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.

Battle of Point 5285 (Batalik Sector: Kargil War): 06 Jul 1999

In May 1999, the Indian Army detected a large-scale infiltration by Pakistani troops and paramilitary forces across the Line of Control (LOC) in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. The intruders had occupied key heights overlooking crucial supply routes, posing a serious threat to India’s territorial integrity and national security. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a massive counter-offensive to evict the infiltrators and reclaim the occupied positions. Among the units mobilized for this mission was Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa Kolkar’s 255 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery. His regiment was deployed in the Batalik sector, a region notorious for its treacherous, snow-covered terrain, sub-zero temperatures, and towering peaks rising beyond 16,000 feet. The regiment’s primary role was to provide precise and sustained artillery fire to support advancing infantry units, neutralize fortified enemy positions, and prevent further incursions by Pakistani forces.

Operating under the 70 Infantry Brigade—part of the 3 Infantry Division—the regiment worked closely with infantry formations in this demanding environment. For the planned capture of Bump 1 and Point 5285, Captain RA Rajmannar of the 301 Light Regiment served as the Forward Observation Officer (FOO), while 255 Field Regiment provided essential artillery backing. On 06 July 1999, Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa Kolkar was part of a dedicated fire-support team tasked with assisting advancing infantry elements. Suddenly, their position came under intense and accurate enemy shelling, as Pakistani forces unleashed a heavy bombardment of mortars and rocket-propelled grenades to disrupt the Indian offensive. Amid the chaos, several soldiers were wounded, including Naik Kolkar, who sustained multiple grievous injuries. Despite being gravely wounded and surrounded by relentless enemy fire, Naik Kolkar displayed exceptional courage and composure. Braving the extreme cold and rugged, high-altitude terrain at 16,500 feet, he continued to assist his Forward Observation Officer, relaying critical technical data to ensure precise and rapid artillery fire on enemy positions. His unwavering commitment kept the artillery support accurate and effective, enabling the Indian troops to hold their ground under extraordinary pressure. Naik Yeshwanth Durgappa Kolkar ultimately succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. For his conspicuous bravery, steadfast devotion to duty, and selfless service to the nation, he was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal, one of India’s prestigious gallantry honors.

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