Sapper Baburam Pattar SC

Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar hailed from Belgaum district in Karnataka, a region known for its rich tradition of producing brave soldiers dedicated to national service. From an early age, he exhibited a strong sense of duty and patriotism, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the Indian Army. His unwavering determination and passion for serving the nation guided him to enlist in the armed forces, where he was inducted into the Corps of Engineers. Upon joining the Indian Army, Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar was commissioned into the 5 Engineer Regiment of the Madras Engineering Group (MEG), one of the oldest and most distinguished units of the Corps of Engineers. The MEG, also known as the Madras Sappers, has a long and glorious history of bravery, technical excellence, and service to the nation.

As a part of this prestigious regiment, he underwent rigorous training in combat engineering, which included tasks such as constructing bridges, laying minefields, handling demolitions, and ensuring mobility and survivability for frontline troops in battlefield conditions. The Corps of Engineers plays a crucial role in the Indian Army as a combat support arm, providing essential engineering solutions during both wartime and peacetime operations. Trained technicians like Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar are responsible for tasks such as fortifications, obstacle clearance, water supply management, and infrastructure development in challenging terrains, enabling the army to operate effectively under all conditions.

Army Rescue Operation(AP): 4th November 2006 

During Nov 2006, Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar was deployed as part of a flood relief team near Pedana Village in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The region had been severely affected, with many villages submerged and civilians stranded in life-threatening conditions. In response to the crisis, the Indian Army, known for its unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance, launched rescue operations to evacuate those trapped in the floodwaters. On 4th November 2006, at approximately 1500 hours, Sapper Babu Ram, along with three fellow soldiers from the Engineer Regiment and eight civilians, embarked on a rescue mission aboard a Boat Assault Universal Type 1A (BAUT). Their mission was to navigate through the treacherous floodwaters to reach a marooned village and evacuate stranded residents.

As they progressed through the swirling waters, the Outboard Motor (OBM) of the boat got entangled in a fisherman’s net, causing it to submerge underwater and stop functioning. Without propulsion, the boat became vulnerable to the strong currents, which dragged it uncontrollably towards a drain. Within moments, the vessel collided with a concrete overbridge, further destabilizing it. Despite the warnings issued by the military personnel to remain calm, the civilians panicked and began rocking the boat, unintentionally worsening the situation. This sudden movement led to the boat capsizing, throwing all its occupants into the floodwaters. In the face of imminent danger, Sapper Babu Ram displayed unparalleled courage and selflessness. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he immediately sprang into action to save lives. Spotting a civilian woman struggling against the powerful current, he swam towards her using only one arm while holding her above water with the other, ensuring she remained afloat. Undeterred by the perilous conditions, he went on to rescue two more people, including a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) who was on the verge of drowning.

Even as exhaustion set in, Sapper Babu Ram refused to give up. However, during his valiant rescue efforts, he suffered a severe head injury and became entangled in underwater seaweed and T-beams of the bridge. Trapped in the fast-flowing floodwaters, he ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty. His body was recovered five days later, on 9th November 2006, marking the tragic end of an extraordinary act of heroism. His actions exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Army, where soldiers not only defend the nation in battle but also stand as beacons of hope during humanitarian crises. Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar was given the nation’s third-highest gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra,” on 26 Jan 2007, for his courage, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice.

Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar is survived by his mother, Smt Shanta.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Sapper Babu Ram Veeranna Pattar was part of flood rescue team deployed near Pedana Village, Andhra Pradesh. On 4^th November 2006, approximately 1500 hours he along with three military persons of 5 Engineer regiment, and eight other civilians were proceeding towards a marooned village in flood waters in a boat Assault Universal type 1A as part of relief operation. Enroute, the Out Board Motor of the boat got entangled in the fishermen nets laid under water and the OBM stopped.

Due to heavy current of water the boat drifted into a drain and hit concrete over bridge. Despite repeated warnings by resue team not to panic the civilians fell into the flood waters. At this stage Sapper Babu Ram unmindfully of his personal safety helped a civil lady by swimming with one hand and simultaneously lifting her with other hand. He then saved lives of two more persons including one MLA who were drowning in flood waters, before he suffered a head injury and got stuck in sea weeds and T beams of the bridge in the fast current of water and laid down his life. His mortal remains were later recovered at the bridge site on 9^th November 2006.