Subedar Moda Ram SM

Subedar Moda Ram hailed from Sunari village in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Son of Chowdhary Pramana Ram Birda and Smt Maghi Devi, he joined the Army after completing his school education. He was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and various daredevil operations. Later he volunteered to join the 10 Para(SF) battalion, known as “Desert Scorpions” specially trained for desert warfare. By 1988, he had put in over twenty years of service and had been promoted to the rank of a Subedar. By then he had served in various operational areas and evolved into a dedicated soldier with substantial experience in field operations.

On 29 July 1987, Indian government signed an agreement with Sri Lanka for bringing a peaceful solution to the insurgency in Sri Lanka. However the operations in Sri Lanka did not go as planned and IPKF got drawn into a bloody and long conflict. The Indian operations launched in August 1987 continued for the next three years, involving over 20000 soldiers. Sub Moda Ram’s unit, 10 Para(SF) was inducted into Sri Lankan theater of operations in 1987.

Op Pawan : 26 Aug 1988

After the induction of Indian forces in Aug 1987, the militants were supposed to surrender but the dreaded LTTE backed out and unleashed war on Indian forces. Initially only 54 division of the Army was inducted but the escalation of the operations brought three more divisions 3, 4 and 57 into the conflict. By Aug 1988, Indian forces had undertaken numerous operations against LTTE but the war was far from over. Sub Moda Ram’s unit, 10 Para(SF) was tasked for one such operation on 26 Aug 1988. Based on credible intelligence reports a decision was taken to launch an operation to attack a militant hideout, located in the area of operation of 10 Para(SF). Sub Moda Ram was part of the team that was tasked with this operation. 

As Sub Moda Ram and his comrades reached the suspected area, they came under a surprise attack by a group of heavily armed LTTE militants. Sub Moda Ram in a swift action quickly redeployed his men tactically and counter attacked. Sub Moda Ram and his brave para commandos manged to eliminate seven militants in the operation. However the militants were in large number and the gun-battle continued. In the subsequent heavy exchange of fire Sub Moda Ram received multiple gun shots and got seriously injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Sub Moda Ram was a valiant solider and a dependable junior commissioned officer who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Sub Moda Ram was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his commendable courage, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifice. 

Sub Moda Ram is survived by his father Chowdhary Pramana Ram Birda, mother Smt Maghi Devi and wife Smt Bhuri Devi.