Service No : 13619642F
Place of birth : Almora Dist (U;khand)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Paratrooper
Unit : 3 Para (SF)
Arm/Regt : The Parachute Regiment
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Awards : Shaurya Chakra
Martyrdom : January 27, 1996
Paratrooper Prakash Chandra hailed from Almora district in Uttarakhand, a region known for its rich history of producing brave soldiers dedicated to the service of the nation. Son of Shri Sadanand and Smt Tulsi, Ptr Prakash Chandra nurtured the dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces from his childhood. Following his passion, Paratrooper Prakash Chandra successfully enlisted in the Indian Army and was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, the elite infantry regiment renowned for its highly skilled para commandos, specialized training, and numerous daring operations in some of the most challenging battlefields.
Later, Paratrooper Prakash Chandra underwent rigorous and grueling training to earn the coveted Maroon Beret — a symbol of unmatched excellence and elite proficiency in airborne and special operations. His training encompassed advanced combat techniques, high-altitude parachute jumps, counter-terrorism operations, and survival skills in the most hostile and challenging environments. He was inducted into the prestigious 3 Para (Special Forces) unit, where he was entrusted with critical missions that demanded extraordinary mental resilience, exceptional physical endurance, and an unbreakable spirit. Through his distinguished service with 3 Para (SF), Paratrooper Prakash Chandra became part of a proud and legendary lineage of warriors who have played a crucial role in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the nation.
Nagaland Operation: 27 Jan 1996
During 1996, Paratrooper Prakash Chandra's unit, the 3rd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, was deployed in Nagaland as part of counter-insurgency operations. On January 27, 1996, a column of 3 Para was conducting a high-risk operation in Dimapur, Nagaland. The mission led to the successful apprehension of twelve high-value underground militants, a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities in the region. Among the courageous soldiers participating in this operation was Paratrooper Prakash Chandra, a dedicated member of Alfa Company, 3 Para. Following the completion of the mission, the column began its return to unit lines when it encountered a sudden and well-coordinated ambush by underground militants. The enemy initiated the attack with a calculated move—lobbing two grenades directly into the military vehicle, intending to cause severe casualties. In this life-threatening moment, Paratrooper Prakash Chandra exhibited extraordinary presence of mind and unparalleled bravery. Without any regard for his own safety, he immediately grabbed one of the grenades and hurled it outside the vehicle, neutralizing a potentially devastating explosion that could have killed or maimed several of his comrades. His quick thinking and swift action were instrumental in saving the lives of those onboard.
Even after successfully averting the immediate threat posed by a grenade, Paratrooper Prakash Chandra remained resolute and undeterred. With full awareness of the volatile and perilous situation, he sprang into action—leaping out of the vehicle with his weapon at the ready, he bravely engaged the enemy in a fierce and chaotic close-quarters battle. Amidst the deafening gunfire and intense exchange of bullets, he swiftly identified a hidden militant manning a Light Machine Gun (LMG)—a weapon whose firepower posed a severe threat to his comrades. Recognizing the critical need to neutralize this target, Ptr Prakash Chandra made a bold and selfless decision. Without a second thought, he charged directly at the underground position, fully exposing himself to a hail of enemy bullets in an effort to silence the LMG and break the momentum of the ambush. In a display of unmatched valor and determination, he pressed forward under relentless fire. Tragically, he was struck multiple times in the chest and succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield.
Paratrooper Mahiman Singh Nayal too made the supreme sacrifice during this intense encounter. Fighting shoulder to shoulder with his fellow paratroopers, he displayed unshakable courage and devotion to duty, ultimately laying down his life in the line of fire. Despite the overwhelming odds and the cost in lives, their fearless counteroffensive threw the enemy into disarray. Shaken by the intensity and resolve of the soldiers, the militants were forced to retreat under the cover of darkness. The courageous actions of Paratroopers Prakash Chandra and Mahiman Singh Nayal not only safeguarded the lives of their fellow soldiers but also ensured the integrity and success of the mission. Paratrooper Prakash Chandra’s actions that night embodied the highest traditions of the Indian Army and the Parachute Regiment. Paratrooper Prakash Chandra was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his commendable bravery, and devotion to duty.
Paratrooper Prakash Chandra is survived by his mother Smt Tulsi.
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