Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan Choudhary SM

Naib Subedar Nagendra Narayan Choudhary was born on 15th August 1962 — a day of profound national pride — in the serene village of Baigini, nestled in the Darbhanga district of Bihar. His birth on India’s Independence Day would prove to be more than a mere coincidence; it was a symbolic harbinger of a life devoted entirely to the service of the motherland. Born to Shri Baldev Narayan Choudhary and Smt Parmeshvari Devi, Nagendra Narayan grew up in a household grounded in simplicity, discipline, and strong moral values. From an early age, he was known among his peers and elders for his soft-spoken nature, principled conduct, and unwavering commitment to hard work. These qualities, combined with a deep-seated sense of patriotism, laid the foundation for his eventual path in uniformed service. After completing his graduation—a commendable feat in his rural setting—he chose to pursue a higher calling: to serve the nation in the Indian Army.

On 26th July 1980, at the age of 17, he was inducted into the Indian Army and was enrolled in the Corps of Signals, one of the most vital and technically sophisticated arms of the Army. The Corps of Signals is responsible for establishing and maintaining communication networks across the battlefield—an essential function in both war and peace. Within this highly specialized corps, Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan quickly distinguished himself through his technical acumen, discipline, and unrelenting dedication to his duties. Over the years, he served in various challenging postings across the country, displaying consistent professionalism and reliability. His commitment and leadership earned him the admiration of his superiors as well as the respect of his peers. 

Uri Sector Rescue Operation: 08 Oct 2005

In 2005, Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan Choudhary was serving with the 11 Field Sub Group of the Corps of Signals, then known as 11 IW Battalion. This unit was deployed in the Jammu & Kashmir region as part of Operation Rakshak, a long-standing counter-insurgency and internal security mission aimed at restoring peace and combating militancy in the region. As a seasoned soldier of the Corps of Signals, Nb Sub Choudhary played a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted communication channels—the backbone of operational coordination and a vital enabler of mission success and troop safety in volatile conflict zones. During this deployment, he was stationed at Kathi Detachment in the Uri Sector of North Kashmir, an area known for its challenging terrain and sensitive security dynamics. On 8th October 2005, a devastating earthquake struck parts of northern India and Pakistan, with Jammu & Kashmir being one of the hardest-hit regions. The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, bunkers, and military shelters. As bunkers crumbled and soldiers were trapped under the debris, Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan Choudhary spearheaded rescue efforts, putting his own life at grave risk to save his comrades.

With complete disregard for his personal safety, he entered a dangerously unstable and partially collapsed bunker multiple times, each time bringing out trapped fellow soldiers to safety. His swift and fearless actions undoubtedly saved many lives. However, while emerging from the bunker after another rescue attempt, a powerful aftershock struck the area, causing the already weakened structure to fully collapse. In that tragic moment, Nb Sub Choudhary was buried under the rubble and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty—laying down his life so that others might live. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, selfless devotion to duty, and gallantry under life-threatening conditions, Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan Choudhary was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Nb Sub Nagendra Narayan Choudhary is survived by his wife, Smt Saraswati Choudhary, and two sons Abhinav Kumar and Parinav Kumar. Deeply influenced by his father’s heroism and unwavering commitment to the country, his elder son, Major Abhinav Kumar Choudhary, followed in his footsteps. Joining the Corps of Signals, Maj Abhinav went on to distinguish himself in service, being awarded the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry—further cementing the family’s proud legacy of valour and dedication to the nation.