Service No : JC-39418

Date of Birth : January 29, 1934

Place of birth : Manakkad Dist (Kerala)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Subedar

Unit : 18 Madras

Arm/Regt : The Madras Regiment

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971

Awards : Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : December 17, 1971

Subedar Shreedhara Das VrC

Subedar Shreedhara Das was born on 29 January 1934 in Manakkad village in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. He was the son of Shri Parameswara Panickar and Smt. Karthiayani. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of discipline and determination, which later guided him towards a career in the armed forces. On 29 Jan 1951, at the age of just 17, he joined the Indian Army and was inducted into the 18 Madras Battalion of the Madras Regiment—one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its rich legacy of valour, steadfast discipline, and distinguished battle honours. Becoming part of such an illustrious regiment was both an honour and a responsibility, which he embraced with pride and unwavering dedication. Over the years, he served in various operational areas across the country, gaining extensive field experience and honing his leadership skills. By 1971, he had completed nearly two decades of service and had risen to the rank of Subedar (Junior Commissioned Officer). In this role, he earned the respect and confidence of both his superiors and the men under his command, owing to his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to duty.

 

During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, his unit, 18 Madras, was deployed in the Nayachor–Umarkot sector on the Western Front—an area of considerable strategic importance where Pakistani forces attempted to launch offensive operations. The harsh terrain, extreme climatic conditions, and constant threat of enemy action made operations in this sector particularly challenging. Despite these difficulties, the battalion played a crucial role in containing and repulsing enemy advances, thereby preventing any significant breakthrough and contributing to the overall stabilisation of the front. As a platoon commander, Subedar Shreedhara Das operated under continuous threat of enemy fire and was required to exhibit exceptional courage, sound tactical judgment, and strong leadership. His experience and calm demeanour in combat situations proved invaluable to his unit. Throughout his career, he participated in several important operations and served in diverse operational environments.

 

Indo-Pak War: 16-17 Dec 1971

 

In 1971, Subedar Shreedhara Das's unit 18 Madras was deployed in the southern Rajasthan sector. India was compelled to go to war with Pakistan following the brutal genocide unleashed by the Pakistani Army in its eastern wing, which triggered an unprecedented influx of millions of refugees into India. The scale of the humanitarian crisis made armed conflict inevitable. India thus found itself fighting a two-front war—on the eastern front, which culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh, and simultaneously on the western and northern fronts to counter Pakistani offensives. On the western front, the Rajasthan sector assumed critical importance. Here, the Indian Army deployed the 11 Infantry Division and 12 Infantry Division, while Pakistan opposed them with its 18 Infantry Division, reinforced by an additional brigade and paramilitary forces. Indian operational planning envisaged a bold double thrust: the 12 Infantry Division advancing along the Longewala–Rahim Yar Khan axis, and the 11 Infantry Division advancing along the Barmer–Naya Chor axis. However, these plans were disrupted when Pakistan launched a major armoured assault on Longewala on the night of 3 December 1971. The attack was decisively blunted by resolute ground defence and devastating tactical air support from the Indian Air Force. Pakistani forces suffered crippling losses—approximately 24 tanks and around 150 vehicles—effectively neutralising their offensive capability in this sector and turning the tide in India’s favour.

 

Operations of 18 Madras in the Southern Rajasthan Sector

 

In the southern Rajasthan sector during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the 18 Madras Battalion was placed under the operational control of 11 Infantry Division. On 4 December 1971, the battalion launched a series of aggressive operations, swiftly overrunning Pakistani border outposts. Maintaining relentless momentum, the unit advanced nearly 45 kilometres into enemy territory and, by 11 December, had established contact with the well-prepared defences at Naya Chor. Continuing its determined advance across inhospitable desert terrain under constant threat of enemy fire, the battalion covered over 40 miles in gruelling conditions. By 16 December 1971, 18 Madras had reached positions at Hingora Tar, just about two kilometres short of Umarkot—placing it in a tactically significant and highly contested zone. At this critical juncture, Subedar Shreedhara Das, serving as a platoon commander in a company of the Madras Regiment, played a key role in holding the battalion’s defensive positions. The unit had established a well-fortified layout at Hingora Tar in anticipation of enemy counterattacks. In the early hours of 17 December 1971, the enemy launched a determined and well-coordinated assault on the battalion’s position. The intensity of the attack severely tested the defenders. Rising to the occasion, Subedar Shreedhara Das displayed exceptional leadership and courage, moving fearlessly from trench to trench under heavy enemy fire. He motivated his men, reorganized their defences where necessary, and ensured that the attack was effectively resisted.

 

During this fierce engagement, he was seriously wounded. However, demonstrating remarkable fortitude and devotion to duty, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his platoon. His presence on the battlefield inspired confidence among his men and played a decisive role in maintaining their morale under intense pressure. Approximately half an hour later, the enemy launched a second, more aggressive assault and managed to close in on the defensive positions. In the ensuing close-quarter combat, when the crew of one of the Light Machine Guns was killed, Subedar Shreedhara Das immediately took charge of the weapon. With complete disregard for his own safety, he brought devastating fire upon the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties and halting their advance. Despite his grievous injuries, he continued to fight with unwavering determination until he finally succumbed to his wounds. His gallant actions, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice stand as a shining example of leadership, courage, and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Army. Along with Captain Walkar and Sub Shreedhara Das, 21 other brave soldiers of the battalion laid down their lives, including Nb Sub NN Krishnan, Hav AP Ponnappan, L Nk SA Narayan, L Nk M Mani, L Nk Panoly Govi, Sep M Muthaiah, Sep Amir Miyan, Sep GV Pillai, Sep Rajan, Sep NCM Appachu, Sep Sampathu, Sep RG Krishna Kurup, Sep Gajendran, Sep Shaik Mahaboob, Sep MA Kasinathan, Sep Arasan Raju, Sep Basav Rajappa, Sep J Ganesan, Sep C Kandasamy, Sep Revan Siddappa and Sep V Somasekharan. For his exceptional bravery, indomitable fighting spirit, inspirational leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Sub Shreedhara Das was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his cold courage, fighting spirit, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

 

Sub Shreedhara Das is survived by his son, Shri Santosh Das.

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11 Comments

  • Santosh Das

    2026 at 8:00 pm Reply

    I am proud to be the son of Sub Sreedhara Das . You are always in my prayers.
    Jai Hind

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