Padmanabhan K.E., SM

Biography

Major Padmanabhan K.E. hailed from Thalassery in Kerala, though he was born on 01 September 1973 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Shri E.N. Rammohan, a distinguished police officer who retired as the Director General of the Border Security Force, and Smt. K.M. Prema. Raised in a disciplined, service-oriented environment, he was deeply inspired by the values of duty and courage instilled at home. From a young age he showed a strong inclination toward the Armed Forces, a passion that shaped his academic and career goals. His resolve bore fruit when he was selected to join the Indian Army after completing his education. Commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, a pivotal combat support arm known for its precision and firepower, he served with dedication before seeking new challenges and qualifying for the elite Army Aviation Corps. He completed his Basic Army Aviation Course in Jhansi and the Advanced Army Aviation Course in Nashik. By 2008 he had become a highly skilled helicopter pilot, known for his professionalism, calm demeanour, and unwavering commitment to duty, and had risen to the rank of Major. In August 2008 Major Padmanabhan was serving with 7 R&O (Recce and Observation) Flight of 666 Army Aviation Squadron, operating Cheetah helicopters over the demanding high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. On 15 August 2008, he took off in Cheetah helicopter Z-1894 with Major Sunil Ganapathy as co-pilot on an operational reconnaissance mission, which was diverted to evacuate Gunner Narsaiah, a soldier trapped in an avalanche near Sarchu in eastern Ladakh. After successfully lifting the injured soldier, the crew encountered very dense, low-base clouds over the Tanglang La pass. The aircraft developed a serious snag, and at around 1630 hrs it crashed near the pass, critically injuring both pilots, who soon succumbed. At the age of 34 he laid down his life in the service of the nation, and was awarded the Sena Medal on 26 January 2009 for his dedication, courage and supreme sacrifice.