Captain Dhanwant Sharma, Sena Medal, sacrificed his life in the service of the nation on June 22, 1994 in a gallant action against terrorists in the Kashmir Valley
The National War Memorial is the country’s tribute to its brave. Image courtesy of Eatcha/Wikimedia Commons
This is a series of stories about Indian Armed Forces officers who gave their all to the motherland. We will publish these stories over the next year when these brave hearts performed in the highest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces but left us forever.
“I will not die in an accident or die of an illness. I will descend in glory. These immortal words of Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, Ashok Chakra, perfectly matched the life and times of Captain Dhanwant Sharma, Medal Sena, who sacrificed his life in the service of the nation on June 22, 1994 in a gallant action in the valley of Kashmir.
Captain Dhanwant Sharma. Image obtained by Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd)
Dhanno, as he was affectionately known, was a quintessential individual. Always bubbly and enthusiastic, he had the joy of living. He had an amazing sense of humor and entertained everyone with his jokes.
Dhanwant performed extremely well during the three-year training at the National Defense Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and passed out as the Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM) of the Indian Squadron the December 1, 1990. The appointment of CSM is a very prestigious appointment and only the best cadets based on their previous performance in various aspects of training are appointed as CSM. On the shoulders of CSM rests the administrative and training responsibilities of the entire squadron, which is reflected in various competitions and camps in which the squadron participates. He was among the top 50 cadets in the Passing Out Course NDA Order of Merit.
Dhanno was a very fine person and a gentleman at heart and had a tremendous spirit. He was part of the Academy’s volleyball team and was awarded the NDA Blue for his proficiency in the game. Dhanwant was the star of Battalion Entertainment and would star in plays and plays.
In NDA’s fifth term, Dhanwant played the role of the protagonist of a play in Battalion Entertainment, who sacrifices his life in the service of the nation. In the last scene of this play, he closes his eyes forever with the song – Kar chale hum fida jaan o tan saathiyon. Ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyon – from the movie Haqeeqat play in the background.
Who knew fate would snatch Dhanwant a few years later in the same way just before his 24th birthday in a military operation in the Kashmir Valley fighting terrorists.
Dhanwant also performed well during the one-year training at Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun where he was CSM Sinhgarh Company and passed out in the coveted second block of the Order of Merit of the IMA.
Dhanwant was from Course 79 NDA and was commissioned on 14 December 1991 into the 299 Medium Regiment of the Artillery Regiment as part of Regular Course 89.
On June 22, 1994, Capt Dhanwant Sharma was deployed to the Kashmir Valley under ‘Operation Rakshak’ along with Capt Ajit Singh. On the same day, Captain Ajit Singh received a tip regarding the presence of some terrorists in Khanan village in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Captain Dhanwant Sharma at the 299th Medium Regiment Officers’ Mess. Image obtained by Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd)
Immediately, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) team comprising two officers, three junior officers (JCO) and 30 other ranks moved to the village for CASO.
As they moved towards the village of Khanan on the outskirts, the group came under heavy fire from light machine guns. The CASO party immediately retaliated and in the process, Dhanwant was shot in the stomach.
With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Dhanwant led the operation from the front lines exercising absolute command and control despite his severe injuries, which resulted in the deaths of two terrorists. During the ensuing operation, Capt Ajit Singh was also injured.
As Dhanwant lay dying on the lap of a JCO who had rushed to his aid, his last words were, “Sahib, main toh chala. Capt Ajit Singh ko bacha lo” (Sahib, I am leaving forever. Please save Capt Ajit Singh).
Until his last breath, Dhanwant showed compassion and sacrifice, qualities that legends are made of.
Dhanwant was awarded the Sena (Gallantry) medal posthumously for his extreme gallant action in the service of the nation. Her father received the award in 1996 at a solemn investiture ceremony held in Bathinda.
Till date, the 299th Medium Regiment observes “Balidaan Diwas” and organizes blood donation camp in memory of Capt Dhanwant Sharma, SM on June 22 every year.
Dhanwant belonged to an illustrious family with a rich Rajasthani heritage. Dhanwant was a second generation gunnery officer (artillery regiment officers are also called gunners).
Dhanwant had received the probation orders in the 1 Parachute elite special forces. He was due to go on probation at the end of June of that year, however, before his divine calling came.
We pay tribute to Capt Dhanwant Sharma, Sena Medal. You will forever remain in our hearts and memories and will always be an inspiration to the nation. Our prayers for your eternal peace.
As a famous Greek saying goes, “Hon oi theoi philusin apothnjkei neos (He whom the gods love, dies young).”
The writer, who retired from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla and IIT Kanpur. He tweets and koos on @JassiSodhi24. The opinions expressed are personal.
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