Sep Rajesh Orang SM

Sepoy Rajesh Orang hailed from Belgoria village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Born on 05 April 1994, he was the son of Shri Subhas Orang and Smt Mamta Orang. He grew up in a family of very modest means—his father was a marginal farmer in the Mohammed Bazar police station area of Birbhum. From an early age, Sep Rajesh witnessed hardship and deprivation at close quarters, experiences that shaped his resilience, humility, and unwavering determination to build a better future for his family. Motivated by a strong sense of duty and the aspiration to serve the nation, Sep Rajesh joined the Indian Army in 2015 at the age of 21. He was recruited into 16 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, one of the Army’s most renowned infantry regiments, celebrated for its fearless soldiers and a distinguished record of operational excellence. As a young infantryman, he adapted quickly to the rigours of military life, earning the respect of his peers through discipline, sincerity, and quiet courage.

By 2020, Sepoy Rajesh Orang had completed around five years of dedicated service, contributing steadfastly to his unit’s operational responsibilities. Beyond his professional commitment, he remained deeply connected to his roots and family, carrying the hopes of his parents and village with him wherever he served. Life seemed poised to turn a hopeful new chapter—he was soon to be married in July 2020 to a young woman from his village, a moment eagerly awaited by his family.

Operation Snow Leopard (Battle of Galwan): 15 June 2020

During June 2020, Sepoy Rajesh Orang’s unit was deployed in Eastern Ladakh, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as part of Operation Snow Leopard. From early May 2020, Chinese forces began attempting to obstruct India’s long-established and traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley, triggering a series of tense face-offs. Similar transgression attempts were also reported at Kongka La, Gogra, and along the North Bank of Pangong Lake. Each of these incursions was promptly detected and firmly countered by Indian forces. Simultaneously, through sustained diplomatic and military engagement, India conveyed in unequivocal terms that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo along the LAC was unacceptable. As tensions continued to escalate, Senior Commanders of India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed upon a phased disengagement based on reciprocal actions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from activities that could disturb the prevailing situation. However, in a blatant violation of this understanding, Chinese forces instigated a violent confrontation on the night of 15 June 2020 in the Galwan Valley.

Recognising the gravity of the situation and in keeping with the highest traditions of leadership, Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Battalion, personally led a team to the friction point to engage the Chinese side and ensure adherence to the agreed disengagement. During the discussions, an altercation occurred, rapidly escalating tempers and leading to a scuffle. The situation soon deteriorated into a brutal and violent clash, with Chinese troops—armed with improvised deadly weapons such as clubs and rods—launching a coordinated assault. The Indian soldiers were severely outnumbered, and it became evident that the opposing side had prepared in advance for violence. As the clash intensified, Sepoy Rajesh Orang, along with other soldiers of the battalion, rushed to support their embattled comrades and stood shoulder to shoulder in defence of their commanding officer and fellow soldiers. The confrontation raged on for several hours in the treacherous terrain and freezing conditions. During this prolonged and savage melee, many Indian soldiers sustained grievous injuries. Ultimately, Sepoy Rajesh Orang, Col Santosh Babu, and 18 other brave soldiers succumbed to their injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. The fallen heroes included Naik Deepak Kumar, Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh, Naib Subedar Nanduram Soren, Naib Subedar Satnam Singh, Havildar K Palani, Havildar Bipul Roy, Havildar Sunil Kumar, Sepoy Ganesh Hansda, Sepoy Ganesh Ram, Sepoy Chandan Kumar, Sepoy C.K. Pradhan, Sepoy Gurbinder Singh, Sepoy Aman Kumar, Sepoy Kundan Kumar, Sepoy K.K. Ojha, Sepoy Jai Kishore Singh, Sepoy Gurtej Singh, and Sepoy Ankush. Aged just 26 years, Sepoy Rajesh Orang exemplified fearless courage, unwavering commitment, and selfless devotion to duty. He laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, defending the nation’s honour against overwhelming odds. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" on 26 January 2021—a fitting tribute to a young soldier who gave everything for the nation.

Sep Rajesh Orang is survived by his father, Shri Subhas Orang and mother Smt Mamta Orang.