30 May 1999: Paying Tribute to Kargil War Hero, Martyr Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari: A Symbol of Valor and Sacrifice

Martyr Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was an Indian Army officer who was born on December 25, 1970, in the hill town of Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. He hailed from a family with a strong military background, which instilled in him a sense of duty and patriotism from a young age.

Military Career: Major Adhikari was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, one of the oldest and most distinguished regiments of the Indian Army, on June 11, 1994. His dedication and exemplary service saw him rise through the ranks quickly. Known for his tactical acumen and bravery, he earned the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike.

The Kargil War and the Battle of Tololing

The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan in 1999, saw some of the most intense and strategic military operations in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas. Major Adhikari played a pivotal role in the war, particularly during the Battle of Tololing, which was crucial for the Indian Army to regain control over strategic peaks in the Drass sector.

In May 1999, Major Adhikari led his company in a daring assault to capture Tololing, a heavily fortified position occupied by Pakistani intruders. The operation was fraught with danger, involving steep climbs and exposure to enemy fire. Major Adhikari's leadership and valor were on full display as he motivated his men, strategized the attack, and led from the front.

While Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was leading his company towards the objective, he was fired at from two mutually supporting enemy positions with Universal Machine Guns. The officer immediately directed the Rocket Launcher detachment to engage the enemy position and without waiting, rushed into the position and killed two enemy personnel in close quarter combat.

Thereafter, the officer, displaying presence of mind under heavy fire, ordered his Medium Machine Gun detachment to take position behind a rocky feature and engage the enemy. The assault- party continued to inch their way up. While so advancing forward, Maj Adhikari suffered grievous bullet injuries, yet he continued to direct his sub unit. Refusing to be evacuated, the officer charged at the second enemy position and killed one more occupant, thus capturing the second position at Tolling which later facilitated capture of Point 4590. The officer, however, later succumbed to his injuries.

Posthumous Recognition: Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India's second-highest military decoration. The Mahavir Chakra awarded to him is a symbol of his extraordinary bravery and serves as a lasting tribute to his valor and dedication. Major Adhikari's sacrifice not only contributed to India's victory in the Kargil War but also served as an inspiration for future generations of soldiers.