| Name | Major Mayank Vishnoi |
| Service No. | IC-78088F |
| Place | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh |
| Parent Regiment | The Rajput Regiment |
| Unit | 44 Rashtriya Rifles |
| Rank | Major |
| Award | Sena Medal |
| Date of Martyrdom | 10 September 2021 |
Major Mayank Vishnoi hailed from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Army veteran Subedar Virendra Vishnoi and Smt Madhu Bihnoi. He had two sisters, Tanu and Anu. From his school days, Mayank was inclined towards joining the Armed Forces and serving the nation. After completing his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya Punjab Lines, Meerut, he was selected for the Technical Entry Scheme of the Indian Army. He underwent his training at Officers Training Academy, Gaya, before spending three years at the Cadet Training Wing in Mhow. He passed out from OTA Gaya as a Lieutenant in 2013 at the age of 22.
Major Mayank Vishnoi was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment, an infantry regiment known for its valour and distinguished record in various operations. After serving with the regiment for several years, he married Smt Swati from Himachal Pradesh on 18 April 2018. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 2019. After serving for some time with his parent regiment, he was deputed to 44 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-terrorist operations.
Shopian Operation: 27 August 2021
During August 2021, Major Mayank Vishnoi's unit, 44 Rashtriya Rifles, was deployed in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir and was regularly involved in operations against terrorists. By August 2021, Major Mayank had completed nearly two years with the unit and had already participated in several successful operations. He was a gallant soldier and a gritty officer who led from the front and inspired his fellow soldiers. For his commendable display of raw courage, camaraderie and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Sena Medal.
On 27 August 2021, Major Mayank Vishnoi participated in another operation in Shopian district. Late on the night of 26 August, his unit received information from reliable sources about the presence of terrorists in its Area of Responsibility in Shopian district. An operation was planned to confront the terrorists and deal with the threat. As planned, the assault team led by Major Mayank reached the suspected area and launched a search and cordon operation.
During the operation, troops of 44 Rashtriya Rifles came under attack from terrorists firing from vantage points. A fierce gun battle followed, with heavy exchange of fire. During the exchange, Major Mayank Vishnoi sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was severely injured. He was evacuated for medical treatment to the Military Hospital at Udhampur.
After battling for his life for 14 days, Major Mayank Vishnoi succumbed to his injuries and was martyred on 10 September 2021. He was 30 years old. A brave and committed soldier, he laid down his life in the line of duty while upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Major Mayank Vishnoi is survived by his father, Subedar Virendra Vishnoi (Retd.), his mother, Smt Madhu Vishnoi, his wife, Smt Swati Vishnoi, and his two sisters, Smt Tanu Gupta and Dr Anu Vishnoi.
We remember his courage.
We honour his martyrdom.
We preserve his story. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
