Sepoy Balkrishna Nanaware

In 1964, during a period of heightened tension along the India–Pakistan border, Sepoy Balkrishna Nanaware’s unit—the 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI)—was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir to undertake operational responsibilities along the sensitive Ceasefire Line. The battalion traced its lineage to the former Baroda State Forces, of which it became the sole successor unit after Independence. It was formally raised on 27 May 1949 following the integration of the princely State of Baroda with the erstwhile Province of Bombay. Carrying forward the proud martial traditions of the state forces, the battalion was absorbed into the Indian Army’s Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and soon established a reputation as a disciplined, dependable, and battle-ready infantry unit. In November 1960, 20 Maratha Light Infantry moved to Baramulla under the command of 19 Infantry Division as part of India’s efforts to strengthen defences in the region. As the operational situation evolved, the battalion was subsequently redeployed to the Rampur area in Kathua district, where it came under the operational control of 161 Infantry Brigade. Here, the unit was entrusted with the demanding responsibility of manning forward pickets and conducting regular patrols along the Ceasefire Line—tasks that required constant vigilance, physical endurance, and unwavering readiness in an environment marked by recurring hostilities, infiltration attempts, and unpredictable enemy activity.

Operating from rugged terrain and exposed forward locations, the soldiers of 20 MLI carried out sustained surveillance and domination patrols to prevent infiltration and safeguard Indian positions. Though these duties often appeared routine, they involved considerable risk and demanded exceptional fieldcraft, alertness, and courage from every soldier deployed in the sector. On 23 September 1964, during one such patrol along the Ceasefire Line, a detachment of 20 Maratha Light Infantry came under a sudden and intense attack by an enemy force in overwhelming strength. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the patrol stood its ground and engaged the adversary with determination, upholding the highest traditions of the regiment. During this fierce engagement, Sepoy Balkrishna Nanaware displayed exemplary courage and steadfast devotion to duty. Fighting under heavy fire, he continued to carry out his responsibilities and support his comrades in the face of grave danger. In the course of the action, he and several fellow soldiers sustained severe injuries while resisting the attack and defending their position. The wounded were evacuated under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions and rushed to an Army medical facility for urgent treatment. Despite the best efforts of the attending medical teams, Sepoy Balkrishna Nanaware succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Other brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the same action included Naib Subedar Raghunath Kadam, Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar, Sepoy Bajrang Shinde, Sepoy Dagdu Power, Sepoy Janardhan Wagh, Sepoy Dashrath Shrisagar, Sepoy Namdev Dhage, Sepoy Ramchandra Chavan, and Sepoy Baba Bhosle. The gallant action of Sepoy Balkrishna Nanaware and his comrades reflects the finest traditions of the Indian Army—duty before self, steadfastness in adversity, and the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.