Rohitashwa Gurjar, SM

Biography

Lance Naik Rohitashwa Gurjar was born on 2 July 1976 in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, the son of Shri Shivpal Ram. He joined the Army in 1996 and was enrolled on 18 March 1996 into 288 Medium Regiment of the Artillery Regiment. Over the following years he grew into a professionally capable and dedicated soldier, and from 1998 to 2000 he served in the North East as part of Operation Rhino. By 2008 he had completed nearly twelve years of service. During 2008, his unit was deployed along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, based at an army camp at Budkarbu, situated on the strenuous, landslide-prone road linking Srinagar and Leh. On 23 April 2008, Lance Naik Gurjar was tasked with collecting ammunition for his unit and set out by vehicle. Near the Budkarbu army camp the vehicle overturned at a bend on the treacherous mountain road, leaving him grievously injured. He was rushed to a nearby military hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. For his outstanding courage, commitment and sacrifice, he was awarded the Sena Medal.