Mayank Vishnoi, SM

Biography

Major Mayank Vishnoi hailed from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh and was the son of army veteran Subedar Virendra Vishnoi and Smt Madhu Bishnoi. He completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya Punjab Lines, Meerut, and was drawn to the armed forces from childhood, following in his father's footsteps. After school he was selected for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) of the Indian Army and trained at OTA Gaya, followed by a three-year degree course at the Cadet Training Wing in Mhow. He passed out from OTA Gaya as a Lieutenant in 2013 at the age of 22. He was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment, an infantry regiment renowned for its valour and battle honours. Promoted to the rank of Major in 2019, he was later deputed to serve with the 44 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. A gallant and gritty officer who led from the front, he inspired his fellow soldiers and was decorated with the Sena Medal for his display of raw courage, camaraderie and devotion to duty. By August 2021 he had completed nearly two years with the unit and had taken part in numerous successful operations. On the late night of 26 August 2021, his unit received intelligence about the presence of terrorists in its area of responsibility in Shopian district. Major Mayank led the assault team to the suspected area and launched a search and cordon operation. As it was underway, the troops came under fire from terrorists positioned at vantage points, triggering a fierce gun battle. During the exchange of fire, Major Mayank was shot in the head and severely wounded. He was evacuated to the Military Hospital at Udhampur, where, after battling for life for fourteen days, he succumbed to his injuries on 11 September 2021 at the age of 30, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.