Major Rushikesh Vallabh Bhai Ramani SM

Major Rushikesh Ramani was born on 8 October 1983 into a proud Gujarati family. He was the only son of Shri Vallabhbhai Ramani and Smt. Geetaben Ramani. From an early age, Maj Rushikesh displayed qualities that distinguished him from his peers. Deeply attached to his parents, he imbibed strong moral values and a profound respect for Indian culture and traditions. His disciplined upbringing, coupled with an inherent sense of patriotism, laid the foundation for his future career in the armed forces. Maj Ramani received his primary and secondary education at the prestigious Balachadi Sainik School near Jamnagar in Gujarat, where he studied from 1995 to 2001. An outstanding student, he consistently excelled in academics and secured an impressive 85 percent marks in his Class XII examination. His achievements, however, were not limited to the classroom. Gifted with remarkable leadership qualities, he was appointed as the School Captain, a position that reflected the trust and confidence reposed in him by both his teachers and fellow cadets. During his years at Sainik School, Maj Rushikesh developed a keen interest in adventure and outdoor activities. He enthusiastically participated in various sports and adventure-based pursuits, demonstrating courage, determination, and a competitive spirit. These experiences helped shape his personality and strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in the armed forces.

Driven by a lifelong dream of serving the nation, he chose to join the Indian Armed Forces immediately after completing his schooling. He was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, where he underwent rigorous military and academic training. After successfully completing his NDA training, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he further honed his leadership skills and military capabilities. On 11 June 2005, Rushikesh Ramani was commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, one of the Indian Army's most decorated infantry regiments, renowned for its gallant soldiers and illustrious battle honours. As a young officer, he quickly earned the respect of his seniors, peers, and troops through his professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty. His exceptional leadership abilities, operational acumen, and fearless attitude soon distinguished him among his contemporaries. Recognizing his potential and bold approach to soldiering, the Army selected him for service with the Special Operations Task Force. In this challenging role, he participated in demanding operational assignments that required exceptional courage, quick decision-making, and steadfast determination. Within a relatively short span of service, his outstanding performance and dedication earned him promotion to the rank of Major. While serving in the sensitive operational environment of Jammu & Kashmir, Major Ramani continued to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His devotion to duty, exemplary leadership, and indomitable spirit made him an inspiration to the soldiers under his command and a source of immense pride for his family and the nation.

Kupwara Operation : 07 June 2009

In March 2009, Major Ramani's unit was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. The area of responsibility lay close to the Line of Control (LoC), a region highly vulnerable to infiltration attempts by militants from across the border. The troops of his unit were tasked with maintaining constant surveillance over known infiltration routes and conducting regular armed patrols to prevent any breach of the border. At the time, Major Ramani was serving as a Company Commander and was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations. On 7 June 2009, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding a possible infiltration attempt, he was assigned the critical task of detecting and preventing the movement of terrorists across the Line of Control. After carefully analysing the available information, Major Ramani swiftly formulated a plan and deployed his troops in a search-and-ambush operation in the suspected area. Around midnight on the intervening night of 6–7 June 2009, Major Ramani observed a group of five heavily armed terrorists moving stealthily near Gulab Post, approximately three kilometres inside the Line of Control. At about 1:15 a.m. on 7 June 2009, his team established contact with the infiltrating group. When challenged, the terrorists immediately opened fire on the troops.

Displaying exceptional alertness and presence of mind, Major Ramani quickly reorganised his search-and-ambush party to engage the entire group within the designated killing zone. A fierce gun battle followed as the terrorists attempted to break contact and escape under the cover of dense forests. The operation was further complicated by heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, which reduced visibility and disrupted communication. In the confusion, Major Ramani became separated from the rest of his troops and found himself confronting the terrorists with only his buddy by his side. During the intense exchange of fire, Major Ramani was struck by a burst of twelve bullets in his chest and abdomen. Despite sustaining grievous injuries, he refused to withdraw from the battle. Showing complete disregard for his personal safety and enduring immense pain, he continued to engage the terrorists with unwavering determination. Bleeding profusely, he led from the front and fought relentlessly until reinforcements arrived. In the course of the encounter, he personally eliminated three terrorists, thereby crippling the infiltration attempt. However, the severe injuries he had sustained proved fatal. After displaying extraordinary courage and indomitable resolve in the face of overwhelming odds, Major Rushikesh Ramani succumbed to his wounds and attained martyrdom in the line of duty. Throughout the operation, Major Ramani exhibited exceptional bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty of the highest order. His selfless actions and supreme sacrifice successfully foiled the infiltration attempt and prevented heavily armed Pakistani terrorists from entering Indian territory. By laying down his life while protecting the nation's borders, he upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army and set an enduring example of courage and patriotism. In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, unfaltering leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Rushikesh Ramani was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal, one of the Indian Army's distinguished gallantry awards. His heroic legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike, and his sacrifice remains a shining testament to the spirit of service before self.

Maj Rushikesh Ramani is survived by his father Sri Vallabhbhai Ramani and mother Smt Geetaben Ramani.

A Trust called, " Major Rushikesh Ramani Memorial Trust" has been formed by the family of Maj Ramani in his honour at Ahmedabad. The stated objectives of the Trust are:

• To give information, guidance and inspiration to the young boys and girls of Gujarat to join military service.
• To render assistance to financially weak students by way of financial assistance in the form of scholarships and fees for education.
• To appreciate and award the members of the Indian Armed Forces and  para-military and police forces, who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.