Ganesh Madappa, SC

Biography

Major Ganesh Madappa was born on 5 February 1963 in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, a region renowned for its martial traditions. The son of veteran Captain C.P. Madappa, he grew up steeped in military values and was drawn to the armed forces from an early age. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps, where he distinguished himself over more than a decade with strong leadership and tactical acumen. He was later deputed to 36 Rashtriya Rifles, engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. By September 1995, Major Madappa was serving with 36 RR in the Budgam district. On 27 September 1995, he led a raid on a militant hideout in Bachru village. At around 2030 hours, three armed militants opened indiscriminate fire on his advancing column, wounding the lead scout. Disregarding his own safety, he moved forward to block the only known escape route. In the fierce close-quarter exchange he was hit by several bullets but refused to fall back. Bleeding heavily, he continued firing and killed one Pakistan-trained militant before succumbing to his injuries later that night. For his exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice, Major Ganesh Madappa was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.