Premjit Rockpa, SC

Biography

Captain Premjit Rockpa was born on 18 April 1951 in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. He received his early schooling at his village primary school and later studied at the higher secondary school in Keylong, around ten kilometres from his home, often trekking through heavy snow to reach his quarters. A bright, athletic and determined young man, he developed a strong desire to join the Indian Army during his school years and, despite early setbacks, persevered relentlessly in his studies and SSB preparation. He joined the Army Cadet College on 5 December 1972 and, after completing his training, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 9 Parachute Regiment on 5 December 1976. An outstanding boxer, cross-country runner and keen mountaineer, he was known as a strict yet cheerful and resilient officer. He took part in the 1981 Siachen reconnaissance expedition, serving as a trusted deputy to its leader. Later that year he joined the all-paratroopers expedition to the twin peaks of Nanda Devi. On 4 October 1981, Captain Premjit Rockpa was last seen climbing towards the summit when he fell in inaccessible, avalanche-prone terrain and was never recovered. For his courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.