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Remembering a Hero: Major Parameswaran's Ultimate Sacrifice in Sri Lanka

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran on his Balidan Diwas. He highlighted the Major's exceptional courage during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also paid respects at the National War Memorial. Major Parameswaran's leadership and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to PVC Awardee Major Parameswaran

  • Defence Minister paid homage via social media on Major Parameswaran's sacrifice day
  • Army Chief laid a wreath at National War Memorial in solemn tribute
  • Major displayed exceptional courage during 1987 Operation Pawan in Jaffna
  • He was posthumously awarded India's highest wartime gallantry honor
2 min read

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran on his 'Balidan Diwas'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi honour Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran on his Balidan Diwas, recalling his bravery in Operation Pawan.

"His supreme sacrifice and steadfast resolve remain a guiding light for our Armed Forces and our nation. - Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, November 25

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to Param Vir Chakra Awardee Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran on his 'Balidan Diwas', recalling his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh wrote: "Remembering and paying tributes to Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran on his 'Balidan Diwas'. He showed exceptional courage and leadership during 'Operation Pawan' in Jaffna. His supreme sacrifice and steadfast resolve remain a guiding light for our Armed Forces and our nation."

Earlier in the day, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, marking the solemn occasion. General Dwivedi observed a moment of silence in honour of Major Parameswaran and soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) who fought during Operation Pawan.

Major Parameswaran, commissioned into the 8 MAHAR regiment, is remembered as one of the Indian Army's most valiant field commanders. He laid down his life in Sri Lanka on November 25, 1987, while leading a search operation against militants. Despite being ambushed, he reorganised his troops, launched a counter-assault, and personally engaged in close combat.

Though shot in the chest during hand-to-hand fighting, Major Parameswaran wrestled a rifle from his attacker and neutralised him before collapsing to his injuries. His leadership ensured the elimination of five militants and the recovery of weapons. For his unparalleled bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the nation's highest wartime gallantry honour.

Operation Pawan was launched under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 29, 1987, and marked India's first major overseas military deployment. At its peak, the IPKF strength reached nearly 100,000 personnel tasked with stabilising the Jaffna Peninsula and disarming the LTTE. The operation continued until March 1990 under challenging counter-insurgency conditions.

The Indian Army stated that the courage and sacrifice of soldiers like Major Parameswaran continue to inspire the armed forces and the nation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I respect the tribute, we should also reflect on the complex legacy of Operation Pawan. Many brave soldiers sacrificed their lives in a difficult political situation. Let's ensure their sacrifices are remembered with context.
R
Rohit P
Major Parameswaran's story should be taught in every school. Wrestling a rifle from his attacker while shot in the chest - this is the kind of courage that defines our armed forces. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who lived through that era, I remember the news of Operation Pawan. The IPKF soldiers faced incredibly difficult circumstances. Major Parameswaran's sacrifice deserves eternal remembrance.
V
Vikram M
Param Vir Chakra awardees are the real heroes of our nation. Major Parameswaran's leadership in reorganizing his troops during ambush shows why he deserved the highest honor. We sleep peacefully because of such bravehearts.
M
Michael C
It's important that the Defence Minister and Army Chief are honoring these heroes publicly. This helps keep their legacy alive for younger generations who may not know about Operation Pawan.
K
Kavya N
Reading this on Balidan Diwas gives me chills. Major Parameswaran was only 34 when he made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget what our soldiers go through to

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