Captain Shashikant Sharma, service number IC-53826, was an officer of 12 JAK LI of The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Born into a military family, he was the son of former Air Force officer Flight Lieutenant J. P. Sharma and Sudesh Sharma. From an early age, he aspired to serve in the Armed Forces.
He was selected for the National Defence Academy in 1991 and later underwent training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into 12 JAK LI on 10 June 1995.
After serving with his parent unit, Captain Shashikant Sharma was posted to the Siachen Glacier, where Indian troops held positions along the Saltoro Ridge in one of the world's most challenging military environments.
In October 1998, he was deployed on the Saltoro Ridge as the commander of Bana Post, an important Indian position situated at an altitude of more than 21,000 feet.
On the night of 3 October 1998, the post came under heavy shelling from the Pakistani side. Captain Shashikant Sharma and his soldiers responded to the firing and launched a counter-action. During the engagement, he sustained serious gunshot wounds to his right thigh and abdomen.
Despite his grievous injuries, Captain Shashikant Sharma continued to direct the fire and remained focused on defending the post. In the early hours of 5 October, he was struck by another round in the forehead and suffered severe injuries.
He later succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on 5 October 1998.
For his exceptional courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, Captain Shashikant Sharma was awarded the Sena Medal.
His sacrifice at Bana Post remains a distinguished chapter in the history of The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and the Indian Army.
