Captain Yogender Singh Thakur Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Bravery in Counter-Terrorism Operation with 6 PARA (SF)
In the Indian Army's 6th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), Captain Yogender Singh Thakur has distinguished himself through exceptional bravery, earning the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award. This honor, announced by President Droupadi Murmu on the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, recognizes his valiant actions during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting his significant contributions to national security under challenging conditions.
Coming from a modest background in the Gram Panchayat Dart Bagla of the Jogindernagar sub-division in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, Captain Thakur represents the dedication often found in rural India. His father, Anil Thakur, is a retired school principal, and his mother, Beena Devi, is a homemaker. He was educated at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Balkarupi, Jogindernagar, where he developed the discipline and academic skills that would serve him well in his career. The school's administration, including manager Ashwani Sood and principal Naveen Sharma, has expressed deep pride in his achievements, noting how he has elevated the school's and the state's reputation.
Captain Thakur has built a distinguished career within the Indian Army, focusing on elite special operations. Assigned to 6 PARA (SF), known for its expertise in airborne and specialized warfare, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional tactical and leadership capabilities. His duties include advanced training and deployment in counter-insurgency operations, particularly in the strategically important regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
His Shaurya Chakra award stems from an operation conducted in July 2025 in the Basantgarh sector of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. On July 21, 2025, intelligence indicated that terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed planned a significant attack. Captain Thakur led his unit into a remote and challenging area to intercept the threat.
On July 26, 2025, surveillance identified unusual activity about a kilometer away, prompting Captain Thakur to adjust his ambush strategy. At 0900 hours, suspects were spotted approximately 300 meters away. To prevent escape and minimize collateral damage, he advanced his team through thick fog. As they approached, the terrorists opened fire, but Captain Thakur, demonstrating calm precision, encircled the adversaries, crawled under heavy fire, and engaged them at close range from about 30 meters. His actions resulted in neutralizing a key Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, significantly reducing a threat to national stability.
This operation underscored his courage and skill in executing missions under pressure while ensuring civilian safety.
The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for acts of valor in non-combat situations, underscores Captain Thakur's dedication and tactical expertise. Among 13 recipients in 2026, including various special forces members, the award ceremony during the Republic Day celebrations highlights the indispensable role of military personnel in safeguarding national integrity.
The announcement of Captain Thakur's award has resonated broadly across his native village, the Jogindernagar area, and the nation. People have gathered at his family home to offer congratulations, fostering a sense of pride and joy. His journey from humble beginnings to national recognition serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals, motivating them to pursue careers in defense and embody bravery and patriotism.
In light of ongoing security challenges, Captain Yogender Singh Thakur's story exemplifies the unwavering dedication of India's armed forces, highlighting the essential role of specialized units in maintaining peace and security.
