Naik Deepak Nainwal

Naik Deepak Nainwal hailed from Kanchula village in the scenic Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, a region known for its proud martial traditions. Born to Shri Chakradhar Nainwal and Smt Parvati Devi, Naik Deepak was raised with values of discipline, dedication, and service. Inspired by a deep sense of patriotism and the legacy of courage in his community, he decided to join the Indian Army after completing his education. He was recruited into the 1st Battalion of the Mahar Regiment (1 Mahar)—a distinguished infantry regiment of the Indian Army, renowned for its fearlessness, steadfastness, and illustrious history of gallantry in numerous military operations. With unwavering commitment and professionalism, Naik Deepak quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier, gaining respect from his peers and superiors alike.

After several years of exemplary service with his parent unit, Naik Deepak Nainwal got married to Ms Jyoti, and the couple was blessed with two children—a daughter, Lavanya, and a son, Reyansh. Despite the joys of family life, his commitment to the nation remained steadfast. Later in his career, Naik Deepak was deputed to serve with the 1 Rashtriya Rifles (1 RR) Battalion, a unit specialized in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Operating in one of the most challenging and high-risk environments in the country, he undertook numerous missions aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region. 

Kulgam Operation (J&K): 10 Apr 2018

In 2018, Naik Deepak Nainwal was serving with the 1 Rashtriya Rifles (1 RR) Battalion, which was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the volatile Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir. The region, known for frequent militant activity, demanded constant vigilance and operational readiness from the deployed troops. Naik Deepak and his unit were regularly involved in search-and-destroy missions, patrolling hostile terrain, and engaging with militants in high-risk encounters. On the night of 10 April 2018, the unit received specific intelligence about the presence of militants holed up in a house in Wani Mohalla, located in Khudwani village of Kulgam. Acting swiftly on the input, a decision was made to launch a joint counter-insurgency operation to eliminate the threat. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the 1 RR battalion of the Indian Army, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The joint team launched the operation around 11:30 p.m., swiftly moving to cordon off the suspected area. As the forces tightened the cordon and issued a challenge, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce and prolonged gun battle. The exchange of fire lasted for over 12 hours, stretching into the morning of 11 April 2018. The operation turned intense as the militants used the cover of darkness and the terrain to resist the advancing troops. During the heavy exchange of fire, Naik Deepak Nainwal was critically injured. A bullet struck him in the spinal region, causing severe internal damage. Despite the best efforts of his comrades to evacuate him under fire, his condition remained critical. He was initially airlifted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi, where he underwent intensive treatment. Later, he was shifted to a military hospital in Pune for further specialized medical care and rehabilitation. For over a month, Naik Deepak fought valiantly against his injuries, displaying the same courage in the hospital that he had shown on the battlefield. However, after a prolonged and difficult struggle, he succumbed to his injuries on 20 May 2018, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Naik Deepak Nainwal will always be remembered as a fearless and dedicated soldier who exemplified the finest traditions of the Indian Army. In the wake of this personal tragedy, his wife, Smt Jyoti Nainwal, displayed extraordinary courage and resilience. Determined to carry forward his legacy, she resolved to join the Indian Army herself. Despite the emotional and physical challenges of raising two young children alone, she pursued her goal with unwavering determination. Her perseverance bore fruit on 20 November 2021, when she was commissioned as an officer of the Indian Army after successfully completing her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. Smt Jyoti Nainwal’s journey from being a martyr’s wife to becoming a commissioned officer in the Army stands as a profound testament to courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of service to the nation.

Naik Deepak Nainwal is survived by his father Shri Chakradhar Nainwal, mother Smt Parvati Devi, wife Smt Jyoti Nainwal (Now Capt Jyoti Nainwal), daughter Ms Lavanya, son Reyansh, sister Ms Poonam, and brother Shri Pradeep Nainwal.

Tribute By Daughter:

Dear Father,

Your youth, your energy, your care the country shall miss! Your discipline, your devotion, and valor the Mahars shall miss! You Companionship, your fun-loving nature your friends shall miss! But I…have some things to write….for I don’t miss them…..I remember them I remember how you held me close to you…warmth of your hands the security of your arms! I remember…. How you would have laughed with me when I made silly faces, how you teased me about going back now and then .remember how when I cried…you were concerned and you did everything To have my smile back on my face… I remember how you told me to be a free bird in the sky…and go beyond Where you have not been to… I remember you told me to take care of MamaaTribute  and brother when you left Not thinking about family or friends, you went to ensure all of them remain happy!

Fearless and Positive about the outcome…..you took the wounds like flowers! Oh, it must have hurt papa! I remember thinking it makes me hurt…. I remember what it was like when the news came…I remember because I felt hurt, pained, paralyzed yet proud…when I paid my final salute to you! You suffered; she was not quick, I remember…and it all went on… Till she won over you…..I know now how I shall remember it! I remember it now and I shall remember if for the lifetimes ahead! That you sacrificed yourself to let other daughters have their fathers, You did it because you wanted them all to have a future, a bright one! You did it for it was your duty, you did it for it was your passion….I remember faint but you smiled, when you went away knowing that the country was safe…. Cause, I still remember….Papa and I am taking care of Mamaa and bhai for you and I will take care of the motherland too!.

Jai Hind!

Lavanya Nainwal