Major Suresh Harsha

Major Suresh Harsha was born on 16 December 1943, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into a family that valued discipline and service. His father, Shri Suraj Krishan Harsha, instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism from an early age. He completed his schooling at Gandhi School, Jodhpur, where he excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. Even in his formative years, Major Harsha was deeply inspired by the Armed Forces and was determined to don the uniform one day. His unwavering passion for serving the nation shaped his aspirations, and after completing his college education, he pursued his dream by joining the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. Following rigorous training at OTA, he was commissioned as an officer in June 1968 into the Army Service Corps (ASC), the vital logistical backbone of the Indian Army. The ASC is responsible for ensuring seamless supply chains, transportation, and provisions essential for the army’s operational readiness in both peace and wartime. Over the years, Major Harsha honed his skills in logistics management, troop movement, and supply chain efficiency, serving in various strategic locations across the country. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty earned him the respect of both his superiors and subordinates.

After a few years of dedicated service, Major Harsha embarked on a new journey in his personal life. On 15 February 1976, he married Ms. Sarita Bhalla, the daughter of Colonel J.C. Bhalla, an esteemed officer in the Indian Army. Coming from an Army family herself, Sarita deeply understood the sacrifices and challenges that came with a soldier’s life. Their marriage was built on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values of duty and service. The couple was later blessed with two children—a son, Sameer, and a daughter, Shilpa—who became the center of their world. By 1989, Major Suresh Harsha had completed two decades of service, gaining extensive experience in military operations and logistics. His career took him to various operational areas, where he played a crucial role in ensuring the efficient movement of troops and resources. Throughout his service, he upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep sense of duty toward his nation.

Op Pawan: 24 Mar 1989

By 1989, Major Suresh Harsha was serving with his unit based at Secunderabad, diligently fulfilling his responsibilities as part of the Army Service Corps (ASC). However, as tensions escalated in Sri Lanka, his unit was soon deployed as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)—a mission aimed at stabilizing the volatile situation in the region. The IPKF had been deployed in August 1987 following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which sought to bring peace to the island nation torn apart by civil war. The militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was initially expected to lay down arms, but instead, they reneged on the agreement and launched a full-scale war against Indian forces. What began as a peacekeeping mission soon turned into an intense military conflict. Initially, only the 54th Division of the Indian Army was inducted, but as hostilities intensified, additional divisions—3rd, 4th, and 57th—were brought into the conflict. By 1989, the Indian Army had undertaken numerous operations against the LTTE, but the war was far from over. Major Harsha’s unit was moved to Trincomalee, a strategically important region in Sri Lanka, to provide critical logistical and operational support to ongoing military actions against the militants.

In the challenging and unpredictable battlefield conditions of Sri Lanka, Major Harsha and his troops had to frequently move between locations, ensuring the smooth execution of military operations. Their movements, however, were fraught with danger, as LTTE militants were known for improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, ambushes, and sniper fire. Each journey required extreme vigilance and strategic planning to avoid enemy traps. On the morning of 24 March 1989, Major Harsha, along with Major Uttam Chand Katoch, was leading a reconnaissance mission on the outskirts of Trincomalee. The patrol team moved cautiously, scanning the terrain for possible threats. Unbeknownst to them, LTTE militants had rigged an abandoned bicycle with an IED, positioning it against a tree near a vulnerable choke point on the road. As soon as the patrol approached the area, the explosive device detonated with immense force, triggering a devastating blast.

The sudden explosion threw Major Harsha off his jeep, and shrapnel from the blast tore through his right ribs, causing severe injuries. Despite the pain and the chaotic circumstances, Major Harsha immediately took charge, ensuring that his troops responded with force. A fierce gun battle erupted as LTTE militants, hidden in nearby vantage points, opened fire on the patrol team. Major Harsha, undeterred by his injuries, continued leading his men with courage and determination, directing counter-fire and coordinating their defensive maneuvering. For over an hour, the exchange of gunfire continued, with Indian soldiers holding their ground and retaliating with precision. Eventually, the troops eliminated the attacking militants, securing the area despite sustaining casualties. Major Harsha was quickly evacuated to the nearest military hospital, but his injuries proved too severe. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty.

Alongside Major Harsha, Major Uttam Chand Katoch and Sepoy Ramesh Baban Shinde also made the supreme sacrifice, fighting with unwavering bravery against insurmountable odds. Their heroism in the face of relentless enemy aggression remains a shining example of courage, leadership, and commitment to duty. Major Suresh Harsha was not only a dedicated officer but also a devoted husband and father. While deployed in Sri Lanka, he often wrote home, downplaying the dangers he faced to keep his family from worrying. Little did they know that his last letters would arrive after the heartbreaking news of his martyrdom. In honor of his bravery, Major Harsha’s sacrifice continues to inspire generations of soldiers, standing as a testament to the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He laid down his life in the service of the nation, exemplifying the spirit of duty, honor, and selfless devotion.

Maj Suresh Harsha is survived by his wife Smt Sarita Suresh Harsha, son Sameer Suresh Harsha and daughter Shilpa Harsha.