Service No : IC-52574

Date of Birth : December 25, 1970

Place of birth : Nainital, Uttarakhand

Service : Army

Last Rank : Major

Unit : 2 Mech Inf/18 Grenadiers

Arm/Regt : Mechanized Infantry Regt

Awards : Maha Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : May 30, 1999

Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari MVC

Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was born on 25 December 1970 in Tallital, Nainital, a picturesque hill town nestled amidst the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Growing up in the serene and disciplined environment of the hills, he developed qualities of determination, courage, and patriotism from an early age. He received his initial schooling at St. Joseph’s College, Nainital, and later continued his middle school education at Government Inter College. A bright and dedicated student, he went on to pursue higher education at Kumaun University, where he completed his graduation in 1992. From his childhood, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari harboured a deep aspiration to serve the nation as an officer in the Indian Army. Driven by this dream and his unwavering determination, he worked hard to achieve his goal. His long-cherished ambition was fulfilled when he was selected to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy, where he underwent rigorous military training that shaped him into a disciplined and capable officer. On 11 December 1993, at the young age of 23, he was commissioned into the 2 Mechanised Infantry (2 Mech Inf) Battalion of the Indian Army. As a young officer, he quickly earned the respect of his comrades and superiors for his courage, professionalism, and commitment to duty. Over the next five years, he served in various operational areas, gaining valuable experience while upholding the proud traditions of the Indian Army.
 

Amidst his military responsibilities, he also embraced family life. In 1998, Major Adhikari married Ms Kiran Negi, who became his life partner and a strong source of support throughout his journey. Their marriage marked the beginning of a cherished chapter in his life, and the couple was looking forward to celebrating their first wedding anniversary on 9 June 1999. However, fate had other plans as the Kargil War broke out in 1999. During the conflict, Major Adhikari’s unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and played a crucial role in the initial and intense phases of the war. His battalion was involved in challenging operations in the rugged and hostile mountainous terrain, where Indian soldiers fought with extraordinary courage to recapture strategic heights occupied by enemy forces. During this period, Major Adhikari was deployed in the Tololing sector, at an altitude of nearly 16,000 feet, where extreme weather, enemy fire, and treacherous terrain tested the endurance and bravery of every soldier. Amid the intensity of war, he received a letter from his wife, Kiran. In a touching moment that reflected both his love for his family and unwavering focus on duty, he carefully placed the letter in his pocket and reportedly said, “I will read it in peace tomorrow after the operation is finished.” Sadly, destiny did not allow him that moment of peace, and he never got the opportunity to read the letter. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari’s life remains a powerful story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to the nation. From a young boy growing up in the hills of Nainital to becoming a brave Army officer who led from the front during one of India’s most significant military conflicts, his journey reflected exceptional patriotism, honour, and selfless service. His sacrifice and legacy continue to inspire generations of Indians and stand as a proud chapter in the history of the Indian Army.

 
Op Vijay (J&K) :  30 May 1999
 
When heavy fighting erupted in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999 following the planned intrusion by Pakistani soldiers and militants into Indian territory, the Indian Army launched a series of operations to recapture the strategically important heights occupied by the enemy. Among the earliest and fiercest battles of the conflict was the assault on Tololing, a dominating feature overlooking the Srinagar–Leh highway. Following the launch of Operation Vijay on 25 May 1999, Indian troops were tasked with clearing these heavily fortified enemy positions under extremely hostile conditions. The urgency of these operations intensified after Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia and his patrol went missing in the area, highlighting the seriousness of the infiltration and the scale of enemy occupation. On 30 May 1999, as part of the battalion’s operations to capture the Tololing feature, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, who was attached to the 18 Grenadiers, was entrusted with a critical and highly dangerous mission—to secure the initial foothold by capturing a key forward enemy post. This position was strongly fortified and strategically vital, as it provided the enemy with a commanding advantage over the surrounding terrain. Located at an altitude of nearly 15,000 feet, the objective lay amidst steep, snow-covered mountains, where freezing temperatures, rugged cliffs, and continuous enemy fire made every movement perilous.
 

That night, Major Adhikari, along with a 10-man Grenadiers assault team, began the arduous climb towards the enemy-held position. Armed with rifles, picks, and axes, the soldiers silently advanced through the treacherous mountainous terrain in darkness, determined to surprise the enemy. The assault was organised into three separate 10-man teams, each assigned to attack different sections of the fortified position. Major Adhikari led the central assault group and moved nearly three metres ahead of his men, personally leading from the front despite the immense risk. As the troops approached the objective, they came under intense enemy fire from two mutually supporting bunkers equipped with universal machine guns. Despite the deadly barrage, Major Adhikari displayed exceptional courage and determination. While advancing towards the first bunker, he was struck by enemy fire nearly 20 metres short of his objective. Even after sustaining serious bullet injuries, he refused to retreat or slow down the assault. Realising the immediate threat posed by the enemy bunkers, he quickly directed the rocket launcher detachment to engage one of the fortified positions. Without waiting for reinforcements or concern for his own safety, Major Adhikari charged forward and stormed into the enemy bunker. In a fierce close-quarter combat, he eliminated two enemy intruders, allowing his men to secure the bunker and continue the advance. His fearless action not only broke the enemy’s immediate defensive line but also boosted the morale of his troops, who pressed forward under his command.

 

Despite his grievous injuries and severe blood loss, Major Adhikari remained focused on the mission. He ordered his Medium Machine Gun (MMG) detachment to take position behind a rocky feature and provide covering fire against enemy positions. Under his direction, the assault party gradually inched its way upward toward the remaining fortified objective. Throughout the engagement, he continued issuing tactical instructions, directing fire, and motivating his men, displaying extraordinary composure and leadership under fire. Refusing evacuation despite his critical condition, Major Adhikari launched a final assault on the second enemy bunker. In another act of remarkable bravery, he charged at the position and killed one more enemy occupant in close combat, leading to the capture of the second bunker on Tololing. This crucial success later facilitated the eventual capture of Point 4590, a key tactical achievement in the Battle of Tololing. By the time the objective had been secured, Major Adhikari had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and forced them to withdraw from their defensive positions. However, after displaying unmatched courage, leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, he finally succumbed to his injuries. The Battle of Tololing remains one of the most significant and fiercely fought battles of the Kargil War, and Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari’s role in it stands as a shining example of valour and sacrifice. A fearless soldier and a gritty officer, he led from the front, inspired his men through personal bravery, and laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His sacrifice continues to be remembered as a symbol of courage, leadership, and unwavering patriotism. Maj Rajesh Singh Adhikari was posthumously awarded the nation’s second highest gallantry award, “Maha Vir Chakra” for his conspicuous gallantry, leadership and supreme sacrifice.

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33 Comments

  • Vivek Wathoo

    2025 at 5:43 am Reply

    Only god knows how they decide who gets pvc or other medals. They r all just so brave.

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