Kargil War Hero and Param Vir Chakra Awardee Captain Sanjay Kumar Retires After Over Three Decades of Service.
Shimla:
India’s Kargil War hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee Sanjay Kumar officially retired from the Indian Army on February 28, 2026, after rendering more than three decades of distinguished service in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF). His retirement came into effect from March 1, 2026.
On his arrival at his native village Kalol in Tehsil Jhandutta of Bilaspur district, the decorated war veteran received a grand and emotional welcome from local residents and ex-servicemen (ESM). A large gathering assembled at his residence to honour the national hero and extend their heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling retired life.
The atmosphere was filled with pride and reverence as former servicemen and villagers greeted the soldier who played a pivotal and unparalleled role in evicting Pakistani intruders during the 1999 Kargil War. His extraordinary courage in the icy heights of Kargil earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
Speaking on the occasion, Capt Jagdish Verma (Retd), Chairman of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR), Himachal Pradesh, described the honour as a matter of immense pride for the state. He stated that the Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy during wartime.
“It is a matter of great honour for our small hill state that out of 21 Param Vir Chakra recipients in the country, four belong to Himachal Pradesh. Captain Sanjay Kumar is among the few who received this highest gallantry award during his lifetime, as many awardees were honoured posthumously,” he said.
Earlier this year, on January 26, 2026, Captain Sanjay Kumar was further honoured with an Honorary Commissioned Officer rank on Republic Day by senior defence officials, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career.
Himachal Pradesh has a distinguished legacy of bravery. The state’s pride in gallantry dates back to Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest gallantry honour for making the supreme sacrifice while fighting Pakistani troops in Srinagar during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war.
As Captain Sanjay Kumar begins a new chapter of life after decades of selfless service to the nation, the people of Himachal Pradesh have once again reaffirmed their deep respect for the soldier whose courage continues to inspire generations.
