Rifleman Rabin Sharma SM

Rifleman Rabin Sharma hailed from Chuwa village in Parbat district of Nepal, a region known for its proud tradition of producing brave and dedicated soldiers for the Armed Forces. Raised in a disciplined and value-driven environment, he imbibed the ideals of courage, perseverance, and service to the nation from an early age. After completing his school education, he chose to pursue a career in the Indian Army, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve with honour. In 2013, he was recruited into the 4th Battalion of the 1 Gorkha Rifles (4/1 GR)—one of the most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its fearless soldiers, rich legacy, and numerous operational achievements. Following the successful completion of his rigorous military training, Rifleman Rabin Sharma was inducted into his battalion, where he quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. Known for his dedication, discipline, and commitment to duty, he carried forward the गौरवशाली traditions of the Gorkha soldiers, living up to their timeless motto of bravery and loyalty.

From the very beginning of his service, Rifleman Rabin Sharma demonstrated the qualities of a dependable and courageous soldier, always ready to take on challenging responsibilities in the service of the nation.

During May 2017, Rifleman Rabin Sharma’s unit, 4/1 Gorkha Rifles, was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, a highly sensitive sector along the Line of Control (LoC). The unit was responsible for manning forward posts in the Naugam sector of Handwara, an area frequently targeted for infiltration due to its dense forests and rugged terrain. Maintaining a high level of alertness in such conditions was crucial to thwart enemy attempts. On the night of 20 May 2017, militants attempted to infiltrate into the unit’s Area of Responsibility. Demonstrating sharp vigilance and operational readiness, Rifleman Rabin Sharma and his team detected suspicious movement along the infiltration route. Acting swiftly, they moved to intercept the infiltrators, which led to a fierce and prolonged gun battle. The militants were heavily armed and attempted to exploit the thick jungle cover and difficult terrain to their advantage. Undeterred, the soldiers engaged the enemy with determination and tactical precision. The intense exchange of fire continued for nearly 36 hours, reflecting the resilience and fighting spirit of the troops.

Displaying exceptional courage and resolve, Rifleman Rabin Sharma and his comrades fought valiantly, successfully eliminating four militants and foiling the infiltration attempt. However, during the course of this prolonged engagement, Rifleman Rabin Sharma, along with his fellow soldiers Havildar Giris Gurung and Havildar Damar Bahadur, sustained grievous injuries. Despite their brave fight and the best medical efforts, they later succumbed to their injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Rifleman Rabin Sharma’s actions exemplified unwavering courage, devotion to duty, and the highest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the “Sena Medal.” His sacrifice stands as a lasting testament to his valour and commitment, and he will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by the nation.