Naik Jagdish Prasad

Naik Jagdish Prasad hailed from Nandanagar block of Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand. He was born on 13 May 1982 to Shri Govindaram Purohit and Late Smt Sureshi Devi. He grew up alongside his brother, Anusuya Prasad, in a family rooted in values of service and discipline. From a young age, Nk Jagdish Prasad exhibited a strong inclination towards serving the nation. His admiration for the Armed Forces and his dream of wearing the olive green uniform motivated him to pursue a career in the Indian Army. After completing his initial education, he joined the Indian Army on 10 January 2002, fulfilling his long-cherished aspiration. He was recruited into the 5th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment (5 Mahar), a renowned infantry battalion known for its valiant soldiers and a glorious history of battle honors.

The Mahar Regiment, and particularly 5 Mahar, holds a prestigious place in the Indian Army. Raised on 23 March 1948 at Amritsar under the leadership of Major Tirath Singh, the battalion has actively participated in numerous operations and earned distinguished recognition over the years. One of its notable achievements was during the 1948 operations, where it played a crucial role in the re-capture of Pul Kanjari, a strategically important location. The battalion also took part in the 1962 operations, showcasing its unwavering courage and professionalism. As a young Sepoy, Jagdish Prasad integrated seamlessly into his unit and soon began participating in various field and operational assignments. His dedication, discipline, and commitment to his duties earned him the respect of his peers and seniors alike. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Naik, a testament to his good soldierly skills. During his service, he found companionship and support in his life partner, Ms Usha, whom he married after a few years of service. The couple was blessed with two children — a daughter, Kamini, and a son, Barun. 

Rajouri Operation (J&K): 24 Jan 2018

In January 2018, Naik Jagdish Prasad was serving with the 5th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment (5 Mahar), which had been deployed in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The battalion was manning forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) — a highly sensitive and volatile area known for frequent ceasefire violations and hostile enemy activity. The region often witnessed unprovoked firing from across the border, as adversaries attempted to provide cover fire for infiltrators seeking to cross into Indian territory. Given the strategic importance and the persistent threat in the area, the troops of 5 Mahar were required to maintain a constant state of operational readiness, staying vigilant around the clock to thwart any potential infiltration attempts or attacks.

On the fateful day of 24 January 2018, the soldiers manning one of the forward posts in Rajouri detected suspicious movement near the LoC. Almost simultaneously, heavy shelling began from the Pakistani side, clearly designed to divert attention and provide a smokescreen for infiltration. Without hesitation, Naik Jagdish Prasad, along with his comrades, responded with brave and determined retaliation. A fierce exchange of fire ensued as the Indian troops held their ground, defending the post with resolute courage. Despite the intensity of the enemy fire, Naik Jagdish Prasad continued to engage the adversary with unwavering resolve. However, during the firefight, Naik Jagdish Prasad sustained serious injuries. He was immediately given medical attention, but the injuries proved fatal. He succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty, displaying immense valour and dedication to the nation. 

Naik Jagdish Prasad is survived by his father Shri Govindaram Purohit, wife Smt Usha Devi, daughter Ms Kamini, son Barun and elder brother Shri Anusuya Prasad.