Major Pradeep R Tathawade KC

Major Pradeep Ramachandra Tathawade hailed from Kendur Pabal village in Shirur Taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. Born to Shri Ramachandra Krishnarao Tathawade and Smt Kusum R. Tathawade, he was the second of three children in the family, with an elder brother, Milind, and a younger sister, Sushma. Raised in a disciplined and value-oriented environment, Maj Pradeep displayed qualities of determination, leadership, and patriotism from an early age. His journey towards a military career began when he secured admission to the prestigious Sainik School, Satara, where he studied from Class V onwards. The school played a pivotal role in shaping his personality and nurturing his dream of serving the nation in uniform. The rigorous academic environment, combined with military-oriented training and discipline, laid a strong foundation for his future career in the Armed Forces. His dedication and hard work eventually earned him selection to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1980, one of the country's premier institutions for training future military leaders.

After successfully completing his training at the NDA and the Indian Military Academy, Major Tathawade was commissioned into the Indian Army in June 1984. He joined the 8th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (8 JAK LI), a regiment renowned for its valour, professionalism, and distinguished battle honours. As a young officer, he quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier and demonstrated exceptional commitment to duty. Over the next sixteen years, Major Tathawade served in a variety of challenging operational and field areas across the country. His assignments exposed him to diverse terrains, difficult conditions, and complex military situations, enabling him to develop into a highly competent and battle-hardened officer. Through his unwavering dedication, leadership abilities, and professional excellence, he earned the respect and admiration of both his superiors and the soldiers under his command. By the year 2000, he had established himself as a seasoned infantry officer with extensive operational experience and an unflinching commitment to the service of the nation.

Poonch Operation(J&K): 17 June 2000

In June 2000, Major Tathawade's unit was deployed in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, where it was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations against militants. On 17 June 2000, the battalion received credible intelligence regarding the presence of a group of heavily armed militants in Shahpur village of Poonch district. At the time, Major Tathawade was officiating as the Commanding Officer of the battalion. Recognizing the importance of swift action, he decided to launch an operation against the militants and personally lead the assault team. Acting promptly on the intelligence input, Major Tathawade and his troops moved to the suspected area and established contact with the militants. When challenged and asked to surrender, the militants responded with intense gunfire, triggering a fierce encounter. A heavy exchange of fire ensued as the soldiers closed in on the militants' position. During the intense firefight, Major Tathawade noticed two militants attempting to break away from the cordon. Displaying remarkable alertness and courage, he engaged them immediately and shot both militants dead. However, in the midst of the action, a third militant launched a surprise attack from behind. Major Tathawade grappled with the militant and both men rolled to the ground. The militant managed to break free and fired at him from close range, hitting him in the stomach and thigh.

Despite sustaining grievous injuries and losing a considerable amount of blood, Major Tathawade refused to withdraw from the battle. Demonstrating extraordinary determination and indomitable fighting spirit, he continued to engage the militant and succeeded in eliminating him. Even while severely wounded, he remained focused on the mission and continued to direct the operation. He repeatedly instructed his men to maintain their positions and not approach him until all the militants had been neutralized or captured, placing the success of the operation and the safety of his troops above his own life. The operation ultimately ended in success with the remaining militants being eliminated. Only after the area had been secured was Major Tathawade evacuated to a military hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom in the line of duty. Major Pradeep Ramachandra Tathawade displayed courage, leadership, and devotion to duty of the highest order. His fearless actions, exceptional leadership under fire, and supreme sacrifice upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army and exemplified the spirit of selfless service to the nation. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Major Pradeep R. Tathawade was posthumously awarded the "Kirti Chakra," India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.

Maj Pradeep R Tathawade is survived by his wife Smt Leenta Tathawade, daughter Bhagyashree, and son Sagar.

Citation for the Kirti Chakra awarded to him reads:-.

Maj Pardeep R Tathawade, the Second-in-command, volunteered to lead the search for five hardcore foreign mercenaries who had broken contact and displayed dynamic leadership in tracking them to a re-entrant replete with dense foliage. Maj Pradeep R Tathawade was commissioned into 8 JAK LI on 09 Jul 1984. He was performing the duties of Second-in-Command of the Bn when on 17 Jun 2000 five militants sneaked in the Bn AOR from Pakistan. Maj PR Tathawade sprung the cordon, disposing troops adroitly. Heavy exchange of fire ensued, during which he noticed three terrorists attempting to escape under regarding own safety. He then broke cover at close quarters, and displaying steady steel nerves, shot two terrorists dead including one area commander. His charge to intercept the third locked them in hand to hand combat before they both fired at each other, and the officer was fatally wounded. His buddy shot the third terrorist dead.

For this gallant action, Maj PR Tathawade was conferred with the award of “Kirti Chakra” (Posth).

• A public park in Pune has been named as "Shahid Major Pradeep Tathawade Udyan" in his honour.
• A life-size statue of Major Tathawade stands at the entrance to the garden. The park is spread over 2.75 acres land and has a 260 meters long jogging track along the circumference. The park features several water fountains and a children's play park.