Major Sanjay Baduni

Major Sanjay Baduni was born on January 21, 1962, in Dehradun, a city known for its deep-rooted military traditions. He hailed from a family of patriots, being the grandson of a freedom fighter. With nationalism ingrained in his very being, Maj Baduni grew up with a strong sense of duty toward the nation. From an early age, he was deeply passionate about the Armed Forces and aspired to don the military uniform. His unwavering determination and relentless efforts bore fruit when he was selected to join the Indian Army. He underwent rigorous military training at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) and was commissioned as an officer in 1985. He was commissoned into 136 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a vital combat arm of the Indian Army responsible for firepower support.

He quickly developed an unbreakable bond with his profession and took immense pride in being a Gunner—a title proudly held by soldiers of the Artillery. His commitment to service and professionalism earned him the admiration of both his superiors and subordinates. Beyond his military prowess, Maj Baduni was known for his humility, kindness, and selflessness. He was deeply compassionate, always extending a helping hand to those in need. Those who knew him fondly recall him as a gentle soul with a heart of gold. By 1995, Maj Baduni had completed nearly a decade of service, during which he operated in several challenging terrains and high-intensity operational zones. After serving for several years with his parent Artillery unit, he was later deputed to the 25 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. 

Doda Operation : 24 Aug 1995

In 1995, Major Sanjay Baduni was serving with the 25 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. His unit was stationed in the Doda sector, a region that had become a hotbed of terrorist activity. The area was known for frequent militant movements, posing constant challenges to security forces. Every day brought new threats, and the soldiers of 25 RR, under the leadership of Maj Baduni, remained ever vigilant, conducting relentless operations to neutralize insurgents and safeguard the local population. On August 24, 1995, Maj Baduni's unit received credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in Dhara village, located within their area of responsibility. Intelligence reports indicated that heavily armed militants had taken refuge in a house, potentially using civilians as human shields. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a decision was made to launch a search and destroy mission, with Maj Baduni leading the operation.

Without wasting any time, Maj Baduni swiftly mobilized his troops, formulating a precise and strategic plan to eliminate the threat while ensuring minimal collateral damage. His experience in handling high-risk situations enabled him to cordon off the suspected area effectively. As the troops took their positions, preparing to storm the hideout, Maj Baduni assessed the situation with a keen tactical eye. Upon confirming the terrorists’ presence inside the house, Maj Baduni was faced with a critical decision. The terrorists had taken shelter among civilians, and inside the house, there were two small children. Despite the standard procedure allowing for the destruction of a militant hideout, Maj Baduni chose not to use explosives, fearing harm to the innocent lives inside. His deep sense of responsibility and compassion drove him to engage in a more dangerous but precise approach—flushing out the terrorists through a controlled assault.

As the troops challenged the militants, one terrorist attempted to escape through the back door. Maj Baduni, ever alert and quick to react, chased him down, engaging in a running gun battle. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Maj Baduni managed to shoot the fleeing militant. However, in the heat of the battle, he was hit by enemy bullets, sustaining severe gunshot wounds to his foot and neck. Despite his injuries, he fought on, refusing to back down, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and leadership until his last breath. However, the wounds proved fatal, and Maj Sanjay Baduni succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Maj Baduni laid down his life defending his motherland while upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Maj Sanjay Baduni is survived by his wife Smt Kamal Baduni, and two daughters Ms Snigdha and Ms Kanishka.

Tribute by his wife Smt Kamal Baduni :

In my family, 21 Jan was always a day full of celebrations, Pooja and feasting till 1995, as it was Sanjay’s birthday. After 1995, this day is a quite & sad day. At times people don’t even speak about it and maintain an awkward silence. But to me, this day is still a special day. It may be surprising to know that I along with my daughters still celebrate our wedding anniversary on 14th Jan & my husband’s birthday on 21st Jan. On our 25th Wedding anniversary in 2015, my daughters & my sisters-in-law brought a cake and we celebrated the day with music & dance.

To many it might not make sense but to me Sanjay’s memories matter & will remain with me forever. I make sure that I make some donation on these days. My take on life is very different, as I believe in celebrating people & their memories. On my insistence, my youngest sister-in-law, Preeti still sends Rakhee for me on Raksha Bandhan. I believe in preserving relationships and celebrating each and every person who connects with me. This is not understood by many, but I surround myself with happiness and positivity. I have had many tough years after Sanjay’s martyrdom and learnt that if you want to live life, you only need to make a choice for yourself. My old parents & in-laws keep looking at our faces and I always try to wear a smile for them.

Ours was an arranged marriage, both my father & father-in-law were very good friends and it was like ‘Dosti rishte main badal gaye’. I being a Mumbai girl had no knowledge of defence services and their lives, so when we got engaged I was not sure of my decision. After few meetings, I fell in love with him for his simplicity, genuineness and caring attitude. I got ready to leave my budding career of a software programmer and rosy city life for him. He was such a doting husband that everyone around us refused to believe that ours was not a love marriage. Whenever anyone asked about our marriage, he would say that it was an arranged engagement and a love marriage. We were married for five and half years with our own share of sweet and sour journey with courses, postings, friends and two lovely daughters. Sanjay played every role wonderfully as he was a loving son, a caring brother, a doting husband, a protective father & a true gunner.

He came for his last leave on 20th May 1995 and made sure he stays for my birthday on 4th June. One day during that time when he was ironing his uniform, his mother said that she did not like it as it kept her son away from her. A die hard soldier at heart, Sanjay was very upset and explained the value of that olive green uniform to his mother, who had temporarily got carried away by the love for her son. He had a lot of compassion for the people in the Kashmir valley specially the children. He attained Martyrdom on 24th August 1995 during a fierce gun-battle in a counter insurgency operation in J & K.

Life after Sanjay was not easy. It’s been 22 & half years but to me and my daughters he is still present with us. I always feel that he is on a field posting without any leaves. Whenever I am challenged with difficult situation, there is an angel coming to rescue. That’s the time I look up and try to find my guiding star, my beloved husband, Major Sanjay Baduni.

Mrs Kamal Baduni

Tribute by his daughter Snigdha Baduni :

I was only three years old when my father made the supreme sacrifice for our nation. Though I was too young that time to have distinct memories of him, but my mother and other family members ensured that my sister and I grow up knowing who our father was. My father was a brave and committed soldier but was a wonderful human being too. He was a perfect family man who truly cared for his wife and two little daughters.

During his last counter-insurgency operation when he attained martyrdom, he decided against blowing up a house to save two young children, who he believed could have been his own daughters. My father, at the cost of his life upheld the values; an Indian soldier always stands for. I remember being my daddy’s girl, though he was physically present only for the first three years of my life. I have grown up believing that he is always looking down on his little girls, ensuring that we meet all our goals and overcome all challenges. He is our guardian angel and we couldn’t be more proud to call ourselves “Daughters of a Martyr”. He has always been our guiding light and a source of strength and continues to live in his family— through his mother’s stories, wife’s eyes and daughters’ smiles!

Today as we commemorate my father’s birth anniversary, I salute not only brave soldiers like him, but also their equally brave families, who through their personal loss have contributed in protecting the honour of our country.

Jai Hind!

Snigdha Baduni