Major Yogesh Agarwal

Major Yogesh Agarwal hailed from Rajasthan but was born at Kurseong city of Darjeeling district in West Bengal on 13th November 1978. Son of Shri Ajay Kumar Agarwal and Smt Kusum Devi, Maj Yogesh had a sister Aarti as his sibling. He did his initial schooling from M.N. Modern School, Jaipur and then completed his class XII from State Poddar Senior Secondary School Jaipur. Later he graduated in Science from Maharaja college Jaipur and went on to do his post graduation in Science from Rajasthan University. He was good in academics and always passed his examinations with distinction. Besides excelling in academics, he was a keen sportsman too and played football, cricket and table tennis. 

In Dec 2000, he was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, a regiment known for its courageous soldiers and numerous battle honours. Even though his career was short, he served in various operational areas in Punjab and J&K and gained appreciation from his seniors for his dedication and leadership qualities. He got engaged in Sep 2004 and was to married on 27 Nov 2004, but the destiny had something else in sore for him. 

Baramulla Operation(J&K) : 19 Sep 2004

During 2004, Major Yogesh Agarwal's unit 5 Jat was deployed in Baramulla district of J&K and was engaged in anti-terrorist operations on a regular basis.  The unit's AOR(Area of Responsibility) was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. The AOR of the unit also spanned over dense jungle and remote rugged mountainous terrain with extreme weather conditions, especially in the winter season. On 19th Sep 2004, Major Yogesh's unit received information about the presence of four terrorists, hiding in a house in Nadihal village of Baramulla district. On assessing the situation,  a decision was taken to launch an operation to nab or eliminate the terrorists at the earliest. Major Yogesh was tasked to lead this operation, who immediately swung into action along with his team of soldiers.

As planned Major Yogesh and his comrades reached the suspected area in the evening of 19 Sep and launched the search and cordon operation.  Soon the troops spotted the terrorists, who fired at them on being challenged. Thereafter a fierce gun battle ensued with heavy exchange of fire from both sides. Major Yogesh deployed his soldiers tactically and leading from the front charged at the hiding terrorists. Displaying cold courage and commendable leadership Major Yogesh along with his men managed to eliminate three terrorists from close quarters. However, in the process, Major Yogesh Agarwal too sustained multiple gunshots and was severely injured.  He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. Major Yogesh Agarwal was a fearless soldier and committed officer, who laid down his life at the age of 26 years in the line of his duty.

Major Yogesh Agarwal is survived by his father Shri Ajay Kumar Agarwal, mother Smt Kusum Devi and sister Smt Aarti Singhal. 

• A circle in Bank Colony at  Murlipura in Jaipur has been named after Major Yogesh Agarwal as "Shahid Major Yogesh Agarwal Circle' in his honour.