Nb Sub Nandu Ram Soren VrC

Naib Subedar Nandu Ram Soren hailed from Bada Champauda village of Bijatala block in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Born on 02 April 1977, he was the youngest of four siblings and the beloved son of Shri Kahanu Soren and Smt Raimath Soren. Raised in a close-knit rural family, he imbibed values of discipline, hard work, and responsibility from an early age. After completing his education at Rairangpur College, he fulfilled his lifelong aspiration of serving the nation by joining the Indian Army on 27 April 1996, at the young age of 19 years. He was recruited into the 16th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, a renowned infantry regiment celebrated for its fearless soldiers and a distinguished history of operational achievements. From the very beginning of his service, he displayed dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of duty, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. A few years into his service, Naib Subedar Nandu Ram Soren married Ms Laxmimani, and together they built a warm and loving family. The couple was blessed with three daughters—Gyaneshwari, Maansi, and Sonali—to whom he was a devoted and caring father. Despite the demands of military life, he remained deeply committed to his family and extended the same sense of responsibility and care to other family members as well.

Beyond his soldierly qualities, he was an accomplished sportsman. He excelled in football and hockey and was also an enthusiastic cross-country runner, regularly participating in regimental and unit-level competitions. His physical fitness, sporting spirit, and team orientation further enhanced his effectiveness as a soldier and leader. By 2020, Naib Subedar Nandu Ram Soren had completed over 22 years of exemplary service and had risen to the rank of Naib Subedar. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served in several operational areas, gaining rich field experience and developing into a professionally competent, dependable, and respected Junior Commissioned Officer. His life and service stood as a testament to steadfast commitment, quiet leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty and family.

Operation Snow Leopard (Battle of Galwan): 15 June 2020

In early 2020, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren’s unit, 16 Bihar Battalion, was deployed in Eastern Ladakh. From April onwards, India observed a steady buildup of Chinese troops and military equipment in forward areas. By early May, Chinese forces attempted to obstruct India’s traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley, triggering multiple face-offs. Similar transgression attempts were reported at Kongka La, Gogra, and the North Bank of Pangong Lake. These actions were promptly detected and effectively countered by Indian forces. Through diplomatic and military channels, India firmly conveyed that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo was unacceptable. As tensions mounted, Senior Commanders of both India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed upon a phased disengagement based on reciprocal actions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from activities that could disturb the existing balance. However, in blatant violation of this understanding, Chinese forces instigated a violent confrontation on the night of 15 June 2020 in the Galwan Valley.

During this period, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren emerged as a symbol of steadfast courage and exemplary leadership during Operation Snow Leopard. In June 2020, his unit, 16 Bihar Battalion, was deployed in the treacherous heights close to the LAC at a time of heightened hostility. The friction stemmed from Chinese objections to India’s infrastructure development in the Galwan sector—an area of immense strategic importance that dominated the critical road axis from Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie and supported a vital airstrip essential for Indian operations in the northern sector. Despite several rounds of military-level talks aimed at de-escalation, signs of aggressive intent became unmistakable on the night of 15/16 June 2020, when increased Chinese activity was observed across the Galwan River. In keeping with existing agreements, the Indian Army moved to engage the Chinese side to ensure compliance with the agreed status quo. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Battalion, personally led the Indian contingent for discussions. What began as a dialogue soon degenerated into a brutal confrontation. Chinese troops, evidently prepared in advance, launched a sudden and coordinated assault using improvised lethal weapons such as clubs, rods, and stones. Heavily outnumbered, Indian soldiers were forced into intense hand-to-hand combat in complete darkness, at high altitude, and under near-freezing conditions. At this critical juncture, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren surged to the forefront. Leading a column of soldiers, he inspired his men to hold their ground at all costs and prevented the enemy from forcing a withdrawal. His calm control under extreme pressure, fearless presence, and resolute determination galvanised his comrades. Repeatedly positioning himself between the enemy and his men, he exemplified the finest traditions of the Indian Army by leading from the front.

His conspicuous leadership soon made him a prime target. The enemy singled him out and subjected him to relentless attacks with stones and improvised weapons, inflicting grievous injuries. Despite being seriously wounded, Naib Subedar Soren refused to withdraw. Displaying indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve, he continued to motivate and steady his troops until he finally collapsed from his injuries. His supreme sacrifice became a powerful rallying point—Indian soldiers regrouped, closed ranks, and successfully stalled the enemy’s aggression, preventing a tactical setback in one of the most sensitive sectors along the LAC. The violent clashes continued for several hours and resulted in heavy casualties. Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren, Col Santosh Babu, and 18 other brave soldiers laid down their lives in the line of duty, attaining martyrdom in defence of the nation. The fallen heroes included Nb Sub Satnam Singh, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Hav Bipul Roy, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav K Palani, Naik Deepak Singh, Sep Ganesh Hansda, Sep Chandan Kumar, Sep Chandrakanta Pradhan, Sep Aman Kumar, Sep Kundan Kumar, Sep Rajesh Orang, Sep Ganesh Ram, Sep K.K. Ojha, Sep Jay Kishor Singh, Sep Gurtej Singh, Sep Ankush, and Sep Gurbinder Singh.  A gallant soldier and a deeply committed Junior Commissioned Officer, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren laid down his life in the highest traditions of military service. In recognition of his exceptional courage, fearless leadership in the face of the enemy, unwavering devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra on 26 January 2021.

Nb Sub Nandu Ram Soren is survived by his father, Shri Kahanu Soren; mother Smt Raimath Soren, wife Smt Laxmimani Soren and three daughters, Ms Gyaneshwari, Ms Maansi, and Ms Sonali.

The citation for the ‘Vir Chakra’ awarded to him reads:

Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren was part of Operation Snow Leopard, in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh). On 15 June 2020, during a skirmish with the enemy, he led a column. He inspired his forces to hold ground at all costs and kept the enemy from pushing back Indian soldiers. In the skirmish, his ability to lead from the front stood out, so much so, the enemy viewed him as a threat. He was then targeted with lethal weapons and stones by the enemy. He was seriously wounded as a result of this attack, but before achieving martyrdom, he managed to hold his ground with a resolute and indefatigable spirit. This supreme sacrifice inspired their own troops to unite and fight, thereby stalling the aggression of the enemy.

In recognition of his act of bravery in face of the enemy, courage, and supreme sacrifice, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren is awarded “VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.