Major Padmapani Acharya MVC

Major Padmapani Acharya was born on 21 June 1968 into a distinguished Air Force family originally from Odisha, which later settled in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was the son of Wing Commander Jagannath Acharya (Retd.), a respected officer of the Indian Air Force who had actively served the nation during the 1965 and 1971 Indo–Pakistan wars, and Smt. Vimala Acharya. Growing up in a household deeply rooted in military values, he was profoundly influenced by his father’s service, discipline, and sense of duty. He shared a close bond with his brother, Padmasambhav Acharya, who would later also choose a life in uniform. From an early age, Maj Padmapani Acharya nurtured a strong aspiration to serve in the Armed Forces. This motivation steadily shaped his character as he grew up, instilling in him qualities of discipline, integrity, and commitment to the nation. Determined to follow his calling, he pursued his education with focus and, after completing his graduation, successfully cleared the rigorous selection process for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai—one of the most prestigious training institutions of the Indian Army.

Major Acharya was commissioned as a Lieutenant after passing out from the 56th Short Service Commission (SS) Course. He was inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, a highly decorated and battle-honoured infantry regiment renowned for its operational excellence and valour. Upon joining his unit, he quickly proved himself to be a capable and resilient officer. Through professional competence, physical toughness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility towards his men, he earned their respect and trust. In 1998, Major Acharya married Ms Charulatha, beginning a new chapter in his personal life while continuing to serve with dedication. Around the same period, his brother Padmasambhav Acharya also joined the Indian Army and later participated in active combat operations during Operation Vijay, further reflecting the family’s enduring legacy of service to the nation. Beyond his professional life as a soldier, Major Padmapani Acharya was known for his intellectual depth. He was a voracious reader with a keen interest in a wide range of subjects, possessing a thoughtful and analytical mind. This blend of physical courage, professional competence, and intellectual curiosity distinguished him as a well-rounded officer and a true gentleman-soldier, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

Battle of Black Rock Complex (Kargil War): 28 June 1999

Major Padmapani Acharya was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, commanded by M. B. Ravindranath, which formed part of 81 Mountain Brigade deployed in the Lolab Valley. In the early stages of the Kargil War, the battalion was inducted into the Drass sector on 04 June 1999. At the time, the battalion was operating under 56 Mountain Brigade, with overall operational control exercised by 8 Mountain Division, commanded by Mohinder Puri. In the aftermath of the Lahore Declaration (1999), the Pakistan Army surreptitiously occupied several winter-vacated Indian Army posts along the Line of Control. These intrusions were detected on 03 May 1999, prompting a swift and resolute response by India. On 26 May 1999, the Indian Air Force launched the first air-to-ground strikes, followed by Operation Vijay, aimed at evicting the intruders from Indian territory. The Indian Army rapidly mobilised its forces to regain control of the occupied heights. Following the successful capture of Tololing and Point 5140 by 20 June 1999, it became operationally imperative to sustain momentum and maintain pressure on the enemy. Detailed reconnaissance revealed that the capture of the ‘Three Pimples Ridge’, in conjunction with Point 4700, was essential in the first phase of operations. Thereafter, the capture of Point 5100 was required to dominate the Line of Control.

The Three Pimples Ridge, emanating from Point 5100 along the Marpo La ridgeline, dominated National Highway 1A, Drass town, and the Sando Valley. Its capture was crucial to pave the way for further operations towards Point 5100 and subsequently Point 5600, thereby isolating enemy intrusions east of Sando Nala. The complex—also known as the Black Rock complex—comprised Three Pimples, Lone Hill, Knoll, and Kajal, bifurcating into two distinct spur lines. The Point 4700 Ridge included Point 4700, Saddle, Tommy, Sangar, Rocky, and Junction Point. To achieve these objectives, a bold and carefully coordinated multi-directional attack, executed in two phases, was planned.

• Phase I:

  • 2 Rajputana Rifles was tasked to capture Knoll and Lone Hill, and establish contact with Junction Point by the early hours of 29 June 1999.

