The story of Colonel Mahadik - The search of Lashkar-e-Taiba Militants| Kashmir 2015

Colonel Santosh Yashwant Mahadik, a decorated Indian Army officer, was born on January 15, 1977, in Pogarwadi, Satara, Maharashtra. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Shri Yashwant Bala Mahadik and Smt Babai Yashwant Mahadik, alongside his parents, Shri Madhukar Ramchandra Ghorpade, a dairy farmer, and Smt Kalinda, he developed a strong inclination towards the armed forces during his time at Sainik School Satara. As a keen sportsman, he excelled as a boxer, goalkeeper and runner. After completing his schooling, Mahadik joined Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science and later cleared the entrance examination to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in July 1997. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1998 and went on to volunteer for the Para Special Forces, joining the elite 21 Para (SF) unit. This unit specialized in jungle warfare, mountain warfare and counter-insurgency operations. Throughout his military career, Mahadik led numerous successful operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast. Notably, he received the Sena Medal in 2001 for his bravery during 'Operation Santo' in Lolab Valley, Kashmir. He also participated in significant operations such as Operation Vijay in Kargil, Operation Orchid in Arunachal Pradesh and Operation Rhino in Assam. Mahadik's service was marked by his exceptional leadership and bravery. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his valour and self-sacrifice. Tragically, he was martyred on November 17, 2015, during a counter-insurgency operation in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. His legacy continues to inspire, and his wife, Swati Mahadik, has carried forward his spirit by joining the Indian Army. #IndianArmy #Mahadik #RealHero #IndianSoldier #martyr #army #military #dada #realhero