Sepoy Namdev Dhage

Sepoy Namdev Dhage hailed from Kiroli village in Koregaon Tehsil of Satara district, Maharashtra. Growing up in a modest rural setting shaped by simplicity, hard work, and strong moral values, he completed his early education in his native village. Inspired by a sense of duty and service to the nation, he chose to join the Indian Army and was recruited into the 20th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry, a regiment renowned for its glorious history and distinguished battlefield record. His entry into the battalion marked the start of a challenging yet honourable military career. After successfully undergoing rigorous training, he honed his fieldcraft, mastered weapon handling, and developed sound tactical skills. Embracing the regimental spirit of courage, resilience, and camaraderie, he grew into a reliable and dedicated soldier. 

Border Operation (J&K): 23 September 1964

In 1964, at a time of escalating tensions along the India–Pakistan border, Sepoy Namdev Dhage’s battalion, 20 Maratha Light Infantry (20 MLI), was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. The 20th Battalion traces its origins to the erstwhile Baroda State Forces and was established as their sole successor after the integration of the princely state with the Province of Bombay. Officially raised on 27 May 1949, the unit carried forward a proud martial legacy and became an integral part of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, earning a reputation as a disciplined and dependable infantry battalion. In November 1960, the battalion moved to Baramulla under the operational command of 19 Infantry Division. It was later redeployed to the Rampur sector in Kathua district, where it functioned under 161 Infantry Brigade. There, the unit was entrusted with the critical responsibility of manning forward pickets and conducting regular patrols along the Ceasefire Line—duties that demanded constant alertness, endurance, and operational readiness in a volatile border environment. Deployed in rugged terrain and exposed positions, the soldiers of 20 MLI undertook continuous surveillance and domination patrols to prevent infiltration and secure Indian defences. Though routine in nature, these operations involved considerable danger and required exceptional fieldcraft and courage.

On 23 September 1964, during one such patrol along the Ceasefire Line, a detachment of the battalion was suddenly confronted by a numerically superior enemy force and came under intense fire. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the patrol responded with determination and held its ground, fighting resolutely in keeping with the highest traditions of the regiment. In the ensuing fierce engagement, Sepoy Namdev Dhage displayed commendable bravery and unwavering devotion to duty. Under heavy enemy fire, he continued to carry out his responsibilities and assist his comrades despite the grave risks involved. During the action, he and several fellow soldiers sustained critical injuries while defending their position. The wounded were evacuated under extremely hazardous conditions and rushed to an Army medical facility. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Sepoy Namdev Dhage succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the service of the nation. The other brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the same action were Nb Sub Raghunath Kadam, Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar, Sep Dagdu Power, Sep Bajrang Shinde, Sep Baba Bhosle, Sep Janardhan Wagh, Sep Dashrath Shrisagar, Sep Ramchandra Chavan, and Sep Balkrishna Nanaware. Sepoy Namdev Dhage’s courage and steadfast commitment to duty in the face of overwhelming odds remain an enduring testament to the valour and dedication of the soldiers of the Maratha Light Infantry.

Sepoy Namdev Dhage is survived by his mother, Smt Pringabai.