Major Vivek Singh Bhandral SM

Major Vivek Singh Bhandral hailed from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh but was born on 16 June 1970 at a Military Hospital in Hyderabad. He was the elder son of Colonel Pritam Singh Bhandral (Retd) of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and Smt. Rajkumari Bhandral, and had a younger brother Vikram. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in military tradition, Maj Vivek was inspired from an early age to follow in his father’s footsteps and wear the Indian Army uniform. His schooling reflected the life of a soldier’s family—he began his education in Kangra and later studied at various schools in Belgaum, Jalandhar, Assam, and Udhampur as the family moved with his father’s postings. Though he graduated with a degree in Commerce, his passion for soldiering never wavered. Determined to serve the nation, he successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination and earned his place at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun in July 1991.

He passed out of IMA Dehradun as a Lieutenant on 19 December 1992, and was commissioned into 9 Maratha Light Infantry, a battalion renowned for its indomitable spirit and distinguished battle honours. From the very beginning, his exceptional physical endurance, discipline, and leadership qualities earned him respect among peers and seniors alike. Craving challenge and adventure, he volunteered for the Special Forces. After undergoing one of the most demanding selection processes in the armed forces, he was inducted into the elite 21 Para (SF) in 1995—a unit famous for its daring commando operations in some of the toughest combat zones. In February 1996, Major Vivek married Ms. Shalini Jamwal, and the couple was later blessed with a daughter, Aarushi. Over the years, he enhanced his skills through rigorous professional courses, including the Commando Course, Young Officers’ Course, and Signals Course. A qualified combat free-faller, he was also selected as an instructor at the All Arms Wing, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow—a testament to his expertise and professionalism.

Before his posting to Jammu & Kashmir in 2002, Major Vivek had already served in Assam as part of Operation Rhino, combating insurgency, and played a key role during the Kargil War (Op Vijay). Leading Special Forces teams in challenging missions, he demonstrated remarkable courage and tactical acumen. His exemplary leadership and dedication during this period earned him the Army Chief’s Commendation Card, underscoring his reputation as a committed and fearless officer.

Machal Sector Operation(J&K) : 29 Aug 2002

In 2002, Major Vivek Singh Bhandral’s unit, 21 Para (Special Forces), was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations under Operation Parakram. On 29 August 2002, intelligence reports indicated the presence of heavily armed militants hiding in the dense jungles of the Machhal sector in Kupwara district. To neutralize the threat, a search-and-destroy mission was planned, and the task was entrusted to 21 Para (SF). Major Vivek Singh, known for his tactical acumen and fearless leadership, was chosen to spearhead the operation. Acting swiftly, Major Vivek and his team launched the mission that day. Around 1200 hours, as the troops were closing in, two militants suddenly charged out from a house, firing indiscriminately in a desperate attempt to break the cordon. In the initial exchange of fire, the leading scout and squad commander were injured and needed to be evacuated to safety.

Without hesitation, Major Vivek took decisive action. He shot down one of the militants on the spot. The second militant, however, leapt into a nearby grove and opened heavy fire on him. Demonstrating exceptional courage and battlefield skill, Major Vivek closed in, lobbed a grenade, and pressed the attack. In the intense firefight, he was grievously wounded by a burst from a machine gun. Despite severe injuries and heavy bleeding, Major Vivek refused to retreat or allow the militant to escape. Summoning every ounce of strength, he advanced on the terrorist and eliminated him in close combat—ensuring the success of the mission and the safety of his men. Shortly after, Major Vivek succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his extraordinary bravery, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Major Vivek Singh Bhandral was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. He remains remembered as a gallant soldier and an inspiring leader who always led from the front, embodying the ethos of the Special Forces and the Indian Army.

Major Vivek Singh Bhandral is survived by his father Col Pritam Singh Bhandral (Retd), mother Smt Rajkumari Bhandral, wife Smt Shalini Bhandral and brother Shri Vikram Bhandral.