SSBCrack

Meet Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A. A soldier who took a bullet on his face and still refused to stop. On 19 December 2024, he was part of a counter-terrorist operation in Kulgam, South Kashmir. He belongs to the Regiment of Artillery and was serving with 34 Rashtriya Rifles. During the intense firefight, he sustained severe gunshot wounds to his face and right shoulder. The injuries were serious enough to stop any normal person. But Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A did not step back. Despite pain, bleeding and danger, he continued the fight. In close combat, he engaged the terrorist with exceptional courage. He neutralised one hardcore terrorist at close range. His bravery helped his team and contributed to the success of the operation. For this extraordinary act of courage, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra. The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. On 8 June 2026, President Droupadi Murmu presented him the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His citation praised his indomitable spirit and exceptional bravery. Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A proved that courage is not the absence of fear. It is the will to complete the mission despite injury, pain and danger. He took a bullet on his face. But he stood like a man of steel. And he showed the nation what the Indian Army is made of.

Havaldar Deepanshu of the Army Sports Control Board (ASCB) delivered an outstanding performance by winning the gold medal in the 68 kg category at the CJ Vietnam 2026 Taekwondo Championships, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from July 27 to 29. Representing India, Havaldar Deepanshu showcased exceptional skill, determination, and resilience throughout the competition to finish at the top of the podium in his weight category. His victory adds another international achievement to the Army Sports Control Board's growing list of sporting successes. The accomplishment reflects the Indian Army's continued commitment to nurturing sporting talent and promoting excellence at the international level. Havaldar Deepanshu's gold medal triumph is a proud moment for the nation and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

General Dhiraj Seth Meets Trailblazing Women Officers After Historic Tri-Service Global Sailing Expedition

TOTAL DOMINATION! India's Jadumani Singh defeats Pakistan's boxer 5-0

Meet Chief Petty Officer Taniksha Khatri and Petty Officer Prachi Lohan. Two Indian Navy sailors who scripted history for Indian fencing. They became the first-ever Indian women épée fencers to qualify for the Main Table of 64 at the Senior World Fencing Championships. The historic achievement came at the 2026 World Championships in Hong Kong. Competing against more than 180 elite fencers from over 100 nations, both delivered outstanding performances. Chief Petty Officer Taniksha Khatri topped her pool after winning five of her six bouts. She advanced directly to the Round of 64. Taniksha finished 43rd overall — the highest-ever finish by an Indian woman in épée at the Senior World Championships. Petty Officer Prachi Lohan battled through the preliminary knockout rounds. She stunned World No. 25 Yang Jingwen of China with a thrilling 15-14 victory. Prachi narrowly lost 14-15 to Olympic champion Giulia Rizzi of Italy in the Round of 64. She finished an impressive 58th overall. Both athletes hail from Haryana and proudly serve in the Indian Navy. Their success highlights the Navy's commitment to nurturing excellence in Olympic sports. Their achievement is a landmark moment for Indian fencing. A proud milestone for the Indian Navy. A proud moment for India. 🇮🇳

A sister reaching out to touch her fallen brother's name on the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Some names are carved in stone, but they remain etched forever in the hearts of those left behind. Their sacrifice gave India its tomorrow. We remember. We honour. We will never forget. #KargilVijayDiwas

Meet Lieutenant (Dr.) Abhida Eshana Barretto. Goa's NEET UG 2021 topper has become an Indian Army Medical Officer. She secured Goa Rank 1 in NEET UG 2021 with 680 out of 720 marks and an All India Rank of 905. Despite earning admission opportunities at AIIMS and JIPMER, she chose the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. She chose a life of service in the Indian Army over the conventional path of a civilian medical career. At AFMC, she secured distinctions in 13 of 14 MBBS subjects and won multiple academic gold medals. She was also an accomplished athlete, football player, marathon runner, and represented her university in athletics. In 2025, she received the prestigious Maj. Gen. N.D.P. Karani Trophy as the Second-Best Outgoing Student of the AFMC Graduate Wing. After completing her MBBS, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army Medical Corps. She voluntarily chose to begin her internship at 166 Military Hospital, Jammu. From a small village in Goa to wearing the olive green uniform, her journey is a remarkable story of dedication, excellence, and service to the nation. We congratulate Lieutenant Abhida Eshana Barretto and wish her a long, successful, and distinguished career in the Indian Army.

