Lt Ram Prakash Roperia,

Lt Ram Prakash Roperia, was born in the village named Pali in Hissar District in the state of Haryana on 10^th June, 1959.His father’s name was Shri Bhal Singh. Ram did is primary education in his village school only and later he took admission in Sainik School, at Kunjpura village in Karnal District in the state of Haryana. He completed his HSC exams with First class in 1976. Ram Prakash was good in nature and was favourite of his teachers and beloved of his colleagues equally. He brilliant in academics and sports as well.

He was B.Sc (Hons) gradute in Agriculture from the Haryana Agricultural University with First division. After completing graduation, he decided to join Indian Military Academy and was first placed in the Indian Army Force on 19^th December, 1981 where he was the part of 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment

On the night of 5th/6th June 1984, during Operation Blue Star, ‘C’ Company of 26 Madras was ordered and assigned the task to secure the first floor of a building complex that was held by the terrorists. The Building Complex was heavily                 consolidated by the terrorists. Lt. Ram Prakash Roperia was the in-charge officer commanding of ‘C’ Company of 26^th Battalion Madras. Terrorists were equipped with automatic weapons that had blocked the staircases which was leading to the first floor. Lt Ram Prakash Roperia analyzed the scenario and came to a conclusion, that they will enter the building by climbing with the help of a ladder, without bothering about his personal safety. While he was trying to climb to the first floor he was targeted with machine gun firing, however he continued fearlessly and made attempts to reach the first floor and after three attempts, he asked for the support.

When accompanied by Nb Sub KG Koshy, in the fourth attempt they managed to reach to the first floor of the building. They were supported by the battalion, which helped them to achieve their targeted objectives and demolished the terrorist’s stronghold. Engulfed in machine gun firing Lt Ram Prakash Roperia and Nb Sub KG Koshy cleared the dugout. He guided his team determinedly, and while clearing the escalator of the first floor a bullet hitted him. Even, the bullet injury failed to change in mind and can’t demotivated him, instead he stood up and made all possible effort and lobbed two hand grenades and moved further on the escalators. Again he got targeted by a terrorist which injured him seriously, but he did returned fired and abolished the terrorist who had shot him. He was seriously injured and shot by two bullets still he managed to climb down the escalators and established line with D battalion. As he reached the ground floor, Ram collapsed and was taken to hospital where he yielded to his injuries.

During the course of action in duty, Ram showed the utmost velour, courage and set an example of fellowship. His dedication towards his duty and mother-land is exceptionally high. Later, he was awarded with nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award ‘Ashoka Chakra’.