On November 25, 1987, a fierce encounter in Sri Lanka etched Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran's name permanently into India's military history. The brave officer from the Mahar Regiment became the first and only recipient of India's highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, for actions during the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka.
The Hero's Final Battle
Major Parameswaran was leading his troops back to camp after completing a search operation in Sri Lanka when his company encountered approximately 75 militants from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The militants had set up an ambush, waiting to strike the returning Indian soldiers.
In the sudden firefight that erupted, Major Parameswaran displayed extraordinary leadership and courage. Despite being severely wounded by enemy fire, he continued to command his troops and engage the militants directly. In a remarkable display of battlefield ingenuity, he immediately led a bayonet charge against the numerically superior enemy force.
The hand-to-hand combat that followed turned the tide of the battle. Major Parameswaran personally bayoneted two militants and seized a rifle from one of them. Even after sustaining fatal injuries during this close-quarters fighting, the courageous officer kept fighting until his last breath, inspiring his men to ultimately overcome the enemy and secure victory.
Life and Legacy of a National Hero
Born on September 13, 1946, in Mumbai, Ramaswamy Parameswaran had been part of the Indian Army's Territorial Army before joining the regular army. His journey to becoming a military hero began with his commission into the Mahar Regiment on January 16, 1972.
The Param Vir Chakra citation highlights his exceptional bravery: "Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and thought nothing of his life and personal safety in performing this act of exceptional bravery and ensured the success of his company." His actions not only motivated his men to fight with renewed vigor but also resulted in the elimination of five militants and the capture of three others along with their weapons.
Major Parameswaran made the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 41, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indian soldiers. His heroic actions during what became known as Operation Pawan demonstrated the highest standards of leadership and courage under fire.
Remembering India's Bravest
The Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, has been awarded only 21 times since independence. Major Parameswaran remains the only recipient from the Sri Lanka operations, making his achievement particularly significant in Indian military history.
His citation perfectly captures the essence of his heroism: "In this action, Major Parameswaran displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and thought nothing of his life and personal safety in performing this act of exceptional bravery and ensured the success of his company."
Today, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran's name stands alongside other Param Vir Chakra recipients as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice and bravery that defines the Indian Army's finest warriors. His story continues to be taught in military academies and remembered during national celebrations as an example of exceptional courage and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.
The nation honors his memory every year on the anniversary of his heroic actions, ensuring that future generations understand the price paid by soldiers like Major Parameswaran to protect India's interests and uphold its military traditions.
