Major Dinesh Raghu Raman AC

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was born to Shri SK Murthy and Smt Mala Murthy on April 6th, 1978. He did his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, INA Colony, New Delhi. He then joined the prestigious National Defence Academy in 1996 and was commissioned into the 19th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, a regiment known for its courageous soldiers and numerous battle honours. Even though his career was short, he served in various appointments and was highly appreciated by his seniors for his dedication and leadership qualities. He also got awarded with Chief of Army Staff Commendation medal for his contribution to the operation Parakram in the Drass sector.

Baramulla Operation: 02 Oct 2007

After serving for a few years with his unit, Maj Raman was later deputed to serve with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in the J & K area during the year 2006. In June 2007, Maj Raman conducted a very successful operation “Op Narawar” culminating in the elimination of 3 hardcore terrorists in his area of responsibility. On 02 October 2007, Maj Raman was assigned the task of launching an operation in a village in Baramulla to flush out the terrorists hiding there. At 0820 hrs on that day, Maj Raman deployed his company to cordon off the suspected area.  At about 0855 hrs, while closing in on suspected houses, Major Raman heard shouts of a fellow officer who had been seriously injured during the ongoing exchange of fire.

Maj Raman quickly analyzed the situation and moved in that direction to save his fellow officer. Displaying camaraderie and esprit-de-corps of the highest order he crawled towards the injured officer under heavy hostile fire. He then extricated him and two other injured soldiers to a safer area. He then moved towards the two terrorists who had caused heavy casualties to the troops and in a fierce close-quarter battle shot both of them dead. However, there were other terrorists hiding in the nearby house, who fired at Major Raman. This opened another front of gun battle and during the ensuing exchange of fire, Maj Raman got seriously injured. Undeterred, he continued leading and motivating his troops and pinned down the terrorists till he fell unconscious. Maj Raman was airlifted to the military hospital in Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries. Maj Raman was a dedicated soldier and a fine officer who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was given the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award “Ashok Chakra” for his exceptional courage, camaraderie, fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice. He is survived by his wife Smt Latha and daughter Shrishti.