Major Dinesh Raghu Raman AC

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was born on April 6th, 1978, to Hony Capt SK Murthy and Smt. Mala Murthy. Right from his early years, he displayed qualities of discipline, determination, and leadership that would later define his journey as a soldier. He completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, INA Colony, New Delhi, where his aptitude for academics was complemented by a strong inclination towards sports and extracurricular activities, shaping his all-around personality. In 1996, motivated by a deep sense of patriotism and the desire to serve the nation, he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. His years of rigorous training at the NDA and later at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, further honed his physical endurance, mental resilience, and tactical acumen, preparing him for a life of valour and sacrifice. On 11^th Dec 99, he was commissioned into the 19th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, an infantry regiment renowned for its illustrious history, gallant soldiers, and numerous battle honours. Within a short span of time, Major Dinesh Raghu Raman made his mark as a dependable officer who led from the front. His sincerity, professionalism, and ability to inspire confidence among his men earned him the admiration of both his peers and superiors.

During his career, though brief, he served in a variety of challenging assignments that tested his endurance and tactical brilliance. His dedication and commitment to the service were recognized on multiple occasions. Notably, for his exceptional performance during Operation Parakram in the Drass sector, he was awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Medal. This recognition stood as a testament to his courage and unwavering sense of duty in high-altitude operational conditions, where only the most resolute soldiers could excel. Major Dinesh Raghu Raman’s career, though tragically cut short, reflected the highest ideals of soldiering—valour, selflessness, and leadership. He is remembered as an officer who, in a short span of service, left behind an enduring legacy of inspiration for future generations of soldiers.

Baramulla Operation: 02 Oct 2007

After serving with distinction in his parent unit, the 19th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was deputed in 2006 to the 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, deployed in the counter-insurgency grid of Jammu & Kashmir. Operating in one of the most volatile regions of the country, he soon established himself as a fearless and dynamic leader, always willing to lead from the front. In June 2007, Major Raman successfully led Operation Narawar, in which his meticulous planning and bold leadership resulted in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists. This success significantly weakened the militant network in his area of responsibility and bolstered the morale of his men. Just a few months later, on 02 October 2007, Major Raman, along with his fellow officer Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay, was assigned to lead another critical mission in Baramulla district, where intelligence inputs had confirmed the presence of armed terrorists hiding in a village. At 0820 hours, he deployed his company to cordon off the area and began a systematic search. Within half an hour, at 0855 hours, heavy firing erupted from the suspected houses, and one of his fellow officers was grievously injured in the initial exchange. Without a moment’s hesitation, Major Raman assessed the dangerous situation and displayed extraordinary courage and camaraderie. Under heavy hostile fire, he crawled forward to rescue the injured officer. Not only did he manage to extricate himself, but he also pulled two more wounded soldiers to safety, thereby saving their lives. Once his men were secured, Major Raman turned his focus on neutralizing the threat. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged towards the terrorists who had caused severe casualties. In a fierce close-quarter battle, he personally shot dead two terrorists, eliminating the immediate danger to his troops. However, the fight was far from over. 

As Major Raman moved forward, more terrorists hiding in another house unleashed heavy fire, pinning down his men. In the fierce exchange that followed, Major Raman was critically injured, yet his indomitable spirit did not waver. Bleeding profusely, he continued to inspire his troops, directing their fire and holding ground with remarkable courage until he eventually lost consciousness. He was evacuated to the Military Hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the same operation, his fellow officer, Major KP Vinay, also made the supreme sacrifice while fighting valiantly against the terrorists. For his exceptional courage beyond the call of duty, his fearless leadership, and his supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra (Posthumous) on 26 Jan 2008. 

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman is survived by his father, Hony Capt SK Murthy, mother Smt. Mala Murthy, wife, Smt Latha, and daughter, Ms Shrishti.

The citation for “Ashoka Chakra” awarded to him reads :-

On 02 October 2007, at 0820 hrs Major Dinesh Raghu Raman deployed his company in a village in Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir where an encounter with terrorists had commenced. At 0855 hrs, while closing in on suspected houses, Major Raman heard shouts of a fellow officer who had been seriously injured. Displaying camaraderie and esprit-de-corps of the highest order he crawled towards him under heavy hostile fire. He extricated him and two other injured soldiers to safety. He then took on two terrorist who had caused heavy casualties to the troops and in a fierce close quarter battle shot both of them dead. The other terrorists now fired on Major Raman from another house. In the ensuing firefight, Major Raman was seriously injured. Undeterred, he continued leading and motivating his troops and pinned down the terrorists till he fell unconscious. He later succumbed to his injuries.