Sepoy Rupam Gogoi SC

Sepoy Rupam Gogoi was born on 25 October 1984 and hailed from Mariani village, located in the Jorhat district of Assam. He was the beloved son of Shri Bhaben Gogoi and Smt Hiranya Gogoi, and from an early age, he exhibited qualities that set him apart—discipline, courage, and a profound sense of duty. These virtues would go on to define his life and form the foundation of his future military career. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army on 20 September 2004, at the young age of 20. He was inducted into the 10th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, one of the Indian Army's most formidable infantry units, known for its fearless soldiers and a long-standing legacy of valour.

The Assam Regiment, raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, holds a distinguished place in Indian military history. Over the decades, it has earned accolades for its exceptional performance in numerous operations. Among its many achievements, the regiment was awarded Battle Honours for its heroic role in the Battle of Chamb during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a proud chapter that reflects its combat excellence and indomitable spirit. After serving with honour in his parent unit for a few years, Sepoy Gogoi volunteered for deputation to the 42 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialised counter-insurgency force operating in Jammu and Kashmir. This move marked a significant step in his career, highlighting both his professional dedication and personal bravery. The Rashtriya Rifles is a premier formation tasked with high-risk operations in some of the most volatile and insurgency-affected areas of the country. Service in this elite unit demands extraordinary courage, mental resilience, and tactical proficiency. 

Counter-insurgency Operation (J & K): 28 Mar 2009

In 2009, Sepoy Rupom Gogoi of the 10 Assam Battalion was serving in Jammu & Kashmir, a region frequently fraught with insurgency and militant threats. On 28 March 2009, his unit was deployed as part of a critical search and destroy operation in the dense and treacherous terrain of Kamala Jungle in Kathua Tahsil of Kathua District in J&K. The mission was initiated at 0900 hours following credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of heavily armed terrorists entrenched in the area. As the operation unfolded, Sepoy Gogoi took the lead, guiding his team with exemplary alertness, tactical acumen, and unwavering resolve. Navigating through the thick undergrowth and hostile terrain, he remained vigilant to any signs of enemy presence. During the search, he spotted a well-concealed terrorist hideout harbouring two armed militants positioned strategically for ambush. Demonstrating exceptional situational awareness and combat instinct, Sepoy Gogoi acted without hesitation. He swiftly challenged the terrorists, catching them off guard and momentarily disrupting their offensive posture. In retaliation, the terrorists opened intense and indiscriminate fire, directly targeting Sepoy Gogoi. Amidst the barrage, he sustained a grievous head injury but refused to yield.

Despite bleeding profusely and enduring excruciating pain, Sepoy Gogoi displayed extraordinary courage and determination. Driven by an unshakable sense of duty, he advanced towards the enemy position with relentless resolve. In a close-quarter encounter, he managed to neutralise one of the terrorists at point-blank range, shooting him in the neck and eliminating the threat. Even in the face of life-threatening injuries, Sepoy Gogoi remained steadfast. He continued to fight with undiminished valour, prioritising the safety of his comrades and the success of the mission above his own survival. Eventually, due to severe blood loss and shock, he collapsed and fell unconscious. He was evacuated for medical treatment, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice before he could even turn 25 in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Sepoy Rupom Gogoi's heroic actions not only safeguarded the lives of his fellow soldiers but also ensured the successful completion of a critical counter-insurgency mission. In recognition of his conspicuous bravery, exceptional courage, and ultimate sacrifice, Sepoy Rupom Gogoi was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 15 August 2009—one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

Sepoy Rupom Gogoi is survived by his mother, Smt Hiranya Gogoi.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 28 Mar 2009, at 0900 hours, during a search and destroy operation in Kamla Jungle, Sep Rupam Gogoi (42RR-10 Assam), spotted a hideout with two terrorists close by. Displaying raw courage and remarkable combat awareness, Sep Rupom Gogoi challenged the terrorists. The terrorists, surprised by this audacious move, opened heavy fire at the soldier and in the fire fight Sep Rupon Gogoi, was grievously injured in the head. Unmindful of his injury he moved close to the terrorists and in an unparallel act of valour shot dead one of the terrorists through the neck from close quarters. Unfazed, he continued till he fell unconscious. Later he succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Sep Rupom Gogoi displayed unflinching devotion to duty, conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage under extreme odds. He was awarded “Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 2009.