Nations are not built merely through economic progress, technological advancement, or institutional strength. They are sustained by memory, by the collective remembrance of those who stood in harm’s way so others could live in peace. For soldiers and veterans, remembrance is not symbolic. It is a solemn duty, an enduring obligation to honour the Bravehearts who gave their all in the service of the nation, inspiring pride and respect in us all.
The veterans of Operation PAWAN, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) campaign in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s, carry within them memories of a conflict that tested the courage, endurance, and professionalism of Indian soldiers under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Operation PAWAN remains one of the most complex overseas military operations undertaken by India. It demanded not only combat capability but also political sensitivity, operational adaptability, and immense personal sacrifice, reminding us of the deep dedication of our soldiers.
The veterans of Operation PAWAN continue to uphold the bonds formed during those years, reminding us that remembrance keeps their legacy alive and guides our collective respect across the country.
Operation PAWAN: A Campaign of Courage and Complexity
On 7th March 2026, the fraternity of Operation PAWAN veterans gathered to honour their service, coinciding with a day that underscores their enduring sacrifice and commitment, and to welcome distinguished dignitaries from Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, an institution that has shown a strong commitment to honouring the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
The occasion also carried a sombre tone, as the veterans paid tribute to two Bravehearts whose recent passing has deeply saddened the fraternity.
Tribute to Colonel C. S. Rathore
Colonel C. S. Rathore of 16 SIKH served as GSO-3 (Intelligence) in 340 Infantry Brigade at Trincomalee during Operation PAWAN, exemplifying professionalism, quiet determination, and inspiring confidence as a leader who motivated his team through challenging circumstances.
Colonel Rathore was perhaps among the longest-serving Commanding Officers in the Indian Army, and his career reflected a lifetime of service to the nation. His sudden passing due to a cardiac arrest has left a deep void among the soldiers and veterans who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His memory remains a reminder of the quiet dedication that defines the ethos of the Indian Army.
The Legacy of Lt Col Mukesh Lakhanpal
The fraternity also mourned the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Mukesh Lakhanpal, who served with 831 Light Regiment during Operation PAWAN. His regiment played a critical role during one of the most intense engagements of the campaign.
In October 1987, Battalion 8 MAHAR found itself surrounded by LTTE militants at Annacodai. The situation was precarious, and the soldiers were effectively ring-fenced by hostile forces. It was in these circumstances that artillery support became decisive. The guns of 831 Light Regiment, working in coordination with the 81 mm mortars of 1 MARATHA LI, provided vital fire support that enabled the successful extrication of 8 MAHAR from the siege.
The battle at Annacodai remains etched in the operational history of Operation PAWAN as an example of extraordinary courage under fire. The gallantry displayed there earned 8 MAHAR the Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakras, and several other awards, even as the battalion suffered heavy casualties.
Lt Col Lakhanpal’s role in that operation is central to that legacy of courage and professional excellence. The passing of such officers reminds veterans that while time moves forward, the memories of those intense days in Sri Lanka remain vivid and lasting.
Honouring the Fallen
In honour of the Bravehearts who are no longer among us, the veterans observed a solemn moment of silence. Such moments are more than ceremonial gestures; they represent the quiet understanding among soldiers that the nation they served will always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, inspiring gratitude and solemn respect in all of us.
The Indian Army has always nurtured a culture of remembrance. Military traditions ensure that soldiers’ sacrifices are never forgotten.
Ceremonies such as the Chief of Army Staff’s Wreath Laying ceremony held on 25 November 2025, along with regimental commemorations across the country, reaffirm the principle that soldiers who fall in the line of duty live forever in the institutional memory of the Army, fostering a sense of gratitude and trust in our collective remembrance efforts.
Such traditions reinforce the moral foundation of military service—the understanding that every soldier is part of a lineage of courage and sacrifice that transcends generations.
Distinguished Presence at the Gathering
The presence of distinguished personalities added depth and inspiration to the occasion. Among those who regularly attend the Operation PAWAN veterans’ events is Commander Deepak Agarwal, VrC, a highly respected gallantry awardee whose presence continues to inspire veterans and younger generations alike. His participation reflects the spirit of solidarity among those who have served the nation with courage and distinction.
The gathering also highlighted the remarkable journeys of several veterans of Operation PAWAN who, after distinguished military careers, have gone on to serve the nation in constitutional roles of the highest responsibility.
From Battlefield Leadership to Constitutional Responsibility
Among those who have reached such high positions are Brigadier B. D. Mishra (Retd), who served as the Governor of Ladakh, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd), who serves as the Governor of Uttarakhand, and Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), who has been appointed as the Governor of Bihar.
Their appointments reflect the nation’s constitutional framework, placing trust in military leadership and integrity. These veterans, who once commanded troops in challenging operational environments, now carry forward their commitment to national service in roles entrusted to them by the President of India.
