Service No : 2787144

Place of birth : Buldhana Dist (Mah)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Sepoy

Unit : 16 M LI

Arm/Regt : The Maratha Light Infantry

Operation : Op Orchid

Martyrdom : December 20, 1993

Sep Kulkarni NP

Sepoy Kulkarni Narayan Pralhad hailed from Keshav Nagar village in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. From an early age, he was inspired to contribute to the defence of his nation. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army, dedicating himself to a life of service. He was inducted into the 16 Maratha Light Infantry (16 MLI), a battalion of the illustrious Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. Known for its rich history, the Maratha Light Infantry is one of the oldest and most respected regiments of the Indian Army, with origins dating back to the 18th century. The regiment, guided by its motto, “Duty, Honour, Courage”, is renowned for its soldiers’ fierce fighting spirit and remarkable contributions to various campaigns and operations, both before and after India’s independence. Sep Kulkarni Narayan Pralhad exemplified these values, upholding the proud legacy of his regiment with honour and dedication.

 

By 1993, Sepoy Kulkarni Narayan Pralhad had earned recognition as a committed and skilled soldier, admired for his professionalism and steadfastness. That year, his battalion, 16 MLI, was deployed in Nagaland, a region grappling with insurgency and unrest. The northeastern states of India faced significant challenges from armed insurgent groups, necessitating a strong and disciplined military presence to restore peace and stability. Sepoy Kulkarni’s unit was tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the local population, a mission demanding exceptional bravery and resolve.

 

Nagaland Operation: 20th Dec 1993

 

During 1993, Sep Kulkarni’s unit was deployed in Nagaland as part of "Operation Orchid" to counter the insurgency that had gripped the region. On December 20, 1993, Sepoy Kulkarni was part of a convoy led by Colonel N Jayachandran Nair traveling along the Mokokchung-Mariani Road, a vital lifeline in Nagaland known for its strategic significance. The convoy encountered a meticulously planned ambush by insurgents, armed with sophisticated automatic weapons, who launched a surprise attack with overwhelming force. Approximately 100 insurgents opened intense and relentless fire, targeting the convoy and creating a dire situation. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Sepoy Kulkarni exhibited remarkable courage and composure in the face of this sudden assault.

 

Alongside his comrades, he engaged the insurgents in fierce combat, valiantly returning fire and holding his ground under a hail of bullets. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in the line of duty. His actions, marked by exceptional bravery and unwavering determination, embodied the spirit of selfless service and the martial ethos of the Maratha Light Infantry.  The ambush claimed the lives of 13 other brave soldiers, including Col N Jayachandran Nair, Nb Sub Bhosale, Hav Shedge Laxman S, Nk Nikam Balu S, L/Nk Chougule JR, L/Nk AG Jadhav, Sep Ramesh S Kakade, Sep Pabale Nitin M, Sep Jadhav Gorakh N, Sep Patil Mahadev R, Sep Surender, Sep Patil Subhash S, and Sep Deepak Galande. Sep Kulkarni displayed commendable courage and determination during the operation and laid down his life in the line of his duty.

 

Sep Kulkarni Narayan Pralhad is survived by his wife Smt Ujwala.

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