by our side.

I cannot comprehend why God indulges in acts that make no sense at all. Why did he have to pick on our son who lived every moment like a hero. I took your life for granted Dhruv. You were meant to be by our side, through the years. Hold our hands while we grew old. You deserted us that day as the desert blew up. It seemed as if every flower that bloomed on the desert was woven into those beautiful wreaths placed by the officers and men while you were draped in the tricolor.

I remember how hard you tried to emulate your father at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC). How your father’s chest grew two inches more when you were made the Pratap Section Commander. A silver torch at National Defence Academy (NDA) that eclipsed your father’s boxing blue. And then the Indian Military Academy (IMA). And then the IMA again as an ‘Instructor’. How you wore the Regiment colors with pride and 75 Armd Regiment became your very heart and soul. And how we loved to see you wear your olive greens. I wanted to show my ‘fauji’ off to the world.

Surbhi and you were so happy. And so in love. I would give my life to have seen you’ll bring up your little one together. Namrata says she loves you and will miss your goofy smile. Most of all she’s going to think of you whenever she has it all wrong. That i felt so proud when you were given the salutations of a ‘shaheed’.That you were referred to as ‘Brave son of India’ who laid down his life with his boots on, firm on top of his tank – ‘Sahasam Viajayate’. I wish we had told you how infinitely proud we were of you, my son. I wish we had told you that you would have made a super father. I wish we had told you that you were the best son in the world. I wish…..

You were the Kohinoor in my crown. Goodbye Dhruvee and God bless you and may you always make those around you happy.

Goodbye my Dhruvtara.

Ma.”