Vikky Pahade, VM

Biography

Corporal Vikky Pahade was born on 1 September 1990 in Nonia Karbal village, Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh. He lost his father at a young age and shouldered family responsibilities early in life while continuing to pursue his dreams. After completing his schooling at Navodaya Vidyalaya in 2010, he joined the Indian Air Force in 2011 as a technical tradesman specialising in radar maintenance and the upkeep of critical defence assets. Over thirteen years of distinguished service across multiple Air Force bases, he earned widespread respect for his discipline, dedication, and technical expertise. In 2019, he married Rina, and the couple was blessed with a son, Hardik. On 4 May 2024, while escorting a ration supply convoy near the Doba Ridge at Shahsitar in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir, Corporal Pahade's team came under a sudden ambush by heavily-armed terrorists. Despite sustaining grievous gunshot wounds to the head, neck, and chest, he displayed exceptional courage by returning effective fire with his AK-103 rifle, forcing the attackers into cover and enabling his team to mount a successful counterattack. His heroic response saved the lives of his comrades. He succumbed to his injuries at Command Hospital Udhampur, aged 33. For his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, Corporal Vikky Pahade was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).