Sep Jagdish Chandra SC

Sepoy Jagdish Chandra was born in the scenic hill district of Almora in Uttarakhand, into a humble yet deeply patriotic family. He was the son of Shri Laxmi Datt and Smt Tara Devi, who nurtured in him a strong foundation of values—discipline, honesty, compassion, and above all, a profound love for the nation. From an early age, Sep Jagdish Chandra exhibited a sense of responsibility that set him apart. He pursued his education with sincerity, knowing that it would prepare him for the challenging path ahead. Upon completing his schooling, he made a conscious decision to dedicate his life to the service of the nation by joining the Indian Army.

He was recruited into 15 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the most distinguished and battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Kumaon Regiment is renowned for its rich history of valor, resilience, and heroism in some of the toughest battles fought by India. Being part of such an elite unit was a matter of immense pride for Sepoy Jagdish Chandra and marked the beginning of his journey as a soldier. Throughout his service, Sepoy Jagdish Chandra displayed exemplary dedication, discipline, and courage. He stood by his comrades through the most challenging terrains and situations, always ready to place duty above self. 

Operation Blue Star: 05/06 Jun 1984

In June 1984, Sepoy Jagdish Chandra was serving with the 15 Kumaon Battalion, which was deployed in the conflict-ridden region of Punjab. In early 1980s, Sikh agitation took an ugly turn and a group of militant Sikhs under the leadership of their leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale upped the ante.  In December 1983, fearing arrest, JS Bhindranwale with few hundred armed supporters moved into the Golden Temple complex. In June 1984, Indian government decided to send troops to the Golden Temple complex to clear it out of militants in an operation called, "Op Bluestar". During the night of 5th/6th June 1984, amid Operation Blue Star, 15 Kumaon commanded by Lt Col NC Pant—was assigned a critical task: to flush out armed militants entrenched within a fortified building complex inside the Golden Temple. The operation was meticulously planned and executed in three phases: Phase I: The main assault to neutralize militants within the temple complex. Phase II: Mopping-up operations to clear remaining resistance. Phase III: Securing the surrounding hostels, asserting full control over the premises, and handing over prisoners to the appropriate authorities.

Various units were launched simultaneously from different entry points with the objective of killing or capturing militants in a coordinated assault. The mission was perilous, demanding exceptional courage and determination from every participating soldier. Among the bravehearts Sepoy Jagdish Chandra, demonstrating keen situational awareness and bravery, identified a major threat to his fellow soldiers. He noticed that a machine gun post, located at the top of a staircase in an adjoining building, was providing critical cover to the entrenched terrorists. This elevated gun position was raining down suppressive fire and posed a grave danger to the advancing troops. Realizing that this post had to be neutralized immediately to enable any further advance, Sepoy Jagdish Chandra made a bold and selfless decision. With complete disregard for his own safety, he charged forward through the deadly hail of bullets. Undeterred by the intense enemy fire, he advanced toward the machine gun post with fearless resolve.

In a moment of extraordinary valour, he engaged the enemy head-on and successfully silenced the machine gun post, thereby removing the biggest hurdle in the operation. His courageous action allowed his comrades to regroup, advance, and eventually overcome the resistance put up by the terrorists. However, in the course of this heroic charge, Sepoy Jagdish Chandra was struck by enemy bullets and made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life for the safety and success of his unit. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, unflinching commitment to duty, and the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of the nation, Sepoy Jagdish Chandra was posthumously awarded the prestigious "Shaurya Chakra", one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

Sepoy Jagdish Chandra is survived by his father Shri Laxmi Datt.

The Citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the 6th June, 1984, during anti-terrorist operation, 'D' Company was tasked to clear a building which was held by highly motivated terrorists. The Company was held up at the base of the building due to very heavy fire of the terrorists. Sepoy Jagdish Chandra saw a machine gun firing from the top of the stairs leading to the first floor of an adjoining building. With utter disregard for his personal safety Sepoy Jagdish Chandra rushed forward, charged at the machine gun post and successfully silenced it enabling his Company to accomplish its mission. in the process he was hit directly and died on the spot.

Sepoy Jagdish Chandra thus displayed tremendous initiative, indomitable courage, bravery, strong determination, devotion to duty of a very high order and laid down his life. in the highest traditions of the Army.