Major Mohit Sharma AC SM

Despite taking admission in an engineering college, he had a passion to join the forces, and he was determined and left engineering to join the prestigious NDA in the year 1995. During his NDA tenure, where he was a member of the India Squadron, he excelled in various fields and emerged as one of the best cadets. He was a champion Horse Rider, trained under the able guidance of Col. Bhawani Singh, with his favourite horse named “Indira”. He was a Boxing champion in the featherweight category as well as one of the best swimmers. He continued his hunger for excellence into the IMA, where he was awarded an appointment of the rank of BCA (battalion cadet adjutant) and was among the chosen ones to get an opportunity to meet Shri K.R Narayanan, then the President of India, at Rashtrapati Bhawan. 

He passed out from IMA on 11th December 1999 and got commissioned in the 5 Madras Battalion of the Madras Regiment. His first posting was at Hyderabad, from where he went on to serve the country with 38 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) in Kashmir as part of a counterinsurgency operation, where he received his first medal for Gallantry COASM (Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal) in the year 2002. From the very beginning, he wanted to be a para-commando and joined 1 Para (SF) -the elite force of the Indian Army in June 2003. 

Undercover counter-terrorism operation: 2004

In 2004, Major Mohit Sharma executed a daring and meticulously planned undercover counter-terrorism operation that showcased extraordinary courage, intelligence, and presence of mind. Through sustained surveillance and careful groundwork, he succeeded in establishing contact with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Abu Torara and Abu Sabzar, while operating under the assumed identity of Iftikhar Bhatt. To blend seamlessly into the terrorist ranks, Major Sharma transformed his appearance—growing long, flowing hair and an unkempt beard—allowing him to convincingly camouflage himself among the militants. When questioned about his motives for joining the outfit and fighting the Indian Army, he played his role to perfection. Speaking fluent Kashmiri and staying true to his cover story, he hurled scathing abuse at the Army, claiming it was responsible for the death of his brother during a stone-pelting incident. He told the terrorists that he sought revenge and needed their assistance to strike against Indian forces.

Satisfied after cross-checking his story, Torara and Sabzar began to trust him. They arranged a consignment of grenades and weapons and gradually drew him deeper into their operational plans. As his credibility grew, Major Sharma was even given the option to cross the Line of Control and was tasked with participating in an attack on an Indian Army outpost. Unbeknownst to the terrorists, the hand-drawn map detailing troop movements that he presented was a deliberate decoy prepared by Major Sharma himself. However, sensing something amiss, Abu Torara began to harbour doubts about his loyalty. Realising that the situation could turn dangerous at any moment, Major Sharma reacted with remarkable composure and boldness. Dropping his AK-47 rifle, he challenged the terrorists directly, declaring that if they did not trust him, they should kill him immediately. This unexpected move sowed confusion and hesitation among the militants. Seizing the fleeting moment of uncertainty, Major Sharma swiftly drew his loaded 9-mm pistol and, in a lightning-fast action, shot both terrorists dead, neutralising the threat single-handedly and bringing the operation to a successful conclusion. For his exceptional bravery, ingenuity, and gallantry displayed during this high-risk undercover operation, Major Mohit Sharma was awarded the Sena Medal. He also served as an instructor at the 'Commando Wing' Belgaum for 2 years from January 2005 to December 2006.

Kupwara Operation: 21st March 2009

During 2009, Maj Mohit Sharma’s unit was deployed in the Kupwara district of J & K and was engaged in operations against the terrorists frequently. Based on the information received from the intelligence about the infiltration attempt by some terrorists in Kupwara district, the security forces decided to launch a search and destroy operation on 21 Mar 2009.  Maj Mohit Sharma was tasked to lead the Bravo Assault Team against the infiltrating terrorists in dense Haphruda Forest. A fearless soldier with exceptional tactical acumen, he had already spent four demanding years operating in Jammu & Kashmir, honing his skills in guerrilla warfare and jungle combat. His deep understanding of terrain, insurgent behaviour, and high-risk operational planning earned him immense respect among his men and superiors alike. Recognising the gravity of the situation, Major Mohit meticulously devised an operational plan and personally led his team of highly trained commandos to track and neutralise the threat.

