Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni SC

Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni hailed from the picturesque and mountainous region of Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, a land known for its brave warriors and rich military traditions. After completing his initial education, he decided to serve the nation and joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 14 Assam Rifles Battalion of the Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, with its headquarters in Shillong. The Assam Rifles (AR) is one of India’s oldest and most distinguished paramilitary forces, entrusted with the critical responsibilities of border security, counter-insurgency operations, and maintenance of law and order in the Northeast region of India and in Jammu & Kashmir, functioning on similar lines to the Rashtriya Rifles. The force is administratively controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, while its operational control rests with the Indian Army, ensuring high standards of discipline, training, and operational effectiveness.

Fondly known as the “Sentinels of the Northeast” and the “Friends of the Hill People,” the Assam Rifles has earned deep respect for its close association with local communities and its role in safeguarding peace in remote and sensitive regions. The origins of the force date back to 1835, when it was raised as the Cachar Levy, a small militia tasked with protecting tea gardens and the fertile plains of Assam from hostile elements. As the British administration expanded its presence in the Northeast, the role and structure of the force evolved. It was successively redesignated as the Assam Frontier Police (1883), the Assam Military Police (1891), and the East Bengal and Assam Military Police (1913), reflecting its growing responsibilities and operational reach. In 1917, it was finally given its present name—Assam Rifles. The Assam Rifles has a long and distinguished history of serving in some of the most challenging terrains and counterinsurgency operations across India’s northeastern states and other strategic locations. Naib Subedar Badoni underwent rigorous training, honing his skills in combat tactics, surveillance, and jungle warfare, which were essential for operations in the region. Following a few years of service, he began a new journey in life with his marriage to Ms Premvati. Together, they were blessed with six children, who brought great joy to their family.

Counter-Insurgency Operation( North-Eastern Region): 20 Feb 1975

In 1975, Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni was serving with the 14 Assam Rifles Battalion, which was deployed in Nagaland for counter-insurgency operations. On the 20th of February, 1975, a patrol unit under the command of Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni was assigned a critical mission to conduct a search and surveillance operation in a strategically significant village under the AOR (Area of Responsibility) of his unit. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the element of surprise, he meticulously planned his approach. He led his men with utmost caution, moving silently and discreetly to avoid detection. By approximately 21:30 hours, they had successfully reached the outskirts of the village. Upon careful observation, Naib Subedar Badoni detected unusual activity in a particular house, indicating the possible presence of hostile elements. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he swiftly devised a tactical plan. He divided his patrol into two groups and ordered them to surround the house, ensuring that all possible escape routes were blocked. Taking charge of the front entrance himself, he positioned his men strategically to prevent any hostiles from fleeing.

As he was in the process of positioning his troops, an armed hostile suddenly burst out of the front door, firing indiscriminately with a Sten gun in a desperate attempt to escape. Without hesitation and fully aware of the danger, Naib Subedar Badoni displayed remarkable bravery by attempting to physically block the hostile’s path while simultaneously engaging him with his pistol. In the exchange of fire, he was hit by a burst of bullets in the lower abdominal region. Despite his grievous injuries, he remained steadfast in his mission. Though the armed hostiles managed to escape, Naib Subedar Badoni, demonstrating exceptional resilience and unwavering commitment, urged his men to continue their pursuit. He ordered them to tighten the cordon around the house and conduct a thorough search. His leadership and determination led to the successful apprehension of four hostiles. Furthermore, the search operation resulted in the recovery of a significant number of photographs and incriminating documents, which proved vital to subsequent intelligence operations.

Despite his critical injuries, Naib Subedar Badoni remained focused on the success of the mission. However, he eventually succumbed to his wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In this selfless act of valour, Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni exhibited exemplary courage, exceptional determination, and outstanding leadership. His unwavering devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice stand as a testament to his indomitable spirit, inspiring generations to come.  Naib Subedar Badoni was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously on 15 August 1977 for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. 

Naib Subedar Ram Prasad Badoni is survived by his wife, Smt. Premvati Badoni and their six children. Carrying forward the family’s proud tradition of service, the second son is also serving in the Indian Army. The youngest son, Shri Ramesh Prasad Badoni, is a a widely respected, inspirational educator, known for his dedication to excellence in the field of education.

The citation for "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the 20th February 1975, a patrol, under the command of Nb Sub Ram Prasad Badoni was detailed to carry out search and surveillance of a village. Being aware of the need to achieve surprise he with his men moved unobtrusively and reached the vicinity of the village at approximately 21.30 hours. Sensing the presence of several persons in a particular house, he immediately split up his party into two groups and surrounded the house to avoid their possible escape. Despite the danger involved, he positioned himself on the front door of the house. While he was in the process of arranging his men, one of the hostiles suddenly rushed out of the front door, firing wildly from his sten gun in a bid to break through the cordon. Nb Sub  Badoni tried to prevent the escape of the fleeing hostile by physically blocking his way and firing from his pistal inspite of the fot that he had been hit lower abdominal region with the burst fired by the hostile. The hostile however, managed to escape. Although seriously wounded Nb Sub Badoni pressed bis men to pursue the fleeing hostile, close in the cordon and carry out the search of the house, which resulted apprehension of four hostiles. The party also recovered a large number of photographs and incriminating documents. Naib Subedar Badoni later, succumbed to his injuries.

In this action, Nb Sub Ram Prasad Badoni displayed exemplary courage, determination and leadership of a high order.