Remember and Never Forget: Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam, 21 Jat
Nicknamed 'Silly' by his friends in the fraternity, Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam was an intrepid and highly-motivated officer. The troops remember him for his exemplary courage, camaraderie and leadership in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
FollowMajor Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam, who hailed from Bengaluru, made his supreme sacrifice in 2002 while fighting the enemy in the Keran sector of Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir.
Nicknamed 'Silly' by his friends in the fraternity, he was an intrepid and highly-motivated officer. He was commissioned into the Jat Regiment in 1998 after receiving his training from the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai.
Also Read:Â The India-Pakistan battle that ended under 3 minutes
Through his dedication and zeal, he gained expertise in battle skills before his unit, 21 Jat, moved to Jammu and Kashmir in October 2001. In 2002, the Indian Army launched Operation Parakaram, and Major Sylvester's unit, 21 Jat, was tasked to carry out an operation in Kupwara district's Keran sector along the Line of Control.
The area was already highly active due to cross-border infiltrations and unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army. The Indian Army troops also had to withstand inclement weather and harsh terrain.
On August 2, 2002, the Pakistani Army resorted to unprovoked firing while Indian Army personnel were repairing the communication lines in the Keran sector.
Also Read:Â Inspiring story of J&K Police ASI Babu Ram's raw courage
Realising the grim situation, Major Sylvester, who was in a nearby bunker, rushed out to help his men to safety. Without caring for his own safety, he assisted soldiers to get back into the bunkers. During this, a shell from the Pakistani side landed near him. He sustained severe injuries.
Major Sylvester later succumbed to his injuries. The troops remember him for his exemplary courage, camaraderie and leadership in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Also Read:Â The 13-day war that led to birth of a nation in 1971
Also Read:Â From the IAF vault: The story of the daring 12 Squadron
Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam laid down his life for his motherland on August 2, 2002. Let us 'Remember and Never Forget' this braveheart's supreme sacrifice.
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here.
