Major Prasad Mahadik

Major Prasad Mahadik hailed from Virar city in the Mumbai district of Maharashtra. Born to Shri Ganesh Mahadik and Smt. Sharda Mahadik, he grew up with strong values of discipline, service, and integrity. He completed his graduation from Bhavan’s College, Andheri in Mumbai, after which he set his sights on joining the Indian Armed Forces. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism, he cleared the prestigious Combined Defence Services Examination and was selected to join the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, as part of the SSC-93 course. After successfully completing his rigorous training at OTA, he was commissioned on 17 March 2012 into the 7 Bihar Battalion of the highly respected Bihar Regiment — a regiment renowned for its indomitable courage and glorious battle honours. During his formative years as a young officer, he displayed exceptional leadership qualities and professionalism. A couple of years into his service, he found companionship and support for his journey in uniform, marrying Ms Gauri on 15 February 2015.

Having served in several challenging operational areas across the country, Major Mahadik was posted to his unit deployed in Arunachal Pradesh in October 2017. By then, with nearly five years in uniform, he had grown into a committed soldier and an officer of outstanding calibre. His experience included participation in several counter-insurgency operations, which honed his tactical skills and strengthened his resolve to serve the nation with distinction. Beyond the call of duty, Major Prasad Mahadik was known for his vibrant personality. He was a tough and dedicated soldier, yet equally a warm-hearted individual who excelled in sports and possessed a deep love for music. His ability to play the guitar effortlessly made him popular among his peers, reflecting the perfect blend of discipline and creativity that defined his character.

Indo-China Border Deployment: 30th Dec 2017

In 2017, Major Prasad Mahadik’s unit 7 Bihar was deployed in the strategically significant Tawang Valley, located approximately 35 kilometres from the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. As part of the forward defences in this sensitive sector, he was stationed at a high-altitude post situated over 15,000 feet above mean sea level. Life at such an extreme altitude was marked by harsh climatic conditions, where temperatures routinely dipped to as low as –15°C, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. Despite these challenges, Maj Mahadik continued to perform his duties with unwavering dedication, fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. On the morning of 30 December 2017, tragedy struck. At around 6:30 AM, a sudden fire broke out in the barrack where Major Prasad was residing. Fueled by the wooden structures common in high-altitude shelters, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing a major portion of the building within minutes. The unit immediately launched a rescue operation, but the flames proved difficult to contain in the short time available. Major Prasad became trapped inside the burning barrack and sustained severe burn injuries before rescuers could reach him.

Despite the best efforts of his comrades and medical staff, his injuries were too extensive, and he eventually succumbed to them. The Army lost a dedicated officer, a brave soldier, and a man of exemplary character in this horrific accident. Major Prasad Mahadik’s sacrifice stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers not only in battle but also while serving in some of the most unforgiving terrains in the world. Major Mahadik is survived by his wife, Smt. Gauri Mahadik, his father Shri Ganesh Mahadik, and his mother Smt. Sharda Mahadik. In a remarkable testament to courage, resilience, and devotion, Smt. Gauri Mahadik chose to carry forward her husband’s legacy. She joined the Officers’ Training Academy in Chennai and, after completing her training, was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army on 07 March 2020. Her decision and achievement stand as a powerful tribute to the life and ideals of Major Prasad Mahadik.

Inspiring Story of Maj Prasad Mahadik's wife--Capt Gauri Prasad Mahadik:

Life turned blissful when Gauri got married to Maj Prasad Mahadik on 15 Feb 2015, who was a caring person with attributes of a fantastic human being. She soon adapted to the Army life and felt blessed to be a member of the large Army family.  But on 30 Dec 2017, her beautiful world turned topsy turvy, when she lost her husband in a devastating fire incident, while he was deployed at the Indo-China border.  The edifice of her life came crashing down in a moment and life suddenly looked meaningless to her. She was stunned and angry by the sudden turn of events and got terribly worried about her future.

But she was a woman of strong will and determination. She decided to take life head on, brushing aside her tragedy. Though a qualified company secretary and law graduate, she thought that her best tribute to her husband would be to join the Army and don the same uniform that he wore. She got down to preparing for the Service Selection Board (SSB) with utmost sincerity and dedication. She could not clear the SSB in the first attempt but she did not loose heart.  With her outstanding perseverance and encouraged by her family, she cleared the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview in the second attempt at 21 SSB Bhopal.  She joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai in April 2019 and quickly adapted to the grueling sessions of the training. She went on to excel in all aspects of training and won praise from all quarters for her commitment and resoluteness.

At OTA, she was competing with the cadets much younger to her in age, but that did not deter her and she did very well in every aspect of training.  After the 49-week long tough training, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant on 07  March 2020.  For the newly commissioned  Lt Gauri Mahadik, it was a poignant moment and no small feat by any stretch of imagination. The story of now, Capt Gauri Mahadik, embodies courage, hope and determination and certainly is inspirational for many young women of India.