  • 18 Garhwal Rifles was assigned the capture of Tommy, Saddle, and Point 4700 by the same morning.

• Phase II:

  • 2 Rajputana Rifles was to clear Three Pimples by midday.

  • 16 Grenadiers was to exploit the gains and capture Junction Point by 30 June 1999.

  • Concurrently, 18 Garhwal Rifles was to capture Rocky and Sangar, and link up with 16 Grenadiers at Junction Point.

The coordinated assault by 2 Rajputana Rifles and 18 Garhwal Rifles commenced at 2030 hours on 28 June 1999. Soon after the attack began, the assault company of 2 Rajputana Rifles came under intense and accurate enemy artillery fire, resulting in heavy casualties. Major Padmapani Acharya, commanding ‘A’ Company, was entrusted with the formidable task of capturing a heavily fortified and strongly held enemy position, protected by minefields and covered by intense machine-gun and artillery fire. The success of the battalion and brigade operations depended critically on the early capture of this position. However, the attack nearly faltered at the outset when enemy artillery fire struck the leading platoon, inflicting severe losses. Demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Acharya took charge of the reserve platoon and personally led it forward through the relentless artillery barrage. Even as casualties mounted, he continuously motivated and inspired his men, charging up the steep, rocky face under withering fire. Undeterred by intense enemy resistance, he crawled forward towards the enemy bunker and lobbed grenades into the position at close quarters. During this daring assault, Major Acharya sustained grievous injuries. Despite being critically wounded and immobilised, he ordered his men to leave him behind and continue the assault, while he himself continued firing at the enemy to provide covering fire. Inspired by his indomitable spirit, the troops pressed on, overran the enemy position, and successfully secured the objective.

Major Padmapani Acharya, however, succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in action. Along with him, two other officers and ten soldiers of 2 Rajputana Rifles made the supreme sacrifice during the operation. The other fallen bravehearts were: Capt Vijayant Thapar, Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Hav SS Sengar, Hav Satyabir Singh, Nk Anand Singh, L/Nk Satpal Singh, L/Nk Vikram Singh, Rfn J S Shekhawat, Rfn Satyaveer Singh, Rfn Om Prakash, Rfn Jasvir Singh and Rfn Kanwar Pal Singh. For his extraordinary gallantry, inspiring leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Padmapani Acharya was posthumously awarded the nation’s second-highest gallantry decoration, the "Maha Vir Chakra", on 15 August 2000.

Major Acharya is survived by his father, Wg cdr Jagannath Acharya (Retd), his mother, Smt. Vimala Acharya, his wife, Smt. Charulatha Acharya and his daughter, Ms Aparijita. His life and sacrifice remain an enduring symbol of courage, selfless leadership, and unwavering devotion to the nation.

The citation for the "Maha Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 28 June 1999, Major Padmapani Acharya as a Company Commander, was assigned the formidable task of capturing an enemy position which was heavily fortified, strongly held and covered with mines and sweeping machine gun and artillery fire. The success of the battalion and brigade operation hinged on the early capture of this position. However, the company attack almost faltered at the very beginning when the enemy’s artillery fire came down squarely on the leading platoon, inflicting large numbers of casualties. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Major Acharya took the reserve platoon of his company and led it through raining artillery shells. Even as his men were falling to the murderous enemy fire, he continued to encourage his men and charged at the enemy up the steep rock face with his reserve platoon.

Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy’s position, Major Acharya crawled up to the enemy position and lobbed grenades. In this daring assault, he was seriously injured. Despite heavy injuries and unable to move, he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fire at the enemy. The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was captured. He, however, succumbed to his injuries after completion of the mission.

Major Padmapani Acharya displayed exceptional courage, leadership and spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.

• PADMAPANI SOCIETY FOR HUMAN EXCELLENCE (PSHE). An NGO was founded in 1993 in memory of Major Padmapani Acharya by a group of dedicated social workers committed to tackling environment, livelihood, literacy and health-related issues at the grassroots level. The organisation is working to create a high standard of living for vulnerable and marginalised communities. The Executive Board's versatility is enriched through the presence of social workers, financial experts, medical professionals and the local community, ensuring a holistic approach to cater to all kinds of social developmental activities. PSHE firmly believes that any desired change in the lives of underprivileged children will come only when more and more privileged people participate proactively in finding a solution to the problem.