Meet Major Raghunath Ahlawat, 3 Para (Special Forces). A fourth-generation Army officer from New Delhi. The son of Brigadier D.S. Ahlawat (Retd.), he chose the olive green over a career in law. Commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 2012. Earned the coveted Maroon Beret and Balidan Badge after one of the toughest military selections. Served with the elite 3 Para (Special Forces). A combat sea diver, instructor at the Special Forces Training School, and a respected leader. Known to his comrades as "Raghu." On 5 May 2022, he led a reconnaissance team during a counter-infiltration mission in the Uri sector. True to the Special Forces ethos, he led from the front. While navigating treacherous mountain terrain in adverse weather, he slipped into a deep ravine. Despite every effort to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. He was just 34 years old. His final act reflected the spirit of a Special Forces officer—placing the mission and his men before himself. Major Raghunath Ahlawat was laid to rest with full military honours. He is survived by his parents and his wife, Squadron Leader Vinny Malik of the Indian Air Force. His courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of soldiers. Some heroes are remembered not only for how they fought, but for how they led. Salute to Major Raghunath Ahlawat. 🇮🇳 Jai Hind. 🙏

Naib Risaldar Virender Singh served the nation till his very last breath—and even beyond. After being declared brain dead following a stroke while on duty in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, his organs were donated through the courageous decision of his wife, Smt Kusum, giving six people a second chance at life. In a historic first, Command Hospital (Western Command) also successfully retrieved lungs from a deceased donor, marking a major milestone in military medical care. A salute to the selfless sacrifice of Naib Risaldar Virender Singh and the extraordinary courage of Smt Kusum. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations with the values of service, humanity and compassion.

Meet Captain Reeta Biyani First Lady Paratrooper from the Indian Army Dental Corps. First woman from the Maheshwari (Marwari) community to join the Indian Army. Commissioned into the Army Dental Corps in 1981. Served in remote border and high-altitude areas. Often the only lady officer providing dental care to soldiers. Earned her Paratrooper Wings in 1983. Created history by becoming the first woman paratrooper from the Army Dental Corps. Trained in mountaineering, skiing and skydiving. Served the Indian Army for nearly a decade. Retired with the rank of Captain in 1992. Diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer in 2000. Fought cancer with the spirit of a soldier. Launched Project High>>>Ways in 2006. Solo drove over 30,000 km across India for cancer awareness. Conducted more than 140 cancer awareness workshops. Reached thousands of people with the message of early detection. Founded Highways Infinite to support cancer patients and caregivers. First cancer survivor to trek to Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier. First breast cancer survivor to complete the Raid-de-Himalaya. Three-time Limca Book of Records holder. WHO expert, TEDx speaker and motivational leader. Recipient of more than 50 awards and honours. A soldier who continues to serve the nation beyond the uniform. An inspiration for every defence aspirant. 🇮🇳 Jai Hind.

🇮🇳 "Respect students' voices, don't use force." India's two living Param Vir Chakra heroes, Honorary Captain Bana Singh and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, have urged the government to engage in dialogue with students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak instead of resorting to force. Calling students the nation's future, the war veterans said democracy is strongest when conversation replaces confrontation. Bana Singh described the alleged paper leak as a devastating blow to the morale of lakhs of aspirants, while Yogendra Singh Yadav stressed that true leadership lies in listening and trusting India's youth. They also appealed to students to keep their protests peaceful, emphasizing that the country's young citizens are not the problem—they are India's greatest hope.

Government Reserves 50% CAPF and Assam Rifles Constable Posts for Retired Agniveers

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Josyula Farida Rehana The first woman officer in the Indian Army to earn the coveted Paratrooper Wings. Born in Mysore in 1940, she graduated with an MBBS, honours, and a Gold Medal in Surgery from Mysore Medical College. Inspired to serve after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, she joined the Army Medical Corps in 1964 as a medical officer. Her dream wasn't just to wear the uniform—it was to serve with the elite Parachute Regiment. Her application was rejected because women were not allowed to join the airborne force. Instead of accepting defeat, she continued to fight for the opportunity she had earned. She was eventually posted to the prestigious 60 Parachute Field Hospital, the Indian Army's airborne medical unit. On 19 September 1966, she successfully completed the demanding parachute course and earned her Paratrooper Wings. With that achievement, she became the first woman Army officer to qualify as a paratrooper and join an operational airborne unit. She served in the Para unit for 12 years as part of her 21-year Army career. Throughout her airborne service, she completed hundreds of parachute jumps, becoming one of the Army's pioneering women in airborne operations. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, she served with 60 Para on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Operating close to the battlefield, she performed life-saving surgeries under wartime conditions for wounded soldiers. For her distinguished wartime service, she was awarded the Poorvi Star and Paschimi Star. She also became the first woman recipient of the Gen Choudhary's Trophy during the Medical Officers Senior Course. In 2018, she was honoured among 112 Women Achievers of India, with the award presented by President Ram Nath Kovind. Her courage opened the doors for generations of women officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Lt Col Josyula Farida Rehana proved that determination, excellence, and courage know no gender. Her legacy continues to inspire every young Indian who dreams of serving the nation in uniform. 🇮🇳🫡

