18 October 1987 | Remembering a gallant officer
Major Ratnesh Kumar Chaturvedi of the 5th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice on 18 October 1987 during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for conspicuous courage and valiant leadership in the face of the enemy.
Born on 19 April 1956 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Major Chaturvedi was the son of Shri L. N. Chaube. He studied at Sainik School Rewa before attending the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the 5th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, on 11 June 1977.
In October 1987, Indian forces were engaged in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. On 18 October, his battalion was tasked with establishing a link-up with the 1st Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry, at Jaffna Fort. Major Chaturvedi was entrusted with leading the operation alongside his troops.
As the force approached the final stages of the link-up, opposing fighters opened heavy machine-gun and light machine-gun fire, halting the advance. The leading company returned fire, but the resistance remained intense. With time running short and ammunition supplies diminishing, Major Chaturvedi decided to lead the assault personally against the enemy gun position.
During the charge, he sustained a burst of fire to his chest. Despite his severe injuries and heavy bleeding, he continued advancing towards the enemy machine-gun position, encouraging his men to press forward. His leadership helped drive the opposing fighters from their position. The gallantry account records that six opposing fighters were killed during the engagement, two by Major Chaturvedi himself.
Despite being gravely wounded, Major Chaturvedi refused to be evacuated. He continued encouraging his men until the severity of his injuries and blood loss caused him to lose consciousness. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries. The mission was completed, and the companies established the required link-up with the 1st Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry.
Major Ratnesh Kumar Chaturvedi was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra in recognition of his gallantry. His actions remain a testament to his courage, determination and leadership under fire.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Major Ratnesh Kumar Chaturvedi of the 5th Rajputana Rifles, honouring his courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan.
