Sanjay Bhakare, SM

Biography

Havildar Sanjay Bhakare was a brave soldier serving with 1 Para (Special Forces), the elite unit of the Parachute Regiment. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the Parachute Regiment. He later qualified for 1 Para (SF) through a rigorous selection process and intensive commando training, establishing himself as a dedicated and disciplined soldier. On 21 March 2009, Havildar Bhakare was part of a counter-insurgency operation in the Hapfruda forest area of Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, led by Major Mohit Sharma. During the operation, he was positioned to observe a track near the forest when suspicious movement was detected. As terrorists opened fire, Havildar Bhakare sustained injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. For his commendable courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, Havildar Sanjay Bhakare was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal.