Sepoy Kalu Ram Jakhar

Sepoy Kalu Ram Jakhar was born on July 12, 1974, in Khedi Chaarna village, situated in the Bhopalgarh tehsil of Jodhpur district, Rajasthan. He was the son of Shri Gangaram Jakhar and Smt Keli Devi, who raised him with values of discipline, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility. Sepoy Kalu Ram completed his primary education at the village school, where he displayed early signs of determination and commitment, characteristics that would define his later life.

Motivated by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to serve the nation, Sepoy Kalu Ram joined the Indian Army on April 28, 1994, at the young age of 19. His dedication and passion for the armed forces led him to be inducted into the 17 Jat Battalion of the Jat Regiment, a renowned infantry regiment known for its valor, rich history, and illustrious battle honours. The Jat Regiment has a distinguished legacy of producing fearless soldiers, and Sepoy Kalu Ram was no exception, embodying the regiment’s spirit of courage and sacrifice. Sepoy Kalu Ram was married to Ms. Santosh Devi, and together they shared dreams of building a life filled with purpose and commitment.

Battle of Point 4875 (Kargil War): 04-08 July 1999

During July 1999, Sep Kalu Ram’s unit, the 17 Jat Battalion, was deployed in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir as part of "Operation Vijay," the Indian Army’s mission to evict Pakistani infiltrators and reclaim strategically important peaks along the Line of Control (LOC). The Drass sector, where 17 Jat was stationed, was one of the key battle zones in the Kargil War. The battalion, along with other infantry units, was assigned the critical task of capturing Point 4875, a strategically vital peak that dominated the surrounding areas, including a stretch of the National Highway connecting Mugalpur and Drass. As per the operational plan, the assault on Point 4875 was divided into two phases. In Phase I, 17 Jat was tasked with capturing the heavily fortified features of Pimple I and Whale Back from the south. In Phase II, the battalion was to advance and capture Pimple II. Another unit, 13 JAK Rifles, was simultaneously tasked with capturing other critical features of Point 4875. By July 3, 1999, all preparations for the operation were complete. Both 17 Jat and 13 JAK Rifles conducted detailed reconnaissance of the enemy positions and moved into their forward assembly areas near the objective.

The assault began at 2100 hours on July 4, 1999. Prior to the infantry advance, two batteries of Bofors guns unleashed a heavy artillery barrage on enemy positions to weaken their defenses. Once the shelling ceased, the A and D Companies of 17 Jat, to which Sep Kalu Ram belonged, launched their attack on Whale Back and Pimple I. The enemy positions were well-fortified and heavily defended, and the soldiers faced intense resistance. Despite this, Sep Kalu Ram and his comrades demonstrated exceptional bravery and determination, pressing forward under heavy enemy fire. In the fierce battle that ensued, Sep Kalu Ram and his comrades successfully captured two enemy bunkers. However, during the assault on the third bunker, Sepoy Kalu Ram was critically injured when an enemy shell struck him in the thigh. Bleeding profusely and in immense pain, Sep Kalu Ram refused to retreat or allow his injuries to deter him. Displaying extraordinary courage and an indomitable spirit, he crawled into position and destroyed the third bunker with a rocket launcher, dealing a significant blow to the enemy and ensuring the success of his unit's mission. Tragically, the severity of his injuries proved fatal, and Sep Kalu Ram succumbed shortly afterward, attaining martyrdom at the age of 24.

In this entire operation, along with Sepoy Kalu Ram, the nation also lost several other brave soldiers, including one officer, Capt Anuj Nayyar, and 27 other soldiers. The other martyred soldiers included Hav Bhagwan Singh, Hav Kumar Singh, Hav Hari Om, Hav Mahavir Singh, Nk Balwan Singh, Nk Krishan Lal, Nk Rishipal Singh, Nk Ram Swaroop Singh, L Nk Rajesh, L Nk Ramvir Singh, L Nk Vijay Singh, L Nk Rajbir, Sep Raj Singh, Sep Karan Singh, Sep Kanchi Singh, Sep Syodana Ram, Sep Satyvir Singh, Sep Surender, Sep Anil Kumar, Sep Hawa Singh, Sep Jitendra Singh, Sep Naresh Kumar, Sep Shish Ram, Sep Virander Kumar. L Nk Rajendra Singh & Sep Dharamvir Singh were martyred on 8th Jul 1999, whereas Nk Shyam Bir Singh succumbed to his injuries on 9th Jul 1999. Sep Kalu Ram's sacrifice was instrumental in the success of the operation, which ultimately led to the capture of Point 4875. His bravery and determination inspired his comrades and played a crucial role in weakening the enemy’s hold over the strategically vital peak. 

Sepoy Kalu Ram was a gallant and dedicated soldier who gave his life at the age of 25 years in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice. He is survived by his father, Shri Gangaram Jakhar; mother, Smt Keli Devi; wife, Smt Santosh Devi; and brother, Shri Bhagirath.

• A memorial has been erected in the honour of Sep Kalu Ram Jakhar in his village Khedi Chaarna on the main road leading to Jodhpur. It was inagurated on 11th Nov 2002 by the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
• The school in his village also has been named after Sep Kalu Ram Jakhar in his honour.