Sub Kuruppan Palath Raman Ravi KC

Subedar Kuruppan Palath Raman Ravi hailed from Methala village in the culturally vibrant Thrissur district of Kerala. Born and brought up in a region known for its deep-rooted traditions, strong community values, and disciplined lifestyle, he was raised in an environment that nurtured a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and service to society. These formative influences shaped his character and instilled in him a deep commitment to the ideals of nationhood. After completing his formal education, Subedar Kuruppan felt a strong calling to serve the country. Motivated by a profound sense of patriotism and the desire to contribute to the security and honour of the nation, he chose to join the Indian Army. 

He was inducted into the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most celebrated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. With a legacy dating back to 1758, the Madras Regiment is known for its valour, rich traditions, and exceptional combat record. Becoming a part of this elite unit marked the beginning of Subedar Kuruppan’s distinguished military journey. From the very outset of his career, Subedar Kuruppan displayed outstanding qualities of leadership, discipline, and professional acumen. His unwavering dedication to duty, combined with a calm and composed demeanour under pressure, earned him admiration and respect from both his peers and superiors. As he rose through the ranks, Subedar Kuruppan continued to uphold the highest standards of military service, embodying the ethos of the Madras Regiment and the Indian Army at large. 

Operation Blue Star: 06 Jun 1984

In the early 1980s, the Indian state of Punjab faced a sharp escalation in militancy, fueled by the growing Sikh separatist movement. What began as a political and religious agitation soon evolved into an armed insurgency under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who mobilized a large following of armed supporters. By December 1983, anticipating imminent arrest, Bhindranwale and several hundred heavily armed militants occupied the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. This sacred religious site was soon converted into a fortified militant stronghold, complete with bunkers, sandbags, and strategically placed automatic weapons. As the situation deteriorated and efforts at peaceful negotiation failed, the Government of India initiated Operation Blue Star in June 1984, with the objective of clearing the militants from the temple premises and restoring control. The mission was entrusted to the 350 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier DV Rao, and comprised of battle-hardened units including 26 Madras, 10 Guards, 12 Bihar, and 9 Kumaon, along with critical support from 1 Parachute Regiment and the Special Frontier Force (SFF).

At the time, Subedar Kuruppan was serving with the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, a distinguished unit with a long history of battlefield excellence and regimental pride. As a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Subedar Kuruppan played a pivotal role in the execution of the complex and high-risk assault plan that was to unfold inside the Golden Temple complex. On the night of 5th/6th June 1984, ‘C’ Company of 26 Madras was assigned the formidable task of capturing the first floor of a heavily fortified building within the temple compound. This position was held by entrenched militants who had blocked all stairways with sandbags and manned them with automatic weapons, making any direct assault extremely perilous. The officer commanding ‘C’ Company, Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia, devised a bold plan in coordination with Subedar Kuruppan, they would attempt to scale the building using ladders instead of conventional stairwells.

Three successive attempts to reach the first floor were repulsed by withering machine-gun fire. Undeterred by the failures, Lt Roperia called for volunteers for a fourth attempt. Subedar Kuruppan stepped forward without hesitation, displaying exemplary courage and a sense of duty. In the midst of continuous enemy fire, Subedar Kuruppan successfully climbed the ladder and reached the first floor, finally breaking the stalemate. Their success allowed the rest of the company to move in and launch a room-to-room clearance operation. In the intense close-quarter battle that followed, the trio and their comrades engaged the militants with remarkable bravery, neutralizing threats and securing the position. Following the successful clearance of the upper level, Subedar Kuruppan moved to establish contact with ‘D’ Company stationed on the ground floor. However, the staircase connecting the two levels remained under militant control and was heavily guarded. Demonstrating presence of mind and fearlessness, Subedar Kuruppan charged through the enemy position, engaging the militants head-on in a fierce firefight.

During this phase of the operation, Lt Roperia was struck by multiple bullets in the shoulder and neck but continued to lead his men with exceptional grit. He collapsed only after reaching the ground floor and succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to evacuate him. Subedar Kuruppan was also critically wounded in the battle. He was evacuated to a military hospital but succumbed to his injuries on 6th June 1984, after displaying extraordinary courage under fire. For his gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. The bravery exhibited by Subedar Kuruppan was a part of the larger saga of heroism displayed by the soldiers of 26 Madras during Operation Blue Star. The battalion faced intense resistance and suffered heavy casualties over two days. On 6th June 1984, the battalion lost Lt Ram Prakash Roperia, Naik Prabha Kumar M., Naik S.P. Soman Pillai, Lance Naik Unni Krishnan, Sepoy Koshy Kunju K.S., Sepoy Singuru V. Murthy, Sepoy Pusalapati Ankaiah, and Sepoy C. Rayappan. The following day, 7th June 1984, it lost Naib Subedar K.G. Koshy, Havildar Dasari Rama Rao, Lance Havildar M. Vamuniyan, Naik N. Mani, Sepoy Salu T., and Sepoy Natrajan C. Each of these brave hearts laid down their lives in one of the most complex and dangerous military operations in Indian history, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

Subedar Kuruppan Palath Raman Ravi is survived by his wife, Smt TS Suma.