Braj Kishore Sharma, KC

Biography

Major Braj Kishore Sharma was born on 21 March 1961 in Munger district, Bihar. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on 24 December 1982 and served with 168 Field Regiment. A keen sportsman, he represented his unit in running, squash, and hockey. He was married to Kumkum and had two daughters, Sneha and Deepali. On the night of 9 November 1997, Major Sharma was travelling by train with his family to rejoin his unit. Armed robbers entered his compartment and began looting passengers at gunpoint. Despite being unarmed and off-duty, Major Sharma sprang into action, pouncing on the robbers and disarming two of them. During the struggle, an accomplice shot him in the chest. He succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to hospital. His extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice saved the lives and belongings of his fellow passengers. For his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Major Braj Kishore Sharma was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra — the nation's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.