Nb Sub Khushi Ram VrC

Naib Subedar Khushi Ram Yadav hailed from Khata village in the Mohammadabad block of Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh, and was born on August 28, 1947. Son of Shri Gandharva Singh Yadav, who instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and discipline from an early age. Growing up in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram developed a strong resolve to serve his nation, which led him to join the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 16th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Known for its glorious history of valour and sacrifice, the Kumaon Regiment is synonymous with fearlessness and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Naib Subedar Khushi Ram Yadav embodied these values, becoming an exemplary soldier and leader.

By 1988, he had risen to the rank of Naib Subedar and was serving with distinction in his unit. That year, his battalion was deployed as part of Operation Pawan, an Indian Peacekeeping Force mission in Sri Lanka aimed at combating insurgent activities by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The operation demanded not just military expertise but also exceptional courage and adaptability, given the challenging and hostile terrain of Sri Lanka.

Operation Pawan: 25 Jan 1988

On January 25, 1988, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram Yadav, serving with the 16th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, was tasked with leading his platoon on a critical search-and-destroy mission in the Murukhandivu area of the Valachchenai sector in Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan. This operation was part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force's efforts to combat the insurgent activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The mission required extraordinary courage, precision, and leadership to neutralize the heavily armed militants entrenched in the region.

As the platoon advanced, they encountered fierce resistance from LTTE militants who had fortified their positions with automatic weapons, including a medium machine gun. The militants unleashed a barrage of gunfire, pinning down the Indian troops in an exposed paddy field. Recognizing the grave threat posed by the medium machine gun, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram immediately took charge of the situation, demonstrating exceptional composure and tactical acumen under heavy fire. Despite the intensity of the militants' gunfire, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram personally took control of the rocket launcher to silence the enemy machine gun position. Displaying remarkable courage and precision, he scored a direct hit on the medium machine gun emplacement. The impact of the round neutralized the gun, displacing three militants from the position and forcing two others to flee. This act of bravery not only eliminated a significant threat but also allowed his platoon to regain momentum in the operation.

With the machine gun silenced, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram instructed his section to provide covering fire for his next move. Leading by example, he advanced towards the abandoned machine gun position, accompanied by Naik Daya Ram. Undeterred by the danger, the fearless Junior Commissioned Officer closed the distance to within 50 meters of the position. However, as they neared their objective, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram was struck in the chest by a burst of fire from an automatic rifle, sustaining fatal injuries. Naib Subedar Khushi Ram Yadav’s actions exemplified unparalleled bravery, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to his mission. His selfless determination and willingness to face danger head-on in the service of his nation stand as a testament to his character and dedication. He made the supreme sacrifice, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his extraordinary courage and valour in the face of the enemy, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, ensuring his legacy as a true hero of the nation.

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:  

On the 25th January 1988, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram along with his platoon was detailed to carry out a search and destroy mission in area murrukandivu in the Valachenai sector of Sri Lanka. Displaying remarkable degree of courage of courage and temperament, Naib Subedar Khushi Ram scored a direct hit, which silenced the medium machine gun of the millitants. Three millitants were thrown away from the gun emplacement as a result of the impact of the he round, whilst two were seen escaping. The Junior Commissioned officer then asked the section cover to his move and himself accompained by Naik Daya Ram went forward to capture the medium machine gun.

The fearless and valiant Junior Commissioned officer reached within 50 metres of the abandoned medium machine gun when he was hit with a burst of auto rifles fire in his chest. He was fatally wounded.

Naib Subedar Khushi Ram thus displayed conspicuous courage and valour in the face of the millitants and made a Supreme Sacrifice in the highest tradition of the Army.