• A petrol bunk awarded to his family by the State Government at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, has been named after Major Padmapani Acharya in his honour. 

• A road, leading to Major Padmapani Acharya’s house in Hyderabad, has been named "Major Padmapani Acharya Marg"  in his honour.
• Film adaptation: The events of the Battle of Tololing were adapted as one of the prominent battle scenes in the Hindi war film "LOC Kargil" in which actor Nagarjuna portrayed the role of Maj Padmapani Acharya.

• Maj Padmapani Acharya's quote in his last letter to his father, "Combat is an honour of a lifetime, and I would not think of anything less. What better way to serve the nation?"

      What his family had to say about him…

• “You have to accept the inevitable and adjust accordingly. It is tough to digest, but we are all proud of him and miss him,” his father, Wg Cdr Jagannath Acharya.
•  “As a mother, I am definitely sad and hurt, but as a patriot, I am proud of my son. He lives forever, whereas I will not. He made me promise that I would not cry when he left for the front,” Major Padmapani Acharya’s mother, Smt Vimala Acharya.
• “Now that the Army has opened its gates for women. I would love to see my granddaughter join the Army,” Wg Cdr Jagannath Acharya.

• Major Padmapani Acharya last spoke to his family on June 21, 1999, which happened to be his birthday. Ironically, this turned out to be the last time he spoke to his family. Seven days later, on June 28, 1999, the family of Major Padmapani Acharya received a phone call from the Army saying that he had fought bravely in Kargil and was no more.
• He had posted a letter dated June 19, 1999, to his father, Wg Cdr Acharya, which is shown below:
• 
• In the letter, Major Acharya had also talked about Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Kargil. His father sent a copy of this letter to the prime minister, who replied to him, acknowledging Major Acharya's sacrifice.

• During the gallantry award investiture ceremony in New Delhi on Republic Day, which Wg  Cdr Jagannath Acharya attended to receive the Maha Vir Chakra, Prime Minister Vajpayee came up to him and again thanked him for the letter. He also asked then President K R Narayanan to come up to Major Acharya's father to meet him.

Tribute by his sister Ms Amrapali Acharya on 28 June 2019 :

It has been 20 years since you left us, giving it all in the line of your duty. The nation lost a great soldier and we lost-an inseparable part of our family. It has been…20 years of waiting for you to come back home on leave… 20 years of not having seen you, touched you and heard you… 20 years of talking to you only through our hearts and minds…

Not a day passes when I see your daughter, Bubbles and not think of you. Thank God, you left a piece of yourself for us to lean on, to alleviate our sorrow, make us laugh, feel loved and more so to handle life without you. I remember hearing her heartbeat for the first time when we took Charu for the scan; it was after you had left for the other world. I remember the tears welling up in our eyes and rolling down by just imagining it to be your heart beat (of course it was and of course she is).

Our lives are still being guided by your memories, that are filled with your playfulness, your outlook towards life, your sense of responsibility and the values you stood for…..and we are reliving those precious moments while bringing up and loving Bubbles. At times, it appears as if you had a premonition and thus planned your exit from this world. Your meeting with Charu, your letters back home, your conversations and finally Bubbles…seem to indicate that.

We are proud of you but sad and angry too. Though left with a sense of loss and void, we have taken it in our stride and moved on; after all, we are a soldier’s family. Ma said,” a soldier never dies, he just moves on”. Babloo, you are really the “Maha Vir”, the country looks up to, for your courage, gallantry and patriotism. You are indeed the pride of the nation.

As a family, we are immensely proud of you but miss you too in equal measure. Undoubtedly you remain an inspiration for the family and the nation as well; and your life though short has left an inspirational message for all Indians... follow your hearts, to pursue all the dreams with passion and make the country proud…..Jai Hind!

Amrapali Acharya