Naik Yashwanth Durgappa Kolkar SM

Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa Kolkar was born on 8th December 1965 in Melkalamardi village, located in Belagavi district of Karnataka. He was the son of Shri Durgappa and Smt Nagavva and the third among his nine siblings. Raised in a humble and disciplined household, Naik Yeshwanth exhibited a strong sense of responsibility and determination from a young age. He completed his schooling at Vidya Mandir High School and, driven by a desire to serve the nation, chose to join the Indian Army after finishing his secondary education. At the age of 18, Naik Yeshwanth was recruited into the Indian Army at the Nasik recruitment center and was inducted into the Regiment of Artillery on 30th July 1983. Known as a "gunner" within the Regiment of Artillery, he underwent rigorous training and soon developed into a skilled and dependable soldier.

During his service spanning nearly 15 years, Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa Kolkar served in various operational areas, honing his expertise and contributing significantly to his unit's operational readiness. His commitment to duty, professionalism, and steadfast resolve earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Over the years, he became an experienced and proficient gunner, showcasing exceptional competence in handling the demands of his role within the Artillery Regiment. In 1993, Naik Yeshwanth married Ms. Savithri, and together they built a loving family. The couple was blessed with two children, Yeshoda and Sandeep, who became a source of pride and joy for him. Despite the challenges and demands of military life, Naik Yeshwanth managed to balance his responsibilities as a soldier and a family man, serving his country with unwavering dedication while cherishing his role as a husband and father.

Operation Vijay: 03 July 1999

In 1999, Naik Yashwanth Durgappa Kolkar was serving at a peace station in Uttarakhand when the Kargil War broke out. As the conflict escalated, his unit from the Regiment of Artillery was mobilized for operational deployment to Jammu and Kashmir, where they would play a crucial role in the ongoing operations. The artillery, often regarded as the "God of War," holds immense importance in modern warfare, as its precise and sustained firepower can weaken enemy defenses, gradually break their resistance, and pave the way for successful infantry assaults. By systematically degrading the enemy’s fighting capability, artillery fire reduces casualties among advancing infantry troops and ensures a higher probability of victory on the battlefield.

On 3rd July 1999, Naik Yashwanth Durgappa Kolkar’s unit became a vital part of the artillery fire plan for the assault on Tiger Hill, a critical strategic objective during the Kargil War. This meticulously planned operation was code-named the ‘Final Blow’, underscoring its decisive importance. The fire plan for Tiger Hill involved the coordinated use of 20 fire units, comprising 120 guns and mortars, as well as a troop of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL). This overwhelming display of firepower was aimed at neutralizing the enemy's stronghold, enabling the infantry to execute their assault with minimal resistance. A key element of the operation was the employment of Bofors guns and MBRLs in a direct firing role, which proved highly effective during the capture of the Tololing Heights earlier in the campaign. The direct firing was carried out from a distance of nearly 10,000 meters, with the Bofors guns deployed in three tiers using “Shoot and Scoot” tactics. These tactics allowed the guns to avoid counter-battery fire from the enemy, enhancing their effectiveness while minimizing the risk of damage. The relentless artillery bombardment continued until the infantry battalion leading the assault, the 18 Grenadiers, signaled to cease fire as they closed in on their objective.

The combined efforts of the infantry and artillery culminated in the successful capture of Tiger Hill, a turning point in the Kargil War. However, during the intense counter-bombardment by the enemy, Naik Yashwanth Durgappa Kolkar sustained severe injuries while performing his duties with unwavering commitment. Despite the efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Naik Yashwanth Durgappa Kolkar was a valiant and dedicated soldier who demonstrated exemplary courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty in the face of adversity. In recognition of his bravery, selfless service, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. 

Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa is survived by his wife Smt Savithri, daughter Ms Yeshoda and son Shri Sandeep.