Awards
The Major Kept Cool Major Ganapathi Puttichanda Somiah
Period : Indian Intervention in SrilankaMajor Ganapathi Puttichanda Somiah of the Mahar Regiment was an expirienced soldier having distinguished himself in the antisurgency operations in Nagaland. He was among the first contingency of soldiers who reached Srilanka in 1987 as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force(PKF). Major Ganapathi commanded a company of the 8 Mahar. On 16 October, 1987, the company was surrounded and attacked by heavily armed militants. The battle raged on all day. Major Ganapathi's men were in unfamiliar territory and were running out of ammunition. Casualties began to mount. The major however, kept the enemy at bay. His cool courage inspired his men to fight back spiritedly. A support patrol finally arrived with ammunition early next morning and the militants were driven away. Major Ganapathi was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for exceptional devotion to duty. | Other CategoriesHero of Phir Thil Major Satyapal ChopraHavildar Fateh Singh Lone Gunner Sepoy Dewan Singh The Gallant Havildar Lance Havildar Daya Ram The Unstoppable Chuna Ram Havildar Chuna Ram Major Hari Chand Blood in the Snow Sepoy Amar Singh Hero in Civies civilian labourer, Ismail Mohammad Rifleman Dhonkal Singh Master Strategist Lt.Colonel Khanna Main CategoriesParam Vir ChakraAshoka Chakra Maha Vir Chakra Kirti Chakra Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vir Chakra Shaurya Chakra President's Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry Sena Medal |
