How Colonel Santosh Mahadik won hearts, minds and battles: A heroic tale of sacrifice and service

Colonel Santosh Yashwant Mahik's life story is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to serving nation, all while leing a life less ordinary. Born on January 15, 1977, in Pogarwi, Maharashtra, he embarked on a remarkable journey from a small vill to becoming an icon of cour.  

Col. Mahik was son of a dairy farmer, Shri Mhukar Ramchandra Ghorpe, and Smt. Kalinda. His early life was marked by humility and hard work, values that would shape his character. His education took him to Sainik School Satara in Maharashtra, where his path towards a military career began to unfold.  

Following Chetwode motto and into elite ranks  

Col. Mahik's journey continued through esteemed halls of National Defence Acemy and Indian Military Acemy. It was here that he developed a deep-seated passion for serving in armed forces. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1998, at young of 21.

His unwavering dedication led him to volunteer for Para Special Forces, where a gruelling probation period awaited. He earned his place in elite 21 Para (SF) unit, specializing in Jungle Warfare, Mountain Warfare, and Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terrorism operations.  

Col. Mahik's career was marked by numerous operations, including Kargil War, Operation Orchid in Arunachal Presh, Operation Rhi in Assam, Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir, and Operation Hifazat in Manipur. His valour and commitment earned him several gallantry awards, including prestigious "Shaurya Chakra."  

A Vision for Kashmir: Winning hearts and minds  

Col. Mahik's leership extended beyond battlefield. He believed in power of winning hearts and minds and actively worked to foster a stronger connection between military and local community. His efforts included reconstructing old monuments, organizing sports events, and sending local youth on educational tours.  

Col. Mahik's vision also encompassed reviving tourism in region. He saw it as a means to provide employment opportunities for youth, diverting m from path of ricalization. His multifaceted approach, from mentorship to counselling, created a lasting impact in hearts and minds of people in Kashmir Valley.  

Ultimate Sacrifice: Kura Operation  

In a tragic turn of events, Colonel Santosh Mahik, who was commanding 41st Battalion Rashtriya Rifles, lost his life while leing an anti-terrorist operation in Kura district of Jammu and Kashmir. operation took place in challenging terrain of Manigah forest near Line of Control, where it was believed that militants h crossed border to hide.  

Col Mahik, always at forefront of operations, personally led his men in mission to thwart terrorists' attempts to infiltrate region. For a week, terrorists h been elusive, but on this fateful day, Col Mahik's unit spotted m. When challenged, militants opened fire, leing to an intense exchange of gunfire. Col Mahik was shot in chest during operation.  

injured officer was swiftly evacuated from hostile terrain, with one of his soldiers bravely carrying him down hill to a location near rohe. Given challenging geography of Manigah area, air evacuation was t possible. Col Mahik was rushed to 168 Military Hospital in Drugmulla, situated just off Sopore-Kura highway. Despite best efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on way to Army's Base Hospital in Srinagar.

Col Santosh Mahik was t only a dedicated soldier but also a remarkable leer. His valour, indomitable spirit, and unwavering commitment to safety and security of nation served as an inspiration to all. loss of this heroic officer was deeply mourned by Indian Army and entire nation. His sacrifice will be remembered as a symbol of cour and dedication of armed forces in ir fight against terrorism. He remains an eternal source of inspiration, forever etched in history and our hearts.