2. Early Life and Education

Date and Place of Birth

Mohit Sharma was born on 13 January 1978, in Rohtak district, Haryana. He was the second child born to Rajendra Prasad Sharma and Sushila Sharma.

Family Background

The Sharma family originally hailed from Rasna village, Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. Major Sharma’s parents taught him values of courage, dedication, and national pride. He was affectionately nicknamed Chintu by his family, while academy friends named him Mike—an affectionate nod to his steadfast presence.

Education History

Sharma’s early schooling began at Manav Sthali School, Delhi, then Holy Angels’ Senior Secondary School, Sahibabad, before shifting to DPS Ghaziabad in 1988—where he completed his Class 12 in 1995.

Securing admission to engineering at Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College, Shegaon, Mohit deferred academics to pursue his dream of joining the armed forces—taking an NDA exam that same year. He departed for the NDA instead of engineering, starting in December 1995.

Early Interests and Influences

At NDA and subsequently IMA, Sharma excelled academically and physically. He won championships in horse riding (favoring a horse named “Indira”), boxing (featherweight), and swimming. His outstanding cadet credentials earned him the appointment of Battalion Cadet Adjutant and a rare invitation to meet then-President K.R. Narayanan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

3. Career

Career Beginnings

After commissioning on 11 December 1999, Sharma was assigned to the 5th Battalion, The Madras Regiment, and posted in Hyderabad. In Dec 2002, he opted for Para (Special Forces) training, graduating within six months and promoted to Captain in December 2003.

Major Milestones

• 2002: Posted with 38 Rashtriya Rifles conducting counterinsurgency in Kashmir; honored with Chief of Army Staff Commendation.
• Dec 2003–Mar 2004 (Shopian operation): Led a covert mission where he infiltrated Hizbul Mujahideen under alias “Iftikhar Bhatt,” neutralizing terrorists before they could execute an attack. Awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry in 2004 .
• 2005–2006 (Belgaum): Served as an instructor, training Para SF personnel.
• 2008–2009 (Kupwara deployment): Appointed leader of Bravo Assault Team to thwart terrorist infiltration in the Haphruda Forest .

The Kupwara Encounter

On 21 March 2009, intelligence reported terrorists crossing into Kupwara sector. Major Sharma led a night operation in the dense Haphruda Forest. Under intense gunfire from multiple directions, four commandos were wounded. Demonstrating extraordinary valor, he rescued two colleagues, eliminated two terrorists with grenades and pistol fire, and then, despite fatal wounds, charged at remaining terrorists in close combat—killing two more before succumbing to injuries. He neutralized four enemies, rescued two comrades, and saved the sector from a potential large-scale attack—an extraordinary act of gallantry .

Significant Achievements

• Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2002)
• Sena Medal for gallantry (2004)
• Ashoka Chakra (posthumous) (2010)
  Each award highlighted dedication to duty and exemplary bravery under extreme conditions.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Throughout his career, Sharma worked closely with elite Para SF personnel. He led from the front, inspiring subordinates through personal courage and tactical innovation, effectively integrating human intelligence and Special Forces operations.

4. Personal Life

Marital Status and Spouse

Major Mohit Sharma married Major Rishima Sharma (née Sarin), an Army officer, strengthening a bond rooted in shared service to the country .

Children

The couple had no children at the time of Sharma’s martyrdom in 2009.

Hobbies and Interests

A multi-talented individual, Sharma was a gifted musician—play­ing guitar, mouth organ, and keyboard. He performed live and was known for singing Hemant Kumar songs. He was also an avid sportsman, winning accolades in horse riding (favourite: “Indira”), featherweight boxing, and swimming .

Philanthropy and Activism

Sharma’s legacy extends through the Major Mohit Sharma Ashoka Chakra Memorial Trust, which works to preserve his life story and inspire future generations. The trust collaborates with military and civilian institutions to keep his spirit of service alive.

5. Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

Major Mohit Sharma died on 21 March 2009 in a fierce encounter in Haphruda Forest, Kupwara district, while eliminating terrorists despite sustaining critical injuries. He laid down his life protecting India and his comrades .

Funeral and Memorial Details

He was cremated with full military honors on 23 March 2009. The Indian Army and his unit paid final tributes, enshrining his courage within the ethos of Para SF.

Posthumous Recognitions

• Ashoka Chakra (conferred 26 January 2010) awarded to his wife, Major Rishima Sharma, by President Pratibha Patil 
• Metro station naming: Rajendra Nagar (Ghaziabad) renamed Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar station on Delhi Metro’s Red Line (2019) .
• Shaheed Major Mohit Sharma Marg: Road in Rajendra Nagar named in his honor (2011) .

Influence on Field or Society

Major Sharma’s sacrificial valor became a symbol of Para SF aspiration. His undercover missions and final operation are extensively studied within military institutions. His legacy continues through memorials, dramatizations like the upcoming film Iftikhar, and recurring media coverage—ensuring his courage inspires new generations .

6. Awards and Honors

7. Bibliography / Filmography

• Book: India’s Most Fearless 2 by Shiv Aroor & Rahul Singh includes his story.
• Film: Iftikhar (2022–23), produced by Drishyam Films & Applause Entertainment, highlighting his undercover mission in Kashmir 
• Documentaries/TV Features: Recounted in Indian Idol salute episodes, defense-themed docuseries, and military heritage programs.

     8. References

1. Wikipedia – Mohit Sharma (soldier)
2. StarsUnfolded – Major Mohit Sharma Biography 
3. Wikibio – Personal & career details 
4. Honourpoint  
5. Times of India  
6. Inshorts – Summary of his life and career 
7. CSEguide – Ashoka Chakra synopsis and legacy 
8. CareerGuide – detailed narrative 
9. TFIPost – Courage editorial 
10. MajorMohitSharma.org – Official memorial site 

 11.Metro station renaming – Financial Express & Wikipedia 

 9. External Links

• Major Mohit Sharma Memorial Trust: majormohitsharma.org
• Delhi Metro Official Website: Station renaming details
• Indian Army Gallantry Awards: [Gallantry Awards – Govt of India]
• Film Iftikhar – Drishyam Films / Applause Entertainment
• Media Tributes: Times of India, Defence Ministry videos, Inshorts retrospectives