Kupwara, Nov 17: (Press Release): Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, a Brave Heart Soldier, member of elite Para Commando Force made supreme sacrifice to nation on 17 Nov 2015 while fighting with militants in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Colonel Santosh Mahadik was born in a humble family of POGARWADI Village of Satara District of Maharashtra on 15 Jan 1977. This true son of Mother India was brim-full patriotic since childhood and an excellent sportsman.
He took over challenging command of 41RR on 16 Jul 2014. His work and effort for bringing the misguided and local militants into mainstream of nation is still engraved in the memory of locals.
A specific input was received of presence of militants in gen area Kashmiri Manigah of Kupwara district on 13 Nov 2015 and Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Sena Medal, led the operational team from the front during fight with militants.
On 17 Nov 2015 during the operation, Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Sena Medal was hit on head & was evacuated to Drugmulla Military Hospital but succumbed despite medical intervention. The Colonel was awarded SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS) for dynamic leadership and extreme bravery.
Smt Swati Santosh Mahadik (wife of Colonel Santosh Mahadik) following the footprints of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, SC, SM joined INDIAN ARMY and became an inspiration to the entire Nation and symbolised a patriotic lady.
Family of 41RR paid tribute to the Nation’s Hero and it’s Eternal Commanding Officer on 17 Nov 2020. A special pooja in Sarva Dharma Sthal, wreath laying ceremony, a movie on his biography and motivational speeches were organised for the 41 RR family in remembrance of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, SC, SM.
