Meet Lieutenant Anurag Shukla: The Young Officer Who Gave His Life Saving a Fellow Soldier

Lieutenant Anurag Shukla, Service No. IC-84292W, of the 10th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (10 JAK Rif), exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army through his selfless act of courage. On 19 April 2019, during a routine combat training exercise in Rajasthan, the young officer, aged 23, laid down his life while rescuing a drowning fellow soldier. His sacrifice, though occurring in a non-combat training environment, underscored the profound sense of duty, camaraderie, and leadership instilled in every officer of the Indian Armed Forces.

Born in Singra Khurd village, located in the Medninagar block of Palamu district, Jharkhand, Lieutenant Shukla hailed from a family that deeply valued integrity, perseverance, and service to the nation. He was the only son of Shri Jitendra Shukla and Smt. Usha Shukla, and had two sisters, Supriya and Roshni. The family maintained close ties with Ranchi, Jharkhand, where they resided in areas such as Arogya Colony, Pundag. From an early age, Anurag demonstrated a strong sense of discipline and patriotism, qualities that would later define his brief yet impactful military career.

His educational foundation was laid at DAV School in Daltonganj, where he completed schooling up to Class X. Recognised for his leadership potential and academic excellence, he pursued higher studies at St. Xavier’s College in Ranchi, earning a Master’s degree in Economics as a gold medallist. Inspired by tales of valour and national service, Lieutenant Shukla set his sights on a career in the Indian Army. He successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) and joined the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Upon commissioning, he was posted to the 10th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles—his first and only unit. At the time of the incident, he had served for approximately five months.

In early 2019, Lieutenant Shukla’s battalion was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Subsequently, the unit moved to Rajasthan for a combat training exercise, designated as Op Karanpur, conducted in the Karanpur area of Sri Ganganagar district. This exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness through rigorous physical and tactical drills, including swimming proficiency sessions.

On the afternoon of 19 April 2019, during a swimming practice in a water body with strong currents, Rifleman Sharvjeet Singh (also referred to as Sarvjeet or Shrawanjeet Singh) began to drown. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Shukla, who was present at the site, plunged into the turbulent waters to rescue his subordinate. He successfully brought the soldier to safety, but was himself overwhelmed by the powerful currents. A rescue team recovered him after nearly an hour of intensive efforts. He was immediately rushed to the Government Hospital at Gajsinghpur, where, despite medical intervention, he was declared dead. The rescued soldier received prompt treatment and survived.

Lieutenant Shukla’s actions embodied the Chetwode Credo, a foundational principle taught at the Indian Military Academy: “The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.” His decision to prioritise the life of a fellow soldier over his own reflected the ethos of selfless service that defines the Indian Army officer corps.

The nation mourned the loss of this promising young leader. His mortal remains were transported to Ranchi and then to his ancestral village in Singra Khurd. The funeral was conducted with full military honours on the banks of the Koyal River. Army personnel rendered a final salute, and an officer presented a shawl to his grieving father, Shri Jitendra Shukla, who performed the last rites. The ceremony drew attendance from district officials, military representatives, political leaders, social organisations, students, and members of the local community. Tributes echoed with chants of “Veer Anurag Amar Rahe” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” as the village observed a day of mourning, with many households refraining from lighting fires as a mark of respect.

Lieutenant Anurag Shukla’s supreme sacrifice continues to inspire serving personnel, defence aspirants, and civilians alike. Memorialised on platforms such as Honourpoint and through annual tributes on social media and defence portals, his legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the quiet heroism that sustains the Indian Army. Though his service was brief, his commitment to duty and to his men remains eternal. In the annals of military history, Lieutenant Shukla stands as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of those who wear the uniform, ready to protect and serve—even at the ultimate cost.