My schoolmate - A true Martyr.

I couldn't believe my ears. I wished what I heard was not true.
When my friend from Bangalore called, I thought what I heard couldn't be true.
It took me few hours to comprehend the reality.

He was my classmate for seven years at school. An effective leader, he was the school captain in the 12th standard 1996-97. And he will be alive in his classmate's and Nation's conscience for ever. He is the true hero. Selfless ultimate sacrifice to the Nation. I pray to God for his soul to rest in peace.

"Quote from Newspaper"
An alumnus of the Sainik School, Kazhakootam and National Defence Academy, Capt Harshan R volunteered for the Special Forces and was commissioned into 2 PARA (SF) on 10 Dec 2002. Para Commandos are an elite Special Forces unit of the Indian Army. Nicknamed as The Red Devils, the Para Commandos are considered to be among the best elite special force in the world.
All Indian paratroopers are volunteers; some enter the regiments direct from civilian life, while others transfer in from regular army units. There is a probationary period of three months when trainees undergo various physical and mental tests, during which many are rejected.
This three month probationary period, is when an individual is tested physically, mentally and psychologically. The Bali-Dan (Sacrifice) badge is conferred after a stint of one year with the Para (SF), or a six month stint with the battalion if it is involved in active operations.
Being from civilian background of highly qualified parents and brothers, Harshan could have chosen an easy and comfortable life but he chose to serve the nation in the most direct and daring way he thought he could.
Toughness and tenacity of Capt Harshan was reflected in the operations conducted by the Officer as he relentlessly conducted operations with success in the harsh confines of North Kashmir.
Only two weeks back, on 7 March 2007 at Sogam (Kupwara),the Officer was single handedly responsible for eliminating the top leadership of Harkat-Ul-Mujahideen (HuM) in an operation in North Kashmir by killing2 hardcore leaders of HuM.
On 20th March Captain Harshan received specific inputs regarding presence of a group of hard core terrorists in Chhoti Margi area of Kupwara.
Without wasting a movement and in spite of inclement weather, continuous snowfall and pitch dark night, he rushed to the area with his troops and laid cordon of the house in the early hours of morning.
At 0350 hrs terrorists attempted to break cordon taking advantage of darkness and poor visibility.
Four terrorists rushed out firing and virtually came face to face with Capt Harshan. Despite being outnumbered Capt Harshan killed one terrorist on the spot, however received a gun shot wound in his thigh. Unmindful of the injury Capt Harshan killed another terrorist.
However, in the process the Officer received a fatal gun shot wound on his neck. After eliminating 2 hardcore terrorists Captain Harshan succumbed to injuries but not before his valour and supreme courage encouraged the others to eliminate 2 more terrorists in the same operation.
A grateful nation salutes the brave and determined officer who in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and "THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT" put service before self and gave the supreme sacrifice.
Lt. Colonel P. Srivastava, Harshan's commanding officer and a veteran Special Forces man himself, told reporters that the Captain's death was a national loss.
"I have shed tears for this man who I knew personally and professionally. It is difficult to replace an officer like him," he added
"unquote"

My salute to you Harshan.
Jai Hind.