Major Prafulla Moharkar

Major Prafulla Moharkar hailed from Junona village in Paoni Tehsil, Maharashtra. He was born on 31 July 1984, to Shri Ambadas Moharkar and Smt Sudha Moharkar, who instilled in him strong values and a sense of duty. Major Prafulla completed his primary education in Manora village, followed by high school at Vainangaga School, Paoni, and Somalwar High School, Nagpur. An academically gifted student, he gained admission to an engineering college in Nagpur. However, driven by a deep desire to serve the nation, he chose to leave his studies and joined the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) course at the College of Military Engineering (CME) Pune to pursue a career in the Indian Army.

In 2007, Major Prafulla Moharkar was commissioned into the Sikh Regiment, a unit renowned for its fearless soldiers and distinguished history of valor. Throughout his service, Major Prafulla exemplified dedication, courage, and a profound commitment to his duty and comrades. On 24th December 2013, Major Prafulla married Ms. Aboli while posted with his unit at Samba in Jammu & Kashmir. Despite the option to take a peaceful posting after his tenure at Samba, Major Prafulla chose to continue serving in field postings alongside his men, reflecting his unwavering sense of duty and leadership. As fate would have it, 24th December 2017 marked what would have been his fourth wedding anniversary. However, destiny had other plans for this brave officer. His commitment to duty took precedence over personal milestones, underscoring the selfless service and sacrifice that defined his life.

Keri Sector Operation (J&K) : 23 Dec 2017

In 2017, Major Prafulla Moharkar was deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) in the volatile Keri sector of Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir.  The LoC in this region was known for its heightened tension and frequent ceasefire violations, with the enemy resorting to unprovoked firing to destabilize Indian security forces. The Indian Army maintained constant vigilance through regular armed patrols to ensure the safety of the region and deter any enemy activity. On 23rd December 2017, around noon, the Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire once again and initiated heavy, unprovoked firing. At the time, Major Prafulla Moharkar was leading an armed patrol team from the Sikh Regiment on a routine mission in the area. At approximately 12:15 PM, as the patrol reached Brat Galla, the Pakistani troops, who had been strategically positioned in ambush, launched a sudden and intense attack. The assault was not limited to small arms fire but was supported by artillery shelling from across the border, indicating a meticulously planned and coordinated offensive by the enemy.

In the line of fire, Major Prafulla Moharkar exhibited remarkable bravery, leading his men from the front and coordinating the patrol under relentless enemy fire. During this assault, Major Prafulla and his comrades – Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh, and Sepoy Pargat Singh – sustained grievous injuries from direct hits. Despite the ferocity of the attack and the critical nature of their injuries, they fought valiantly until the end. Tragically, all four soldiers later succumbed to their wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Major Prafulla Moharkar's courage and leadership during the encounter exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His willingness to put himself in harm's way to protect his men and uphold national security underscores his unwavering commitment to the nation. His sacrifice, along with that of his brave comrades, serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless dedication and selflessness of India’s soldiers who defend the nation’s borders under the most challenging conditions. Major Prafulla Moharkar's legacy lives on as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and to the country, embodying the spirit of heroism and patriotism that defines the Indian Armed Forces. 

Maj Prafulla Moharkar is survived by his wife Smt Aboli Moharkar, father Shri Ambadas Moharkar, mother Smt Sudha Moharkar and brother Shri Paresh Moharkar.

Tribute by Mother :

“Though My Son Has Been Martyred, I Am Proud Of His Supreme Sacrifice. He Was A Brilliant Student Since Childhood And Was Very Eager To Serve The Country. He Would Invariable Say That He Would Love To Die For The Country, I Still Remember His Words,” Said Sudha Moharkar, Mother Of Maj Prafulla Moharkar.