Rakesh Kumar Sharma, SC

Biography

Havildar Rakesh Kumar Sharma hailed from Dadui village in Samba district, Jammu & Kashmir. He was recruited into the Parachute Regiment and later qualified for the elite 1 Para (Special Forces) through a rigorous selection process and intensive commando training. On 21 March 2009, Havildar Sharma was part of a search and destroy operation in the Haphruda forest area of Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, led by Major Mohit Sharma. The operation targeted terrorist infiltrators in the region. During an exchange of fire with the terrorists, Havildar Sharma sustained injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The operation resulted in the recovery of 17 assault rifles, grenade launchers, ammunition, and other weaponry. For his exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice, Havildar Rakesh Kumar Sharma was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. A government middle school in his village was named in his honour - Hav Rakesh Kumar Govt Middle School.