Like father, like son: Assam officer earns Shaurya Chakra, continues family's military legacy

GUWAHATI, June 9: When Major Bhargav Kalita received the Shaurya Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu for his gallantry in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, it was not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of a family tradition of military service spanning generations.

Major Bhargav Kalita, a native of Rampur (Sujanpara) village in Assam’s Kamrup district, was conferred the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for displaying exceptional courage and leadership while serving with the Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir.

The honour has also brought attention to the distinguished military career of his father, Maj Gen (Retd.) Bhaskar Kalita, Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), who served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades before retiring in 2022 as Additional Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), North Eastern Directorate. Following his retirement, he was appointed a member of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).

An alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara, and the National Defence Academy, Pune, Bhaskar Kalita was commissioned into the 19 Kumaon Regiment on June 9, 1985. During his long military career, he held several key command and staff appointments, including command of an infantry battalion, an infantry brigade in counter-insurgency operations, a mountain division in the Eastern Theatre, and a Sub Area.

Major Bhargav Kalita served in some of the most sensitive counter-terrorism theatres of South Kashmir, including Pulwama, Awantipora, Budgam and Srinagar. According to Army records, he played a key role in neutralising terrorists and dismantling support networks operating in the region.

According to the Shaurya Chakra citation, Major Kalita acted on short-notice intelligence inputs to meticulously plan, lead and execute a surgical ambush operation against a hardcore terrorist. When challenged at close range, the terrorist opened indiscriminate fire and attempted to flee. Undeterred, Major Kalita returned precise fire and skilfully manoeuvred his team to seal all escape routes. He directed the ambush party to maintain continuous surveillance and suppressive fire, ensuring the terrorist remained pinned down until the operation was successfully concluded.

The award has been widely welcomed in Assam, where many have hailed Major Kalita’s achievement as a matter of pride for the state.

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