On 10 August 1995, in the forests of Wandrawal in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, Lance Naik Parsaram Jat of 3 Grenadiers displayed extraordinary courage during a counter-terrorism operation. It was a day that would become part of the history of his unit and the memory of his family forever.
Born on 1 January 1962 in Nagaur, Rajasthan, Parsaram Jat grew up with a strong desire to serve in the armed forces. He was a keen sportsman during his school years, particularly known for his interest in wrestling. For him, wearing the Army uniform was more than a profession. It was a dream he had carried from his younger days.
He joined the Indian Army on 4 October 1980 and was enrolled in 3 Grenadiers of the Grenadiers Regiment. Over the following years, he gained experience in different operational environments and developed into a seasoned soldier. He married Mangani Devi in 1982, while continuing his military career and serving wherever his unit was required.
By 1995, 3 Grenadiers was deployed in Kupwara district, an area where security forces were conducting frequent counter-terrorism operations. The proximity of the Line of Control meant that the troops had to maintain a high level of alertness, particularly in forested and mountainous areas that could be used by terrorists for movement and concealment.
On 10 August, the unit received information about the presence of terrorists in the Wandrawal forest. A search operation was launched, and Lance Naik Parsaram was part of the team assigned to locate and confront the threat.
The terrain was difficult, with thick vegetation providing cover to the terrorists. As the soldiers moved through the area, they came under fire from concealed positions.
Lance Naik Parsaram was acting as a scout for the assault team. Under fire, he quickly signalled his comrades to take positions and respond. His actions helped the team organise itself as the encounter developed.
During the exchange, he spotted a terrorist firing from behind a boulder and posing a serious threat to his comrades. Parsaram made a decision that required extraordinary courage. He moved forward towards the position despite the intense firing around him.
He crawled for more than ten metres through the exposed ground and reached the position of the terrorist. He engaged the threat and continued the fight even after another terrorist emerged and fired at him.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Parsaram refused to give up. He continued to engage the attackers and succeeded in neutralising the second terrorist as well.
His injuries, however, proved fatal.
Lance Naik Parsaram Jat made the supreme sacrifice on 10 August 1995.
He was 33 years old.
His actions during those moments demonstrated the courage expected of a soldier who places the safety of his comrades and the success of his mission before his own safety.
For his exceptional courage, determination and devotion to duty, Lance Naik Parsaram Jat was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.
His gallantry award ensured that his name would remain formally recorded among India's decorated bravehearts, but medals tell only part of a soldier's story.
Behind the uniform was a man from Nagaur who had dreamed of serving his country. He was a son, a husband and a soldier who had spent around 15 years wearing the uniform before making the supreme sacrifice in the forests of Kashmir.
His memory has also continued in his native Rajasthan. A government primary school in Kharwaliya village of Nagaur district has been named after him, ensuring that generations of children growing up in his home region can learn about the soldier who came from their own community.
For his comrades of 3 Grenadiers, he remains part of the unit's history. For his family, he remains much more than a decorated soldier. He remains the person they knew before the medal, before the memorial and before his name became part of military history.
On 10 August, his martyrdom is remembered.
Not simply because he received the Shaurya Chakra.
Not simply because of the operation in Kupwara.
But because when his comrades were under threat, Lance Naik Parsaram Jat chose to move towards the danger rather than away from it.
Lance Naik Parsaram Jat
Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)
3 Grenadiers
1 January 1962 – 10 August 1995
The Honour Post remembers his courage, his service and his supreme sacrifice.
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