The veterans of Operation PAWAN send their warm wishes to these distinguished officers. They are confident that their experience, wisdom, and leadership will continue to foster positivity, stability, and development in the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Subharti University’s Tribute to the Armed Forces
The presence of distinguished dignitaries from Swami Vivekanand Subharti University at the veterans’ gathering reflected the growing recognition among educational institutions of the importance of honouring the Armed Forces and preserving their legacy.
Among the eminent guests present was Professor Dr Shalya Raj, the university’s Chief Executive Officer. A respected academic and clinician, Dr Shalya Raj exemplifies the dynamic leadership that has helped the university expand its academic reach while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility.
Also present was Dr Rohit Ravinder, a distinguished academic and healthcare professional who serves as a professor of conservative dentistry and endodontics and leads Lokpriya Hospital, a 300-bed super-specialty healthcare institution in Meerut.
Another prominent figure in attendance was Colonel Rajesh Tyagi, Sena Medal (Retd), a decorated infantry officer who joined the National Defence Academy in 1984 and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the JAT Regiment.
The Continuing Service of Col Rajesh Tyagi
During his distinguished 34-year career, Colonel Tyagi served in various operational environments, including Sri Lanka, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir, and also participated in the Kargil War. He also served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy, where he trained future leaders of the Armed Forces, including Captain Manoj Pandey, recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous). After retiring from the Army, Colonel Tyagi continued his service to the nation through education as the Director of the Capt Amrik Singh Subharti Defence Academy, where he prepares young aspirants for careers in the Armed Forces.
Preserving Memory Through Institutions
One of the most remarkable initiatives associated with his work at the university is the establishment of the Shaheed Smarak and Kargil Shaheed Upwan on the campus. These memorial spaces honour the martyrs of the Indian National Army as well as soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives after independence.
Colonel Tyagi has also initiated a deeply meaningful endeavour to remember the sacrifices of fallen Bravehearts every day of the year. Each day is dedicated to recalling the story and sacrifice of a soldier who gave his life in service of the nation.
A Memorable Commemoration: 11 October 2025
The veterans of Operation PAWAN also remember with gratitude a particularly meaningful event hosted by Swami Vivekanand Subharti University on 11 October 2025. On that day, the university organised a commemorative event on its campus to honour the bravery and sacrifices of Operation PAWAN veterans.
For many veterans, it was perhaps the first time a university campus served as the setting for such a tribute to soldiers who took part in a challenging overseas campaign. The respect and warmth shown by the university leadership, along with the enthusiasm displayed by the students, made the event truly memorable.
Exchange of Mementoes: A Symbol of Shared Respect
During the interaction, a symbolic exchange of mementoes and books between the veterans and the dignitaries of Subharti University highlighted the spirit of mutual respect and shared commitment to national values. Such gestures, though simple in appearance, carry deep significance. They represent the bond between those who served in uniform and the institutions shaping the minds of the next generation.
The exchange signified not only courtesy but also a collective recognition that soldiers’ sacrifices must be preserved in the nation’s academic, social, and cultural memory.
Towards a Larger National Vision
The collective efforts of the veterans of Operation PAWAN over the years have ensured that the sacrifices made during that difficult campaign are not forgotten. Their commitment has led to commemorations, memorials, and public recognition of the courage shown by Indian soldiers during the mission. Yet remembrance alone is not enough. The spirit that motivates soldiers to serve the nation must also inspire a broader national vision.
In that context, the idea of “Akhand Bharat,” understood as the civilisational unity and shared cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, remains a topic of historical reflection and strategic debate. However, in the modern era, the primary focus should be on strengthening internal unity, national cohesion, and India’s institutional, economic, and strategic resilience.
A strong and confident India, secure within its borders, unified in purpose, and resilient in its institutions, will naturally serve as the anchor of stability and influence in the region.
Achieving this requires a clearly defined national vision, precise development milestones, and the gradual fostering of public understanding and confidence. Over the next decade, ongoing intellectual dialogue, cultural engagement, economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic clarity must work together toward the larger goal of building a strong, united, and self-reliant India.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
India’s military history is rich with examples of courage, sacrifice, and professional excellence. Yet these stories must continue to be told, shared, and remembered.
The legacy of soldiers cannot be preserved solely within military institutions. It must be carried forward by society at large. The veterans of Operation PAWAN understand this deeply. For them, remembrance is not about nostalgia; it is about ensuring that the stories of their Bravehearts continue to inspire future generations.
In the end, remembrance is not simply about looking back at the past. It is about strengthening the moral foundations of the future. The Bravehearts who fought in Operation PAWAN and in countless other operations across India’s military history stand as enduring symbols of courage, duty, and sacrifice. Their legacy remains etched in the history of the nation and in the hearts of the soldiers who had the honour of serving alongside them.