As the team manoeuvred stealthily through the rugged foliage, Major Mohit detected suspicious movement ahead. Demonstrating sharp battlefield instincts, he immediately alerted his scouts and prepared for contact. Within moments, terrorists opened heavy and indiscriminate fire from three directions, attempting to ambush and overwhelm the team. The sudden onslaught resulted in four commandos being critically wounded in the initial burst. Displaying remarkable courage and leadership under fire, Major Mohit crawled forward—completely disregarding his own safety—to rescue his injured soldiers. Under continuous enemy fire, he successfully pulled two wounded commandos to safety, inspiring the entire team to continue the fight with renewed resolve. Realising that the terrorists were attempting to break contact and reposition, Major Mohit swiftly countered. He advanced under the hail of bullets, lobbed grenades with precision, and neutralised two terrorists. In doing so, he sustained a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite the severe injury, he refused to withdraw. Instead, he continued directing the assault, issuing clear instructions and motivating his commandos to hold ground and press forward.

When the situation intensified and the remaining terrorists posed an imminent risk to his troops, Major Mohit made a split-second decision that embodied the highest ideals of soldiering. Ignoring his worsening condition, he surged ahead in close-quarter combat with extraordinary grit and determination. In this final act of absolute bravery, he eliminated two more terrorists before succumbing to his injuries. Besides Maj Mohit Sharma, four other soldiers laid down their lives during the operation on 21 Mar, which included Hav Sanjay Singh, Hav Anil Kumar, Ptr Shabir Ahmad Malik and Ptr Nater Singh. Maj Mohit Sharma was given the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, “Ashok Chakra” for his act of conspicuous gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice.

Maj Mohit Sharma is survived by his father Shri Rajendra Prasad Sharma, mother Smt Sushila Sharma, elder brother Shri Madhur Sharma and wife Lt Col Rishima Sarin who is an Army officer (Was commissioned in the Army Service Corps in 2001) and continuing his legacy of service to the nation.

The citation for the "Ashok Chakra", awarded to him reads:

Major Mohit Sharma, SM was leading Bravo Assault Team in operations in Kupwara District of North Kashmir. A valiant warrior, he excelled in the art of fighting guerrillas in jungle terrain having earlier spent four years in Jammu & Kashmir. On 21 March 2009, after receiving information of presence of some infiltrating terrorists in dense Haphruda Forest, he planned meticulously and led his commandos in tracking them. On observing suspicious movement, he alerted his scouts but terrorists fired from three directions indiscriminately.  In the heavy exchange of fire, four commandos were wounded immediately. With complete disregard to his safety, he crawled and recovered two soldiers to safety. Unmindful of the overwhelming fire, he threw grenades and killed two terrorists but was shot in the chest. In the brief respite that followed, he kept directing his commandos, in spite of serious injuries. Sensing further danger to his comrades, he charged in a daring close quarter combat killing two more terrorists and attained martyrdom fighting for his motherland in the finest traditions of Indian Army.

For this act of conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership and exceptional courage far beyond the call of duty, Major Mohit Sharma, SM was awarded 'Ashok Chakra' (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 09.

• Shaheed Major Mohit Sharma Marg: On 21 March 2011, the road connecting Loni Road and GT Road in Rajendra Nagar was officially named “Shaheed Major Mohit Sharma Marg” in honour of Major Mohit Sharma’s supreme sacrifice. The inauguration ceremony was held under the aegis of the Major Mohit Sharma, Ashok Chakra, Sena Medal Memorial Trust and organised by Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha in collaboration with Bharat Vikas Parishad, Sahibabad. The road was inaugurated by Pandit Dayanand Sharma, Major Mohit Sharma’s grandfather.

• Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar Metro Station: In another enduring tribute, the Rajendra Nagar Metro Station on the Red Line of the Delhi Metro was renamed “Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar Metro Station”. Located in the Sahibabad Industrial Area of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, the renaming stands as a lasting public memorial honouring the bravery and legacy of Major Mohit Sharma, Ashok Chakra.

• The family of Major Mohit Sharma, Ashok Chakra, Sena Medal, has instituted the Major Mohit Sharma Memorial Trust to honour his legacy through meaningful social service. The Trust works towards the welfare and support of martyrs’ families, promotes education and skill development for the underprivileged, and undertakes health, educational, and welfare initiatives for needy women and children. It also focuses on medical outreach and awareness programmes, supports vulnerable sections of society, and works for the empowerment and development of women, adolescents, and children in both urban and rural areas across the country.