Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla

Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla was born on October 10, 1955, in Doomra village, located in Nawalgarh tehsil of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan. Son of Shri Jodharm Mahla and Smt Manbhari Devi, he was born into a humble and hardworking family. Growing up in the rural landscape of Rajasthan, he imbibed the values of dedication, perseverance, and patriotism from a young age, qualities that later defined his remarkable military career. Driven by a deep sense of duty towards the nation, Sub Mohan Lal Mahla decided to serve in the armed forces. On June 29, 1976, he fulfilled this aspiration by joining the prestigious Jat Regiment of the Indian Army as a recruit. The Jat Regiment, known for its valour and glorious history, provided him with the platform to transform his dreams into reality. After undergoing rigorous military training, he demonstrated exceptional discipline, and physical endurance, which earned him a position as a sepoy in the 4 Jat Battalion.

Serving in the Indian Army was not just a profession but a calling for Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla. His journey in the 4 Jat Battalion saw him actively participating in numerous operational assignments, often in challenging and hostile environments. After serving for few years, Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla got married to Ms Rampyari Devi and the couple was blessed with  wo daughters Sangeeta and Subhita, and son Jitendra. Through sheer dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to his duties, he ascended the ranks, eventually attaining the prestigious rank of Subedar. This rank not only recognized his leadership abilities and battlefield acumen but also symbolized the trust and respect he had earned from his comrades and superiors over the years. 

Drass Sector (Op Vijay): 31 Jan 1999

In 1998, Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla’s battalion, the 4 Jat, was deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Drass sector of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir. The region, known for its extreme weather conditions and strategic importance, posed significant challenges to the troops stationed there. The Drass sector, often referred to as the "Gateway to Ladakh," is one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -40°C during winters. Despite these harsh conditions, the soldiers of 4 Jat Battalion remained steadfast in their mission to secure the nation's borders.

During his deployment, Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla displayed exemplary leadership and resilience, ensuring the safety and morale of his troops while actively countering threats in this volatile region. On January 31, 1999, while performing his duties in the critical and strategically significant area of Tapi Gully in the Drass sector, Sub Mohan Lal faced an intense situation. The area, often subject to hostile activity and heavy shelling, demanded constant vigilance and readiness. In the line of duty, Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla made the supreme sacrifice. His unwavering courage and commitment to protecting the nation's sovereignty, even in the face of grave danger, reflect the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

Subedar Mohan Lal Mahla is survived by his wife Smt Rampyari Devi, daughters Smt Sangeeta Punia & Dr Subhita Suman, and son Dr Jitendra Mahla.