Service No : IC-57940K
Date of Birth : February 21, 1976
Place of birth : Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Service : Army
Last Rank : Major
Unit : 14 MLI
Arm/Regt : The Maratha Light Infantry
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Martyrdom : June 8, 2005
Maj Jojy Joseph hailed from Gandhinagar district of Gujarat and was born on Feb 21, 1976. Son of Shri PT Joseph and Smt Lois Joseph, he had two brothers James and Jones as his siblings. He did his initial schooling in Mount Carmel School and then went to St. Xavier’s High School in Gandhinagar. He grew up to be a very sensible boy with high moral values. While in school, he once collected INR 1,000 plus for his Mount Carmel School in support of the construction of the school auditorium. This he did by writing a drama and directing it.
He nursed the idea of joining the Armed Forces since his younger days and his inclination grew along with age. He had keen interest in sports and excelled in playing football, cricket, and hockey and went on to play at the State level. Right from his school days, he was very particular about his turnout and grooming. He was seen as a thorough gentleman who believed in living a principled and disciplined life. After his 12th class he cleared UPSC entrance exam and got selected to join National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune. At NDA, he was very active in sports and earned the nickname of “mountain goat” by his fellow cadets for his ability in scaling the rough hilly terrain during hikes and marches. Later he went on to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehra Dun.
He was commissioned in June 1998 as a Lieutenant into 14 MLI battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its dauntless soldiers and numerous battle exploits. As his first assignment, he was posted in Tripura where he took part in a number of counter insurgency operations. Later he served in Sikkim and had experience in high altitude areas near Chinese border – Nathula Pass. Thereafter, he underwent commando training in Belgaum and developed into a tough soldier. After serving for sometime, he got married on 14th May 2001 to Ms Mini from Korba in Chhattisgarh. He was then deputed to serve with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Ethiopia-Eritrea for seven months as part of the Indian contingent. Thereafter he was posted in Binnagudi in West Bengal and got promoted to the rank of Major in two years.
Rajouri Operation : 08 June 2005
During June 2005, Maj Jojy Joseph‘s unit was deployed in Rajouri district of J&K close to the Line of Control(LOC). The unit troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis as its AOR (Area of Operation) was affected by active militancy. The LOC remained highly active and volatile with ceasefire violations occurring very often and without any warning. Besides manning the forward posts in Rajouri district, Maj Jojy Joseph’s unit also undertook operations to check the infiltration bids as its AOR was prone to infiltration by the militants from across the border. On 07 June 2005, the security forces received credible information from the intelligence sources about the presence of terrorists in Kalakote tehsil of Rajouri district. Based on the intelligence inputs Maj Jojy Joseph‘s unit decided to launch a search and destroy operation in the suspected area.
On 08 June 2005, as planned the assault team led by Maj Jojy Joseph reached Katari Gala in Gadyok area of Dharamshal police station of Kalakote tehsil. After reaching the suspected area, Maj Jojy Joseph directed his troops to cordon it off. Soon the troops made contact with the terrorists, who on being challenged opened fire at the troops. Thereafter a fierce gun battle ensued with heavy exchange of fire. Maj Jojy Joseph leading from the front, deployed his troops tactically to block the escape routes of the terrorists. He then displaying commendable courage, in a swift action eliminated one terrorist. However, the weapon of the slain terrorist fell down leading to firing of a burst, which hit Maj Joseph. Maj Jojy Joseph succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Maj Jojy Joseph was a valiant soldier and a fine officer, who led from the front and laid down his life in the service of the nation, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Maj Jojy Joseph is survived by his father Shri PT Joseph, mother Smt Lois Joseph, wife Smt Mini Jojy, daughter Julia, son Joshua and brothers Shri James Joseph and Shri Jones Joseph.
Mehul Mehta
2021 at 6:00 pmTribute to the real HERO. Salute and respect
Gracy Thomas
2021 at 9:08 pmMajor Jojy, the braveheart who had a heart of gold, loved by family and friends alike left us all too early.
Jerry James Joseph
2021 at 2:39 pmWords cannot describe the sacrifice you made Maj. Jojy Joseph. Miss you every moment. Thank you for keeping safe our precious mother India.
Kiran Kanwar Rathore
2021 at 5:15 pmTribute to the real hero. Salute and respect
Valsala.Pillai
2022 at 9:44 pmSalute to Maj. Jojy Joseph, respect.
Grace Ramamoorthy
2023 at 11:04 pmTribute to a real hero.
Jones Joseph
2023 at 4:13 pmIn January 2021, our beloved father, Shri PT Joseph, went to be with the LORD. We believe he is with our dear Jojy.