In a poignant ceremony held at Ashramam in Kollam, Kerala, the Indian Army paid tribute to 1971 Indo-Pak war hero 2nd Lt Radha Mohan Naresh by unveiling a bust in his honor. The event was organized by the Pangode Military Station and was attended by Brigadier Salil MP, the Station Commander, alongside the late officer’s siblings—Dr Gopi Mohan Naresh, Sreekala Rani S, and Praveen Naresh—who participated in the unveiling.
Second Lieutenant Radha Mohan Naresh, who was just 21 at the time, played a crucial role during the war. On December 10, 1971, while commanding a platoon, he was assigned to defend the Raipur crossing on the Munawar Tawi river. During this critical phase of the conflict, the Pakistani Army initiated a significant infantry offensive, aiming to seize control of the area.
Demonstrating exceptional bravery, Lt Naresh led his platoon in a fierce battle to hold their position until reinforcements could arrive. The Defence statement highlighted the valiant yet tragic nature of his effort, noting that he fell during one of the war’s most brutal confrontations. Remarkably, he had been commissioned into the Jat Regiment of the Indian Army only a week before the war began.
The tribute was not only a memorial for Naresh but also an homage to all soldiers who demonstrated extraordinary courage during wartime. The event saw the attendance of various military personnel, including officers from the Sainik Welfare Board and a gathering of fellow soldiers and ex-servicemen, all coming together to honor the legacy of a young hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.
