Gopal Singh Bhadoriya, SC, VSM

Biography

Lance Naik Gopal Singh Bhadoriya was born on 27 July 1983 in Gokulchand Chali, Chamanpura village in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Son of Shri Muneem Singh, he received his primary education in Dabhoi, Vadodara district, at his maternal uncle's home. Before fulfilling his childhood dream of joining the Army, he studied engineering at Nirma University, Ahmedabad. He enlisted in 2003 and was assigned to the Corps of Signals, which provides vital communications to the Indian Army in war and peace. Over fourteen years he served in various operational areas across the country. He was part of the NSG commando group deployed to clear the Taj Hotel during the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008, where, amid heavy firing, he carried a wounded Subedar Major out of the hotel to an ambulance — an act of bravery for which he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal. Later posted to 1 Rashtriya Rifles for counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, he took part in a joint operation on 12 February 2017 in Frisal village, Kulgam district. As the leading pair storming a militant hideout after a night-long gunfight, he was gravely wounded and laid down his life, setting a new benchmark of valour.