Major Yogendra Rajbar

Major Yogendra Rajbar hailed from Dehradun, Uttarakhand—a region celebrated for its rich military heritage and long tradition of producing brave and distinguished soldiers. He was born into a family where service to the nation was not merely a profession but a deeply cherished way of life. His father, Major Mahendra Singh Rajbar, a commissioned officer of the Corps of EME, made the supreme sacrifice in 2004 while serving with 603 EME Battalion, leaving behind a legacy of courage, honour, and duty that would profoundly shape his son’s life. Growing up in such an environment, Major Yogendra imbibed values of discipline, integrity, patriotism, and selfless service from an early age. He shared a close bond with his brother and sister, and the atmosphere at home was one where stories of regimental pride, service, and sacrifice were woven into everyday life. These influences nurtured in him a deep admiration for the Armed Forces and strengthened his childhood dream of one day donning the olive-green uniform.

Throughout his academic years, he remained firmly focused on this goal. His dedication, perseverance, and clarity of purpose enabled him to successfully clear the highly competitive selection process for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. At OTA, he underwent rigorous physical, mental, and leadership training, consistently displaying qualities of courage, responsibility, resilience, and camaraderie, earning the respect of his instructors and peers alike. On successful completion of training, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the SS-82 Course and was posted to the 7th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles (7 Garh Rif)—a battalion of one of the most decorated and battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The proud legacy of the Garhwal Rifles, renowned for its valour and rich combat history, proved to be a fitting home for an officer shaped by legacy and driven by commitment.

In his early years of service, Major Rajbar earned the admiration of both seniors and subordinates for his professional competence, humility, and genuine concern for the welfare of his men. He believed deeply in leading from the front and setting a personal example, quickly becoming an officer whom his troops trusted instinctively and followed with confidence. After a few years of service, he married Ms Shivani, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. 

Bandipora Operation (J&K): 05 May 2010

In 2010, Major Yogendra Rajbar was serving with the 7 Garhwal Rifles Battalion, deployed in the highly sensitive Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. This region, located close to the Line of Control, had long been vulnerable to militant infiltration and insurgent activity. The area’s rugged mountainous terrain, dense forests, and unpredictable weather made counter-insurgency operations exceptionally demanding. Yet, it was in such challenging conditions that Major Rajbar’s leadership and commitment truly stood out. A seasoned and dedicated officer, Major Rajbar led his men with courage and compassion. His unit was responsible for manning forward posts and conducting frequent reconnaissance, surveillance, and search operations to prevent infiltration and protect local communities. Through meticulous planning and personal example, he ensured that his troops remained alert, disciplined, and motivated despite constant danger. On the evening of 5 May 2010, intelligence inputs indicated the presence of militants hiding in a house in Chithi Bandi village, Bandipora, approximately 60 km north of Srinagar. Acting swiftly on this information, a joint team of the Indian Army (7 Garhwal Rifles) and the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) moved to the area.

At around 8:00 pm, security forces established a cordon around the suspected hideout. Conditions were extremely difficult — it was dark, raining, and visibility was poor. As the troops closed in, the hiding militant suddenly lobbed a grenade and opened heavy fire on the security personnel. A fierce gun battle ensued in the confined, treacherous terrain. Major Yogendra Rajbar, true to the finest traditions of the Indian Army, personally led his men during the encounter, exposing himself to grave danger to ensure the safety of his troops and the success of the operation. In the intense exchange of fire, Major Yogendra Rajbar and Rifleman Uttam Singh sustained critical injuries. Despite their wounds, both soldiers continued to fight with exceptional bravery until their last moments. They were swiftly evacuated and airlifted to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, where doctors made every effort to save them. Tragically, both heroes succumbed to their injuries, laying down their lives in the line of duty. Major Yogendra Rajbar’s sacrifice stands as a powerful reminder of the price paid daily by India’s soldiers to safeguard the nation.  

Major Yogendra Rajbar is survived by his wife, Smt Shivani Rajbar.