Kargil hero

Manoj Kumar Pandey was a courageous and decorated Indian soldier who attained martyrdom during the Kargil War. He was born on June 25, 1975, in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Manoj Pandey joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1997 and was commissioned into the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army.

During the Kargil War in 1999, Indian forces were engaged in a fierce battle against infiltrating Pakistani troops in the high-altitude regions of Kargil. On July 3, 1999, during the advance to Khalubar, Manoj Pandey's unit encountered heavy enemy fire. Undeterred, he led a brave assault on the enemy positions, eliminating four enemy soldiers and clearing the path for his comrades.

The following day, July 4, 1999, Manoj Pandey and his men launched another attack on a well-fortified enemy position. Despite being seriously injured, he continued to lead his troops from the front, inspiring them to push forward. Tragically, during this action, he was hit by enemy fire and succumbed to his injuries, displaying extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice.

For his exceptional courage and leadership, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for valor. His bravery and sacrifice remain an enduring example for generations to come, and he is revered as one of the heroes of the Kargil War. Several educational institutions, roads, and memorials have been named after him to honor his memory and sacrifice.