Major Padmapani Acharya

When in 1948 Pakistan secretly invaded India in Kashmir and then as Indian troops started repulsing them back, ceasefire was agreed upon at a particular position. Since that time the same position has existed over there till date. It is called ‘line of control’. Under a conspiracy hatched again, Pakistani army entering secretly into our side of the line of control in Kargil area up to a distance of 10 kms. Occupied some high peaks. As it came into Indian army’s knowledge it took no time in realizing that these peaks were of great strategic importance for us. Perched on them, Pakistan army could keep an eye all the time on the movements of our army columns to other parts of Kashmir. Indian army began its assault to get these posts vacated. During a month long bitterly fought war, a large number of our army officers and jawans sacrificed their lives. The posts established by Pakistani army were located on higher altitudes, while we had to dislodge them by attacking them from lower positions. In spite of these adverse circumstances our troops forced the enemy to quit this area and reestablish its control there.

Wg. Cdr. Jagan Nath Acharya was a colleague of mine in Agni team. We were neighbours also in D.R.D.O. residential complex. Children from nearby areas used to play cricket together every evening and on holidays. Wing Commander’s son, Padmapani, was the captain of this team due to his bubbling enthusiasm. Joining army after a few years he left the colony for his appointment. Thereafter, he was seen at times, whenever he came home on vacation, but always made it a point to meet his friends even during those visits. One day during Kargil war, Wing Commander casually talked to me in office stating that Padmapani is posted in Kargil sector these days and that remains a cause of worry for the family due to dangerous environment prevailing there. Trying to boost his morale, I told him not to worry and that everything would be alright.

Same night the news was received about Padmapani Acharya’s martyrdom. Along with Acharya family, we also plunged in grief. Myself and my wife went and met the grieved parents. There was Mrs. Charu Padmapani also at home, waiting to become a mother for the first time within next few weeks. Both of us were feeling the pain of this family but at the same time admired the exemplary balance maintained by them even in this terrible time.

Within a few weeks after this tragedy, when we came to know about their younger son joining army, we could not but bow our head to Acharya family.