Akash Singh, SC

Biography

Major Akash Singh hailed from Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir and was born on 15 April 1975. Fascinated by army life, he nursed a dream of joining the forces from childhood. A brilliant student, he earned many accolades throughout his academic career before being selected for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the gateway to a commission in the Army. He was commissioned as an officer on 4 September 1999, at the age of 24, into the 5th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its gallant soldiers and battle honours. By 2009 he had put in around ten years of service across varied terrain and operational environments, and was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir not far from his home town. In 2009, Major Akash's unit was operating in the Poonch area, tasked with patrolling and counter-insurgency operations. On 9 September 2009, while patrolling in the Mendhar sector, his troops observed a group of armed militants moving along the Line of Control. Major Akash assessed the situation swiftly and directed his men to challenge them. The militants opened fire, and a fierce gun-battle broke out, with the intruders using automatic weapons and grenades. During the intense exchange, Major Akash was hit by a barrage of bullets and severely injured. Before succumbing to his wounds, he gunned down two terrorists and saved the life of a fellow soldier. Inspired by his valour, his troops retaliated with great aggression and eliminated the infiltrators. Major Akash Singh made the supreme sacrifice, and for his raw courage, leadership and camaraderie he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.