Meet Captain Yogender Singh Thakur: 6 PARA (SF) Officer Awarded Shaurya Chakra for a Daring Counter-Terror Operation
Captain Yogender Singh Thakur in the 6th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), known as 6 PARA (SF), within the Indian Army. He was recently honored with the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exemplary bravery during a high-stakes counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. This recognition was announced by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, January 26, 2026, highlighting his contributions to national security amid challenging operational environments.
Early Life and Background
Hailing from a modest family in Gram Panchayat Dart Bagla, located in the Jogindernagar sub-division of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, Captain Thakur embodies the spirit of dedication and service instilled in many from rural India. His father, Anil Thakur, is a retired school principal, while his mother, Beena Devi, manages the household as a homemaker. Captain Thakur pursued his higher education at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Balkarupi, Jogindernagar, where his academic foundation laid the groundwork for a career marked by discipline and excellence. School officials, including manager Ashwani Sood and principal Naveen Sharma, have expressed immense pride in his achievements, noting that he has elevated the reputation of the institution, the local community, and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
Military Career
Captain Thakur's journey in the Indian Army reflects a commitment to elite special operations. Assigned to 6 PARA (SF), a unit renowned for its airborne and special forces capabilities, he has demonstrated tactical proficiency and leadership in demanding scenarios. His role involves specialized training and deployments in counter-insurgency operations, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
The Heroic Operation
The operation that earned Captain Thakur the Shaurya Chakra unfolded in July 2025 in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. On July 21, 2025, intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, posing a significant threat of a major attack. Captain Thakur was entrusted with leading a special mission to neutralize the group in a remote and rugged terrain characterized by difficult geographical conditions.
By July 26, 2025, his surveillance team detected suspicious activity approximately one kilometer away. He swiftly redeployed his ambush party to maintain oversight. At 0900 hours, unidentified individuals were observed at a distance of 300 meters. To avert their escape and prevent collateral damage, Captain Thakur advanced his squad through dense fog. As the team closed in, the terrorists unleashed indiscriminate fire. Exhibiting exceptional composure and strategic acumen, he outflanked the enemy, crawled forward under heavy fire, and engaged in close-quarter combat from just 30 meters. Despite the intense exchange, he neutralized a hardcore Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist, effectively thwarting a broader security risk.
This action not only showcased his personal courage but also his ability to lead under pressure, ensuring mission success without compromising civilian safety.
The Award and Its Significance
The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy during peacetime, underscores Captain Thakur's indomitable spirit and operational effectiveness. He is among 13 recipients of this honor in 2026, including personnel from various special forces units. The award ceremony, part of the Republic Day observances, serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel in safeguarding the nation's integrity.
Public Reaction and Inspiration
The announcement of Captain Thakur's award has sparked widespread celebration across his native village, the Jogindernagar region, Himachal Pradesh, and the nation at large. Villagers and well-wishers have flocked to his family home to offer congratulations, fostering an atmosphere of pride and joy. As a figure from an ordinary background who rose to prominence through service, Captain Thakur has become a role model for the youth, inspiring them to pursue careers in national defense and embody values of bravery and patriotism.
In an era where security challenges persist, Captain Yogender Singh Thakur's story exemplifies the unwavering resolve of India's soldiers. His contributions reinforce the importance of specialized forces in maintaining peace and stability.
