Kalu Ram Rai

Biography

Rifleman Kalu Ram Rai hailed from Makhwala village in the Diktel district of Nepal. After completing his school education, he joined the Army and was recruited into the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles, an infantry regiment renowned for its brave soldiers. Following his training, he served in various operational areas under challenging conditions. During June–July 1999, his unit was deployed in the Batalik sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay. The enemy's main intrusions were on the Khalubar–Padma Go Ridgeline, and 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was tasked to capture Khalubar. Rifleman Kalu Ram Rai belonged to Platoon No. 5 of 'B' Company, under Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. On the night of 2/3 July 1999, the assault team advanced towards Pahalwan Chowki on the way to Khalubar, braving heavy and intense enemy fire. After a gruelling seven-hour climb, they came under fire from all surrounding heights and bunkers. In the fierce firefight that followed, Rifleman Kalu Ram Rai and his comrades gained control of six enemy bunkers. He was gravely wounded during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the line of duty.