Karun Kanti Majumdar

Biography

Second Lieutenant Karun Kanti Majumdar was born on 31st August 1949 in the historic city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, coinciding with the festival of Janmashtami. He was the son of Shri M. L. Majumdar and Late Smt. Khukhu Rani Majumdar. As his father served in the Indian Air Force, young Karun Kanti spent his formative years at various Air Force stations across the country, an upbringing that nurtured in him a natural sense of discipline, adventure, and patriotism. He completed his schooling at the Air Force School, Jodhpur, and pursued higher education at the Government Dungar College in Bikaner. Inspired from an early age by the ethos of the armed forces, he was selected to join the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in December 1967, and was commissioned on 8th December 1969 as a Second Lieutenant into the 10 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment. At the time, 10 Bihar was a newly raised battalion, formed in 1967 and steadily building its traditions. With his enthusiasm and professionalism, 2nd Lt Majumdar quickly earned the respect of his seniors and comrades, contributing to the young unit's growing reputation for discipline and excellence. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, 10 Bihar was deployed in the Eastern Sector under 311 Mountain Brigade of the 57 Mountain Division, tasked with the strategically vital Battle of Akhaura, whose capture would help pave the way to Dhaka. The heavily fortified town was defended with bunkers, trenches, minefields, and artillery. Serving as the battalion's Intelligence Officer, 2nd Lt Majumdar played a vital role in gathering and analysing information on enemy fortifications and defensive fire patterns, shaping the attack plan. As the main assault on the Akhaura Railway Junction unfolded amid fierce counter-attacks and heavy fire, he was gravely wounded while courageously performing his duties. He laid down his life at the age of 22, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.