Subedar Ajay Vardhan KC

Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar was born in Jwad village, located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. He was the son of Shri Manwardhan and Smt Smt Hira Devi, and grew up in a region known for its strong tradition of military service. Inspired by the valor and patriotism deeply ingrained in his community, he aspired to serve the nation from a young age. After completing his school education, Subedar Ajay Vardhan joined the Indian Army, fulfilling his dream of donning the uniform and dedicating his life to the defense of the country. He was recruited into the 14 Garhwal Rifles, an esteemed infantry battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The regiment is known for its rich history, unwavering bravery, and significant contributions to various military operations.

During his distinguished military career spanning over three decades, Subedar Ajay Vardhan served in multiple units deployed across diverse terrains and operational environments. His assignments took him to challenging locations, including high-altitude regions, dense forests, and conflict-prone areas, where he displayed exemplary courage, discipline, and leadership. In 2014, while serving in Jammu & Kashmir, he continued to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Army, demonstrating relentless commitment to his duty. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of military operations made him a respected leader among his peers and juniors. Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar's journey in the armed forces is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering service to the nation. His contributions remain an inspiration to aspiring soldiers and future generations.

During 2014, Sub Ajay Vardhan’s unit, 14 Garhwal Rifles, was deployed in Kupwara sector of Jammu & Kashmir—a region known for frequent infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC). Subedar Ajay Vardhan, functioning as a Platoon Commander of Alpha Company, was stationed at an altitude of 13,000 feet, where extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and enemy threats were a constant challenge. On 1st December 2014, intelligence sources provided credible information regarding the presence of infiltrators in the unit’s area of operation. Given the strategic importance of the region and the potential threat posed by the infiltrators, a decision was made to launch a search and destroy mission to neutralize them. As an experienced and battle-hardened leader, Subedar Ajay Vardhan was tasked with leading the operational team. At approximately 2100 hours, during an intense reconnaissance operation, he and his team spotted a group of terrorists at Point 4053. When challenged, the infiltrators immediately opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of bullets. Despite the harsh terrain, subzero temperatures, and heavy enemy fire, Subedar Ajay Vardhan held his ground and engaged the terrorists with precision. Recognizing the tactical importance of the situation, he relayed critical information regarding the location, movement, and strength of the infiltrators to the Battalion Headquarters, ensuring coordinated reinforcement and support. Understanding the gravity of the engagement, he tactically positioned his troops and personally shot dead one terrorist from close quarters. His swift and decisive actions gave his team a crucial advantage in the encounter.

However, as the gun battle raged on, some of his comrades sustained serious injuries and required immediate medical attention. While administering first aid to a wounded soldier, he noticed another wounded comrade being encircled by two terrorists. With absolute disregard for personal safety, he charged at the terrorists, engaging them in close combat. In a display of extraordinary bravery, he eliminated the second terrorist at point-blank range and continued to engage the third. Enraged by Subedar Ajay Vardhan’s audacious counterattack, the remaining terrorists charged directly at him, unleashing a volley of bullets. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body, he refused to retreat. In his final act of heroism, he pulled the wounded soldier to safety and continued leading his men, ensuring the terrorists did not breach their defenses. Fighting till his last breath, Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life in the line of duty. His unflinching courage, selflessness, and indomitable spirit turned the tide of the battle, preventing a potentially devastating infiltration. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar was posthumously awarded the "Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His unwavering dedication to the nation, his comradeship, and his ultimate act of valor continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.

Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar is survived by his mother Smt Hira Devi, wife Smt Laxmi Devi, daughter Ms Bhumika, and son Shri Akshit.  

• Governor of Uttarakhand, Shri Aziz Qureshi and Chief Minister Harish Rawat along with public representatives paid floral tributes to martyr Subedar Ajay Vardhan Tomar at Majjri Mafi in Dehradun .
• Amid chanting of slogans like “Tomar Amar Rahe”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, Sub Tomar’s body was consigned to flames at the Majjri Mafi cremation ground. Subedar Tomar’s wife Lakshmi Devi, daughter Bhumika and son Akshat were present during the cremation ceremony.
• Though Sub Ajay Vardhan’s son Akshat has decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and join the Army after schooling. Bhumika, the teenage daughter of the martyr, consoled her mother, who fainted thrice when Subedar Tomar’s body arrived. She is also determined to join the Indian Army.
• MLAs Harbans Kapoor, Ganesh Joshi, and Umesh Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha Ajay Bhatt, and Pradesh Congress Committee chief Kishore Upadhyay attended the cremation and paid rich tributes to Sub Ajay Vardhan.