Heroic Major Mohit Sharma: Engineer-Turned-Soldier Who Defeated Terrorists
Major Mohit Sharma’s life story represents courage, dedication, and extraordinary commitment to his country. Born on January 13, 1978, in Rohtak, Haryana, he was affectionately known as “Chintu” by his family. Among friends and colleagues, he earned the nickname “Mike,” reflecting his vibrant personality.
Apart from his academic talents, Major Sharma had a passion for music. Records from the Defence Ministry highlight his ability to play several instruments, including the guitar, mouth organ, and synthesizer. His performances of classic melodies were particularly beloved by his audience.
Education and Career Journey
Major Sharma completed his schooling in Delhi-NCR, graduating from Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad, in 1995. Although he secured a spot in an engineering college in Maharashtra, his true aspirations lay in serving the Armed Forces. In a pivotal moment, he left his engineering studies to enroll in the National Defence Academy (NDA).
After successful training at the NDA, he graduated from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 11, 1999. He was commissioned into the 5 MADRAS regiment and later participated in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir with the 38 Rashtriya Rifles. His exceptional service earned him the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card in 2002.
Elite Operations and Heroic Legacy
Driven by ambition, Major Sharma joined the prestigious 1 PARA (Special Forces) in 2003. The following year, he was awarded the Sena Medal for a daring undercover mission. Under the alias Iftikhar Bhatt, he infiltrated a Hizbul Mujahideen group, successfully eliminating two terrorists during this high-risk operation.
Major Sharma’s defining moment came on March 21, 2009, during a vital mission in Kupwara, North Kashmir. Despite sustaining a chest injury, he displayed remarkable bravery by continuing to fight, rescuing injured soldiers, and neutralizing four terrorists in intense combat. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries, but not before ensuring the safety of his team. For this unparalleled valor, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry honor.
Controversy and Cultural Impact
The recent film “Dhurandhar” has reignited discussions about Major Mohit Sharma’s legacy. After its release, his family expressed concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of his life, claiming that it draws heavily on his experiences without proper acknowledgment. They have reportedly approached the Delhi High Court seeking clarification on the film’s content.
Despite this controversy, “Dhurandhar” has seen significant box office success, crossing the ₹230 crore mark within eight days of its release, with expectations to surpass ₹250 crore soon.
As conversations surrounding the film continue, Major Mohit Sharma’s extraordinary life remains a source of inspiration and remembrance among many. His story exemplifies bravery and service, instilling pride in those who cherish his memory.