General Dhiraj Seth Felicitates Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda for Historic ISSF World Cup Gold

A 17-year-old first-term cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, tragically passed away on Friday morning following a medical emergency during routine physical training. The incident occurred during what was the cadet’s first official PT parade after joining the academy. The deceased has been identified as Cadet Abhinav Bajpai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He had joined the prestigious tri-service officer training academy on June 24, 2026, approximately two weeks prior to the incident.

Meet Flying Officer Ananya Phadke A Khelo India badminton gold medallist. An outstanding medical graduate from AFMC, Pune. And now, a commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force. Flying Officer Ananya Phadke received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. She was named the Best All-Round Outgoing Medical Graduate of AFMC. She also won the Kalinga Trophy for exemplary overall performance. In 2019, she clinched gold in the Under-17 doubles category at the Khelo India Youth Games. She successfully balanced competitive badminton with demanding medical studies. At AFMC, she excelled in academics, clinical training, sports, leadership and military discipline. Her parents, Dr Sachin Phadke and Dr Gautami Phadke, are both dentists. They proudly witnessed her commissioning and award ceremony on 10 July 2026. She was among 141 medical graduates commissioned from AFMC’s 60th Batch. Seventeen officers from the batch joined the Indian Air Force. Her journey reflects discipline, perseverance and all-round excellence. From the badminton court to the blue uniform— Flying Officer Ananya Phadke is an inspiration for every young defence aspirant. Jai Hind

Meet Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh India’s first wheelchair-bound officer commissioned into the Armed Forces. An Indian Air Force officer. A national para-swimmer. And a living example of courage, resilience and service. Born in Imphal West, Manipur, he grew up with a dream to wear the uniform. After Class 12, he secured a government seat for BTech in Computer Technology. But his heart was set on the skies. He gave up engineering and joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. At NDA, he excelled in academics, leadership and sports. He became Battalion Cadet Adjutant. He earned the Academy Blazer for swimming. He received the Sports Insignia for excellence in sports. And he was awarded a silver medal as the best cadet in physical training. After NDA, he joined the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. There too, he stood out. He was appointed Senior Under Officer. He stood third in flying during basic training. He was awarded the “Most Accomplished Trainee” title. And he was selected for the prestigious Fighter stream. His dream of becoming a fighter pilot was almost within reach. But on 22 August 2011, during a solo sortie, everything changed. A critical in-flight emergency forced him to eject from a Kiran Mk.II trainer aircraft. The ejection saved his life. But it caused a severe spinal injury. He was paralysed from the waist down. Medical boards recommended that he be invalided out of service. He was just months away from commissioning. For many, this would have been the end of the dream. But for Rajkumar Herojit Singh, it became the beginning of a new battle. He refused to give up. He appealed to continue serving the Indian Air Force in a non-flying role. His determination reached the highest levels of the IAF. Then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, personally took up his case. In December 2012, the Defence Minister approved his retention in service. And on 22 June 2013, Rajkumar Herojit Singh was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force. He became the first wheelchair-bound individual to be commissioned as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in 2015. And later to Squadron Leader in 2019. Even after losing the ability to fly, he never lost the spirit of a warrior. He continued to serve the nation with pride. He also found a new arena of excellence — para-swimming. He represented India at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He participated in the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, Portugal. At the 24th National Para Swimming Championship in Goa, he won two gold medals and one silver medal. He has also earned multiple national medals and records in para-swimming. From the cockpit to the swimming pool. From a life-changing injury to historic commissioning. From adversity to achievement. Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh’s journey proves one thing clearly: True heroism is not the absence of struggle. It is the refusal to be defeated by it. Jai Hind

General Dhiraj Seth Reviews Security Situation and Combat Readiness Along LoC During Visit to Chinar Corps

