On 3 November 1999, Major Pramod Purushottam made the supreme sacrifice while confronting terrorists during a Fidayeen attack on the Public Relations Office (Defence) at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
Serving as the Defence Public Relations Officer in Srinagar, Major Purushottam was inside his office when terrorists launched the attack. Three journalists were also present for a meeting with him. As the firing began, he directed them to take cover in a bathroom attached to his office.
The attackers stormed the premises, and Major Purushottam, alongside five soldiers, confronted them in a close-quarter fight. Despite the grave danger, they continued resisting the attackers and attempted to protect the people sheltering inside the office.
Major Purushottam made the supreme sacrifice during the encounter, along with five soldiers who stood with him. Their courage and resistance helped save the lives of the journalists present at the office.
His actions were later recalled in an official Ministry of Defence account, which described how he directed the journalists to take cover before confronting the attackers.
A bust was subsequently unveiled in his memory at Badami Bagh Cantonment in recognition of his courage and supreme sacrifice.
Major Pramod Purushottam belonged to 4 Bihar Regiment. His actions on 3 November 1999 remain an example of leadership, courage and the responsibility to protect others, even in the face of extreme danger.
On his martyrdom anniversary, The Honour Post pays tribute to Major Pramod Purushottam of 4 Bihar Regiment.
