Sowar Srinivas Meesala

Sowar Srinivas Meesala hailed from Mentada village in Gajapathinagaram Tehsil of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. From his childhood, he nurtured a strong desire to serve the nation by joining the Armed Forces. After completing his schooling, he pursued this aspiration and joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 16 Cavalry Regiment of the Armoured Corps, one of the elite combat arms of the Indian Army. The Armoured Corps plays a vital role in modern warfare, providing the Army with mobility, protection, firepower and the ability to undertake rapid offensive and defensive operations. Operating armoured fighting vehicles in demanding battlefield conditions requires not only physical fitness and technical proficiency but also courage, discipline, alertness and the ability to remain resolute under extreme pressure. By becoming a soldier of 16 Cavalry, Sowar Srinivas Meesala became part of a proud military tradition founded on valour, comradeship, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the nation.

Beyond his professional duties, Srinivas was known for his passion for football, a sport that reflected several qualities that defined his personality. From a young age, he had a competitive spirit and never accepted defeat easily. The same qualities that he displayed on the football field became an integral part of his character as a soldier. After serving in the Army for a few years, Sowar Srinivas Meesala married Ms. Rettangi Kotamma. He embraced his responsibilities as a husband while continuing to discharge his duties as a soldier. Like countless soldiers of the Indian Army, he carried the dual responsibility of caring for his family while remaining prepared to answer the call of duty whenever required. 

Counter-Terrorist Operation (J&K): 26 Sep 2013

In September 2013, the unit of Sowar Srinivas Meesala's unit was deployed in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, an area that remained vulnerable to terrorist activities. Over the years, the troops deployed in the region had to remain constantly vigilant against infiltration attempts and terrorist attacks. On the morning of 26 September 2016, the Officers’ Mess Complex of the unit came under attack by a group of heavily armed terrorists. At approximately 7:10 AM, intense gunfire was heard in the vicinity of the Officers’ Mess Complex. On receiving the information, Sowar Srinivas Meesala, who was part of the assigned response team, immediately moved towards the affected area along with Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh, Dafadar Indra Singh and Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy.

The terrorists had taken cover in a nullah and were engaging the troops with automatic weapons. Their movement posed an even greater threat as they were attempting to advance towards the adjoining Officers’ Married Accommodation Complex, where the families of serving Army personnel were residing. Realising the grave danger to the families, the soldiers moved swiftly to contain the terrorists and prevent them from reaching the residential area. Sowar Srinivas Meesala and his comrades displayed exceptional courage as they came under heavy and sustained fire. Despite the intense exchange of fire and the immediate danger to their own lives, they maintained their positions and continued engaging the terrorists. Their determined response prevented the militants from gaining ground towards the family accommodation and helped protect the lives of the soldiers and their families. During the fierce engagement, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh was grievously wounded. Displaying remarkable courage and determination, he continued to lead from the front and moved forward towards the terrorists' position.

Throughout the engagement, Sowar Srinivas Meesala remained steadfast alongside his team commander. Fully conscious of the danger, he continued to return fire and assist in keeping the terrorists pinned down. The terrorists, realising that they were being effectively contained, attempted to change their position and flee while firing indiscriminately. The troops continued to engage them with determination, preventing them from breaking through the cordon or reaching the nearby family accommodation. The engagement was intense and prolonged, and several soldiers sustained serious injuries. The injured personnel were evacuated without delay to the Army Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical team, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh and three of his brave comrades — Sowar Srinivas Meesala, Dafadar Indra Singh and Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy — succumbed to their injuries. Sowar Srinivas Meesala made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while confronting heavily armed terrorists and protecting his comrades and their families. 

Swr Srinivas Meesala is survived by his wife, Smt. Rettangi Kotamma.