Meet Subedar Vikas Tomar 1 Para SF: The Fearless One Man Army
On September 11, 2024, deep in the treacherous terrain of Machhedi sector’s Dhagri Forest, one man led from the front — calm under fire, resolute in command, and unmatched in courage. That man is Subedar Vikas Tomar of the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) — better known as 1 Para SF. For his gallant actions during a 120-hour counter-terrorism operation, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a solemn investiture ceremony in 2025.
Tasked with leading a surveillance and search operation in the notorious Dhagri Forest, Subedar Vikas Tomar and his squad were deployed to neutralize a developing terror threat. At 1200 hours, while cautiously advancing on the North West Spur of Dhagri, his team came under sudden heavy fire from an unknown direction. In that critical moment, Subedar Tomar didn’t flinch. Under fire, he retaliated immediately, shielding his squad and executing a classic "fire and move" tactic to safety.
But the mission didn’t stop there.
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As bullets flew and visibility deteriorated due to bad weather, he crawled under enemy fire to close in on the threat. Demonstrating nerves of steel, he surprised the terrorist by lobbing a grenade and eliminated him with precision marksmanship. Then, with the same fearless resolve, he outflanked and neutralized a second terrorist by executing a perfect ambush maneuver.
Subedar Tomar’s actions not only saved lives but also broke the back of an imminent terror plot in the region. Operating in an area known for its volatile conditions, his tactical brilliance, situational awareness, and raw courage turned the tide in one of the most critical operations of the year.
The Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizes valor, courage, and self-sacrifice in the face of the gravest odds. Subedar Tomar’s actions perfectly embody the spirit of this honor.
His bravery also highlights the elite ethos of the 1 Para SF, a unit synonymous with lightning-quick responses, stealth operations, and unmatched courage. Since its formation in 1966, 1 Para SF has stood as a shield against terrorism and a symbol of India’s indomitable will.
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In his remarks, Subedar Tomar humbly dedicated the award to his unit and his family — especially his parents Shri Onkar Singh and Smt Saroj Devi, whose blessings, he said, gave him the strength to serve with pride and passion.
As President Murmu pinned the Shaurya Chakra on his chest, the hall erupted in applause — not just for the award, but for what it represented: an undying spirit to protect, serve, and sacrifice. Subedar Vikas Tomar’s story will forever inspire the next generation of Indian warriors, reminding them what it means to be truly fearless.
