Sepoy M Narendran

Sepoy M Narendran was born in 1942 in Azhikode, a tranquil village nestled in Kannur district, Kerala. He was the son of Smt Muthirakkal Kunjathi and was particularly adored within his family, being the favourite among his eight siblings—four sisters and three brothers. From a young age, Sep Narendran was known for his sincerity, strong sense of responsibility, and dedication to whatever he set his mind to. He pursued his education at Azhikode High School, where he excelled and successfully completed his SSLC in 1958. While many of his peers considered further education or other careers, Sep Narendran's steadfast passion for serving the nation shaped his life’s path.

Deeply inspired by the values of patriotism and selfless service, he chose to join the Indian Army, setting aside the opportunity for higher studies. He was recruited into the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most illustrious infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Madras Regiment, known for its indomitable soldiers and storied history of valour, was a perfect match for Sepoy Narendran’s spirit and aspirations. By becoming part of this regiment, he stepped into the legacy of bravery and sacrifice upheld by generations of soldiers before him. 

Indo-China War- 18 Nov 1962

During 1962, Sepoy M Narendran was serving in the 2 Madras Battalion, a unit with a distinguished and storied past. The 2 Madras Battalion, initially raised as the 5th Carnatic Battalion in 1776, has a long history of adaptation and resilience. The battalion was disbanded in 1926 but was re-raised in September 1940 from the 12th Malabar Battalion Indian Territorial Force (ITF). Between 1946 and 1950, it functioned as a Parachute Battalion before resuming its role as a conventional infantry unit. In July 1957, 2 Madras moved to Ambala and became part of the 5 Infantry Brigade under the 4 Infantry Division. The battalion played an essential role in various military operations, embodying the core values of discipline, courage, and professionalism. By the time of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, 2 Madras was deployed to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During the 1962 war, Sepoy M Narendran's 2 Madras battalion was stationed under the 192 Infantry Brigade in the Siang Frontier Division. As tensions escalated between India and China, the region witnessed significant strategic movements. On 27 October 1962, the Chinese forces launched a series of offensives targeting multiple locations, including Limeking, Mechuka, and Tuting. These operations were meticulously planned, with preparatory strikes occurring between 21 and 30 October to secure favorable positions before the primary assault on 18 November 1962. The Order of Battle (ORBAT) for the 192 Infantry Brigade as of 16 November 1962 comprised: 2 Madras, 2/8 Gorkha Rifles – 2 companies, 6 Mahar (Machine Gun) – 1 platoon, 70 Heavy Mortar Battery (44 Heavy Mortar Regiment) and 11 Assam Rifles. In preparation for the Chinese advance, Indian troops were spread strategically across key areas: 

• Subansiri Frontier Division:

  • North Lakhimpur: Headquarters of the 5 Brigade
  • Daporijo: Two companies of 1/4 Gorkha Rifles
  • Taliha: Headquarters and two companies of 1/4 Gorkha Rifles, two companies of 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, a section of 6 Mahar, and the 69 Heavy Mortar Battery
  • Limeking: Headquarters and two companies of 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and a section of 6 Mahar

• Siang Frontier Division:

  • Along: Headquarters of the 192 Brigade, two companies of 2/8 Gorkha Rifles, and a platoon of 11 Assam Rifles
  • Mechuka Sub-Sector: 2/8 Gorkha Rifles (less two companies), and one company of 2 Madras
  • Tuting Sub-Sector: 2 Madras (less a company), two platoons of 6 Mahar, and ten platoons of 11 Assam Rifles

On 18 November 1962, the Chinese forces launched their main assault in the Siang Frontier Division. The Indian units, including elements of 2 Madras, fought valiantly to defend their positions under extremely challenging conditions. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery and resilience. Sepoy M Narendran, serving with 2 Madras in the Tuting Sub-Sector, made the ultimate sacrifice during this intense battle. Sepoy M Narendran was a valiant soldier who exemplified remarkable courage, steadfast dedication, and an unwavering sense of duty during the operation, embodying the highest ideals and traditions of the Indian Army.