November 25, 1987: Remembering Param Vir Chakra Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Unfazed hero of the Indian Peacekeeping Force

 

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran PVC (13 September 1946- 25 November 1987) was an officer of the Indian Army who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously, India’s highest military decoration, for his bravery and heroic fight.

 

He was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was selected in the Short Service Commission in the Mahar Regiment, on 16 January 1972. He actively participated in many of the operations initiated by our Indian Army. In 1987, Major Ramaswamy was commissioned in the Mahar Regiment, for operation Pawan.

 

It was under the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement according to which many of the Indian Army crews were sent to maintain the law and order in that country as part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).

 

 

On the night of 25th November 1987, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and his team were returning from a search operation in Sri Lanka when they fell into an ambush laid by a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants. Despite the late hour and surprise attack, Major Parameswaran displayed remarkable composure. He swiftly manoeuvred to encircle the militants from the rear, catching them off guard.

 

During the intense hand-to-hand combat that ensued, one of the militants shot Major Parameswaran in the chest. Unperturbed, he showed incredible bravery by disarming the militant and using the captured weapon to eliminate him. Although gravely wounded, Major Parameswaran remained resolute, continuing to issue orders and inspiring his comrades until he took his last breath. In the end, five militants were neutralized, and the ambush was successfully cleared. The heroic efforts of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and his team led to the recovery of three rifles and two rocket launchers. His courageous actions in the face of danger will be remembered as an extraordinary display of valour and dedication to duty.

 

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran exhibited the utmost gallantry, showing no fear of sacrificing his life while fulfilling his duty. In recognition of his exceptional valour and ultimate sacrifice in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously honoured with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest Gallantry Award. His devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to protect his comrades and country will forever be remembered and honoured.