Service No : SS-24413
Place of birth : Karnataka
Service : Army
Last Rank : Second Lieutenant
Unit : 7 Grenadiers
Arm/Regt : The Grenadiers
Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971
Martyrdom : December 6, 1971
2nd Lt Ashok Prahlad Rao Mutgikar
Second Lieutenant Ashok Mutgikar was the gallant son of Shri Mutgikar and Smt Kamala Bai. The story of this brave soldier traces back to his formative years, where his natural charm and confidence were evident from childhood. One such early glimpse of his promise came during his school days, when he impressed everyone with a public speech that revealed both his courage and eloquence. His educational journey took him through Hubli, Gulbarga, and Mysore, where each stage of learning shaped him further. It was at Sharada Vilas College, Mysore, that 2nd Lt Ashok’s personality truly blossomed. The institution provided the perfect platform to nurture his talent, instill discipline, and inspire in him the values that would guide his path towards service to the nation.
A large part of the credit for his growth goes to his teachers and professors, whose encouragement and guidance left a lasting impact. They played a vital role in shaping his character and preparing him for the challenges of leadership. During his graduation years at Sharada Vilas College, he joined the N.C.C. wing, where his commitment and leadership qualities stood out. His training there not only strengthened his resolve but also paved the way for him to join the Indian Army. Eventually, he was commissioned into the Grenadiers Regiment as a Second Lieutenant—fulfilling his aspiration of serving the nation with honour and courage.
Indo-Pak War: 06 Dec1971
In December 1971, during the Indo–Pak War, 2nd Lt Ashok Prahladrao Mutgikar, was serving with the 7 Grenadiers when his battalion was tasked to participate in the fierce Battle of Chicken’s Neck (Chhanni Bajuan, Pakistan) — one of the most crucial operations in the Jammu sector. On 6th December 1971, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, ‘A’ Company of 7 Grenadiers, with 2nd Lt Mutgikar as the No. 1 Platoon Commander, moved forward in Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMPs) to cross into enemy territory. At 1510 hours, the order was given to launch the assault. Almost immediately, the advancing Indian troops faced withering firepower: artillery, small arms, and strafing runs from enemy aircraft. The intensity of the combined air and ground assault could have broken the spirit of even the most experienced soldiers. But amidst the chaos, 2nd Lt Mutgikar stood as a pillar of calm reassurance. Smiling even under heavy fire, he manned the machine gun and directed his men with clarity and courage. His steady composure inspired those around him to press on despite the ferocity of the enemy response.
During the attack, a bullet struck the young officer. Yet, he refused to give in to pain or fear. Wounded but undeterred, he continued to engage enemy aircraft and ground positions, his machine gun rattling defiantly against the superior firepower. In those moments, his men saw not just a commander, but a leader who embodied the spirit of the Grenadiers — fearless, selfless, and unyielding. It was in the thick of this battle, during one of the enemy’s devastating air-strafing runs, that 2nd Lt Ashok Prahladrao Mutgikar fell, making the supreme sacrifice at the altar of duty. His loss was deeply felt within the battalion. His Commanding Officer, in a moving tribute to the family, wrote that it had been an honour to witness 2nd Lt Mutgikar’s bravery firsthand, describing him as calm, smiling, and utterly devoted to his men and his mission until his very last breath. The young officer was cremated with full military honours on the banks of a river near a temple at Gajansu village in Jammu. His ashes and belongings were reverently sent to his family. In time, his unit resolved to place a marble plaque at the temple, so that his sacrifice would never be forgotten by future generations.
Prathik Mutgikar
2025 at 11:10 pmHi Team, 2Lt Ashok P Mutgikar was my father’s eldest brother. Below are some details.
PORTRAIT OF 2nd LT. ASHOK P. MUTGIKAR
Ashok Mutgikar was the gallant son of a proud couple, Mr. Mutgikar and Ms. Kamala Bai.
The saga of this brave personality begins earnestly from his childhood, when he endeared himself by making a public speech during his school days. His educational journey included stints in Hubli, Gulbarga, and Mysore. Sharada Vilas College, Mysore, was the immaculate platform that provided the apt impetus to groom Ashok into becoming a personality beyond enumeration and imagination.
A large part of the credit for the man he became goes to his teachers at school and college—especially during his graduation days at Sharada Vilas College. The institution contributed immensely to nurturing his character and personality, and to preparing him for the responsibility and duty that would be bestowed upon him.
His professors were a constant source of guidance and support to Mr. Ashok during the crucial days of his career selection. Ashok was an Officer Cadet in the N.C.C. wing of the college, which enabled him to join the Indian Army in the Grenadiers Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant.
2nd Lt. Ashok was posted to the Jammu borders upon completion of his training and was among the officers privileged to man the Russian tanks—armored personnel carriers. He saw action in the Chamb sector during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
2nd Lt. Ashok fought a brave battle and was indeed a courageous soul who stood firm in his beliefs and challenged life with his decisions. In this brave operation, Ashok held his ground and counter-attacked the enemy during severe air strafing. Though he was seriously injured with multiple bullet wounds, his determination and continued actions were worthy of a proud father and his gallant son.
Like an indestructible giant possessing supernatural powers bestowed upon him by God Almighty, he held his position and continued to fight until his final breath.
He dared to envision the sky as the limit and refused to be confined by the dictates of destiny. It is only befitting that we honour his sacrifice to the nation by remembering the brave who gave their lives rather than yield to the enemy.
WHEN CAN THEIR GLORY FADE?
OH, THE WILD CHARGE THEY MADE!
ALL THE WORLD WONDERED.
HONOUR THE CHARGE THEY MADE.