Meet Captain Shubham Gupta, SM (Posthumous), a fearless officer of the elite 9 Para Special Forces. He was a young son of Agra who chose the toughest path of service, courage, and sacrifice. On 22 November 2023, Captain Shubham Gupta made the supreme sacrifice during a fierce counter-terrorism operation in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir. He belonged to 9 Para (Special Forces), one of the most respected and battle-hardened units of the Indian Army. At just 26 years of age, he laid down his life while leading his men from the front against heavily armed terrorists. Captain Shubham Gupta was born on 7 October 1997 in the Taj Ganj area of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. He was the elder son of Shri Basant Kumar Gupta and Smt. Pushpa Devi Gupta, and had a younger brother, Rishabh Gupta. From a young age, he was inspired by the values of discipline, duty, courage, and service to the nation. He completed his schooling at St. George’s Inter College, Agra, where his leadership qualities and strong character stood out. In 2015, at the age of 18, he cleared the Technical Entry Scheme examination and joined the Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 and began his journey as a young officer in olive green. But Captain Shubham Gupta did not settle for an ordinary path in uniform. He volunteered for the gruelling Special Forces selection process, one of the toughest tests in the Indian Army. The Para SF probation tests physical endurance, mental toughness, tactical skill, and leadership under extreme pressure. Captain Shubham Gupta successfully cleared this demanding selection and earned his place in 9 Para Special Forces. He earned the maroon beret and became part of a unit known for courage, silence, precision, and sacrifice. After joining 9 Para SF, Captain Gupta was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, one of India’s most challenging operational areas. He served in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, a region often affected by Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities. Special Forces soldiers like him operate in difficult terrain, dense forests, high mountains, and constant threat conditions. Captain Gupta’s service reflected the quiet professionalism of India’s Special Forces — always ready and always leading from the front. In November 2023, intelligence confirmed the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the Kalakote-Gulabgarh forest area of Rajouri. The terrorists were hiding in temporary shelters deep inside dense, steep, and forested terrain. A joint operation was launched by 9 Para SF, 63 Rashtriya Rifles, and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The terrain was extremely difficult, and the terrorists had taken positions on dominating heights. They used boulders, thick forest cover, and natural shelters to target the security forces. On 22 November 2023, the encounter intensified as the forces closed in on the terrorist positions. Captain M.V. Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles was critically wounded during the operation. Major D.S. Mehra of 9 Para SF moved forward for a daring rescue attempt and also sustained injuries. At this critical moment, Captain Shubham Gupta moved ahead with Havildar Abdul Majid and Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht of 9 Para SF. They advanced under heavy enemy fire to support the rescue effort and engage the terrorists. Captain Gupta knew the danger in front of him, but he chose duty over personal safety. He moved out of cover, engaged the enemy directly, and led his men with exceptional courage. Even after sustaining multiple bullet injuries, he continued to direct his team and fight on. He refused to step back despite grievous wounds and intense enemy fire. His actions inspired his men and helped pin down the terrorist positions during the operation. Captain Shubham Gupta later succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In the same operation, Paratrooper Sachin Laur also laid down his life for the nation. Five brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice during the Rajouri encounter. The operation achieved its objective, and two Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were neutralised. Among the terrorists killed was a high-value commander and sniper/explosives expert. The courage of Captain Shubham Gupta and his comrades ensured the success of this critical counter-terrorism mission. For his extraordinary bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, Captain Shubham Gupta was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal for Gallantry. The award was announced on Republic Day, 26 January 2024. His service number was IC-84541K, and his name now stands proudly among India’s gallantry awardees. Captain Shubham Gupta was only 26, but his courage was far greater than his years. His family lost a beloved son and brother, while the nation gained an immortal hero. His future dreams, including plans for marriage, were tragically cut short. But his legacy continues to live in the hearts of his family, his unit, and the nation. Captain Shubham Gupta is remembered as a fearless Special Forces officer who never hesitated when duty called. He was a leader who moved forward when his comrades needed support. He was a warrior who kept fighting even after suffering grievous injuries. He was a soldier who placed the mission, his men, and the nation above himself. His life reminds us that freedom is protected by brave hearts who serve in silence and sacrifice without hesitation. Captain Shubham Gupta’s name will forever remain etched in the proud history of 9 Para SF and the Indian Army. Jai Hind.

Indian Navy Pushes for 75% Retention of Agniveers; Army and IAF Recommend 50%

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh Pays Homage at Kargil War Memorial