Yashen Ramesh Acharya, SM

Biography

Major Yashen Ramesh Acharya was born on 3 September 1967 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the son of Shri Ramesh Acharya and Smt. Grace. He completed his schooling at St. Dominic Savio High School and graduated from Bhavan's College in Andheri, Mumbai. Known from childhood as a well-mannered and intelligent boy, he was a keen sportsman who excelled in games throughout his school and college years, and was determined to serve the nation as an army officer. After graduation he cleared the Combined Defence Services examination, trained at the Officers Training Academy, and was commissioned in 1992 into 6 Rajput of the distinguished Rajput Regiment. During 1997-98 he served on the Siachen Glacier and along the eastern frontier in Arunachal Pradesh. Drawn to the adventurous life of soldiering, he volunteered for and completed the gruelling commando course, later earning the distinction of serving as a commando instructor at the Infantry School, Belgaum. In 2003 his unit was deployed in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on counter-terrorist operations. On 7 February 2003, acting on intelligence about militants, Major Yashen led a search-and-cordon operation. When the militants opened fire, he tactically deployed his men and, using his field-craft and commando skills, closed in on the enemy. In the fierce exchange of fire he was gravely wounded and laid down his life. For his exemplary courage, unwavering leadership and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Sena Medal.