Major Mohan Gangadharan SC

Major Mohan Gangadharan was born on 11th February 1961 into a distinguished military family to Lieutenant Colonel K.G. Gangadharan(Retd.) and Smt. Sarojini Gangadharan. His family's legacy of service to the nation extended beyond his father, as his brother and co-brother also served in the Indian Army. This strong lineage of dedication and patriotism played a formative role in shaping Major Mohan's aspirations and character. He began his education at Saint Francis School, Lucknow, before continuing at Saint Edmund’s College, Shillong, where he demonstrated academic excellence and a well-rounded personality. Driven by a passion for engineering, he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at Regional Engineering College (REC), Surathkal, now known as National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal, located in Mangalore.

Following his graduation, Major Mohan chose to follow his family's tradition of military service, joining the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. On 18th December, he was commissioned into the 59 Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, an esteemed branch of the Indian Army responsible for providing vital engineering support during both peacetime and conflict. Major Mohan was not only a dedicated soldier but also an exceptionally talented sportsman. His athletic prowess was evident in his achievements across multiple disciplines. He was a champion basketball player, a swimming champion, and a trained coach, earning recognition for his skills and leadership in these fields. Furthermore, he demonstrated exceptional marksmanship and was acknowledged as the best sharpshooter in his regiment.

Op Rhino : 23 Feb 1999

On 23 February 1999, Major Mohan Gangadharan, serving as the Post Commander at Shankarbasti Post in Naugong District of Assam, was leading operations under 311 Mountain Brigade as part of Operation Rhino. At  about 1720 hours, Major Mohan Gangadharan received specific and credible intelligence regarding the presence of the ‘Action Group’ of Karbi National Volunteer militants in the villages of Theisu Tirang and Jainkhan. Understanding the urgency of the situation, he immediately mobilized his Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and launched a swift raid on two suspected houses in these villages. The operation resulted in the successful apprehension of three hardcore militants. Without wasting time, Major Gangadharan conducted an immediate on-the-spot interrogation of the captured militants. During the interrogation, he uncovered critical information about the presence of Pratap, the self-styled Area Commander of the Karbi National Volunteers, along with two other armed militants, in a hideout located in Jainkhan village. Acting on this intelligence, he swiftly planned the next phase of the operation.

By 1920 hours, Major Gangadharan led his QRT to Jainkhan for a precise search-and-cordon operation. As his team was in the process of securing the area, three militants attempted to escape on a motorcycle, firing indiscriminately from automatic weapons while using the cover of darkness. Demonstrating exceptional tactical acumen and presence of mind, Major Gangadharan swiftly repositioned his men, ensuring that the militants did not get away. Despite the heavy barrage of fire, he displayed unwavering courage and, without concern for his personal safety, charged through the hail of bullets. His effective counterfire struck the escaping militants, causing them to lose control of their motorcycle and crash. During this intense exchange, he sustained multiple bullet injuries—one in his right arm and another in his chest. Even though he was grievously wounded, Major Gangadharan remained undeterred. With unshakable resolve and extraordinary determination, he continued engaging the enemy. Switching his weapon to his left hand, he led a bold assault alongside Sapper Laxman Singh, fearlessly advancing through the militants' indiscriminate gunfire. With precision shooting, he eliminated Pratap on the spot, preventing him from regrouping or counterattacking.

Despite profuse bleeding and excruciating pain, Major Gangadharan refused to yield. He pulled himself up from the ground and, disregarding his severe injuries, rallied his men for a final push against the remaining militants. Leading from the front, he charged towards their position, inspiring his soldiers with his sheer bravery and indomitable spirit. Overwhelmed by his fearless onslaught, the remaining militants panicked and fled, abandoning their weapons in desperation. Even as he pursued them, Major Gangadharan continued firing until, weakened by excessive blood loss, he collapsed on the battlefield. In his last moments, he had not only neutralized a high-value militant leader but had also dismantled a major threat to the region. In making the ultimate sacrifice, Major Mohan Gangadharan displayed unparalleled valour, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to duty, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Major Mohan Gangadharan was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 15th August 1999, one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards. In this fierce encounter, Gunner Subhash Chander Ram of the 315 Field Regiment also laid down his life in the highest act of bravery and sacrifice.

Major Mohan Gangadharan is survived by his wife Smt Ranjini Mohan and daughter Ms Nayanthara.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Major Mohan Gangadharan, Company Commander 66 Field Company of 59 Engineer Regiment was the Post Commander at Shankarbasti Post, Nagaon District since 18 Jan 99 and was operating under 311 Mountain Brigade under OP RHINO.

On 23 Feb 99 at 1720h the officer got a specific and hard intelligence about the presence of 'Action Group' of Karbi National Volunteer militants in villages called Theisu Tirang and Jainkhan, Major Mohan Gangadharan immediately reacted with his Quick Reaction Team and raided two houses in these villages and apprehended three hardcore militants. After carrying out on the spot interrogation of these militants Major Mohan Gangadharan came to know about the presence of Pratap, self styled Area Commander of Karbi National Volunteers and two more armed militants in another hideout in Jainkhan. The officer moved the Quick Reaction Team to Jainkhan by 1920h for a specific search operation. When the cordon was being placed in the general area, three militants tried to escape on a motorcycle firing a barrage of bullets from their automatics and taking cover of darkness. Major Mohan Gangadharan immediately changed the position of his men showing presence of mind and tactical acumen. Undaunted by the militants fire and unmindful of his personal safety, Major Mohan Gagadharan charged through a hail of militants bullets and brought down effective fire on the fleeing militants and in the process received bullet injuries on his right arm and chest. One of the militants, later identified as Pratap got hit on his leg and all the three fell down from their motorcycle due to this swift and bold attach. Undeterred by his injuries, with indomitable courage and grim determination, he dashed alongwith one of his men Sapper Laxman Singh through the indiscriminate fire of the militants, firing with his left hand and shot dead Pratap on the spot. Bleeding profusely, he got up from the ground where he had fallen and despite his serious personal injuries he organised his jawans and charged towards the other two well entrenches militants, leading from the front and exhorting and inspiring his men. Faced with such extraordinary courage, the militants broke ranks and fled, leaving behind even their weapons. Major Mohan Gangadharan continued firing at the militants till he finally collapsed due to loss of blood and made the supreme sacrifice.