Service No : 2748635

Date of Birth : May 25, 1942

Place of birth : Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Service : Army

Last Rank : Naik

Unit : 20 Maratha LI

Arm/Regt : The Maratha Light Infantry

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971

Martyrdom : December 3, 1971

Naik Ramchandra Shinde

Naik Ramchandra Shinde was born on May 25, 1942, in the serene village of Moravane in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. The eldest of four brothers and two sisters, he hailed from a humble farming family. His parents, Shri Ganpat Shinde and Smt Saraswati Shinde, instilled in him the values of hard work and resilience. In an unusual twist of fate, Nk Ramchandra was raised by his childless aunt in Kunbarkhani, Ratnagiri. His aunt, determined to provide him with better opportunities, ensured he received a basic education. After completing his 7th standard, Naik Shinde moved to Mumbai to seek employment. There, he worked in the private sector for a year, gaining valuable experience and supporting himself financially. Despite the allure of city life, his attachment to his roots and his sense of duty drew him back to his hometown.

 

At the age of 20, driven by a profound sense of patriotism, Nk Ramchandra Shinde chose to dedicate his life to the nation. On May 25, 1962, he joined the Indian Army, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. He was recruited into the 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI), a regiment renowned for its gallant soldiers and illustrious history. Following rigorous training, Naik Shinde honed his soldierly skills and embraced the ethos of the Maratha Light Infantry. His dedication, discipline, and adaptability allowed him to excel in various operational areas, earning him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. By 1971, his exceptional service and field experience had earned him a promotion to the rank of Naik, signifying his growth into a capable and battle-hardened soldier. In addition to his military aspirations, he built a family life, marrying Ms Surekha. Together, they had two children, daughter Sulbha and a son Rajendra Shinde.

 

The Battle of Bejai (Indo-Pak War) : 03 December 1971

 

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI) was deployed as part of the 66 Mountain Brigade under the 20 Mountain Division. Major General Lachhman Singh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, outlined a strategic plan to secure the Hilli-Gaibanda line. This plan involved a coordinated advance of two brigades, a firm base held by one brigade, and a fourth brigade kept in reserve. As part of 66 Mountain Brigade, Naik Ramchandra Shinde's 20 Maratha LI battalion with Lt Col GM Rao as its 'Commanding Offcier" was tasked with advancing along the Samjia-Phulbari-Charkai axis. Their primary objectives included the capture of Charkai and subsequent advances towards Pirganj and Gaibanda. This route was critical to the division's broader operational goal of securing dominance in the region and cutting off key enemy positions.  As the war approached, 20 Maratha LI was transitioning to mechanized operations and was being equipped with SKOT armoured personnel carriers, a modern addition to the Indian Army's arsenal. However, the outbreak of hostilities disrupted the induction process, leaving the battalion with only a limited number of these advanced vehicles. Despite this challenge, 20 Maratha LI rose to the occasion, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and professionalism. 

 

On 3 December 1971, 20 Maratha LI was tasked with a daring mission to capture Bejai, (on the way to the primary objective Charkai) a heavily fortified position held by Pakistani forces. Supported by a squadron of PT-76 tanks, the battalion launched a bold assault against the well-entrenched enemy. The battle was fierce and intense, with soldiers facing relentless fire from the adversary. Through a combination of tactical brilliance, surprise, and unyielding determination, 20 Maratha LI achieved a hard-fought victory, dislodging the enemy from their fortified positions. However, this success came at a heavy cost. The battalion suffered 15 soldiers killed and 23 wounded.  Among the fallen heroes was Naik Ramchandra Shinde, whose unwavering bravery and ultimate sacrifice exemplified the indomitable spirit of the Maratha Light Infantry. His supreme sacrifice at the age of 29 years not only contributed to the battalion’s success in a critical operation but also upheld the proud traditions of his regiment. 

 

Naik Ramchandra Shinde is survived by his wife, Smt Surekha Shinde, daughter, Smt Sulbha Ramesh Bhosle and son Shri Rajendra Shinde.

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