Sep Ramesh S Kakade

Sepoy Ramesh Shivram Kakade was born in the village of Jamkhed, located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. From an early age, he exhibited a sense of responsibility and a strong desire to serve his country. After completing his school education, he followed his calling to join the Indian Army, dedicating himself to the defense of the nation.

Sep Ramesh Shivram Kakade was inducted into the 16 Maratha Light Infantry (16 MLI), a battalion within the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. This regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated in the Indian Army, is celebrated for its gallantry, unwavering discipline, and rich history of contributions to various military campaigns. The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment is renowned for its indomitable spirit and its soldiers' dedication to their duty, qualities that Sep Kakade exemplified throughout his service.

Nagaland Operation: 20th Dec 1993

During 1993, Sep Ramesh Shivram Kakade’s unit was deployed in Nagaland as part of "Operation Orchid" to counter the insurgency that had gripped the region. On December 20, 1993, while traveling in a convoy along the Mokokchung-Mariani Road, his unit came under a surprise ambush by a large group of heavily armed insurgents. The attackers, numbering close to 100, wielded sophisticated automatic weapons and unleashed a barrage of fire on the convoy. Amidst the chaos and overwhelming odds, Sep Ramesh Shivram Kakade displayed commendable courage and resolve. Undeterred by the intense and sustained enemy fire, he fought valiantly alongside his comrades to repel the attack. In the course of the operation, he sustained critical injuries. Despite the pain and peril, Sep Kakade continued to perform his duties with remarkable bravery until he succumbed to his injuries.

The ambush claimed the lives of 13 other brave soldiers, including Col N Jayachandran Nair, Nb Sub Bhosale MS, Hav Shedge Laxman S, Nk Nikam Balu S, L/Nk Chougule JR, L/Nk AG Jadhav, Sep Pabale Nitin M, Sep Jadhav Gorakh N, Sep Patil Mahadev R, Sep Kulkarni NP, Sep Surender, Sep Patil Subhash S, and Sep Deepak Galande. Their supreme sacrifice remains a testament to the valor and dedication of the Indian Army. Sep Ramesh Shivram Kakade made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of the Maratha Light Infantry and the Indian Army and displayed outstanding courage and determination during the battle and laid down his life in the line of his duty.

Sepoy Ramesh Shivram Kakade is survived by his wife Smt Manisha.