Kollam in Kerala witnessed a poignant tribute to a war hero on Tuesday, as the Indian Army unveiled a bust in honor of 2nd Lt Radha Mohan Naresh, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The ceremony took place at Ashramam and was organized under the aegis of the Pangode Military Station.
The event was graced by Brigadier Salil MP, Station Commander of Pangode Military Station, alongside the late officer’s siblings, Dr. Gopi Mohan Naresh, Sreekala Rani S, and Praveen Naresh, who took part in the unveiling of the bust. This ceremony serves not only as a commemoration of Naresh’s bravery but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers in the service of the nation.
On December 10, 1971, Second Lieutenant Radha Mohan Naresh was entrusted with the vital responsibility of commanding a platoon at the Raipur crossing along the Munawar Tawi river, where the Pakistani Army had initiated a significant infantry offensive. The young officer exhibited remarkable leadership, resolutely guiding his platoon in a fierce battle to defend their position until reinforcements could arrive.
The fierce engagement during this phase of the war claimed the life of the 21-year-old officer, who had just been commissioned into the esteemed Jat Regiment of the Indian Army a week prior to the outbreak of hostilities. The statement from the Defense Department highlighted the valor exhibited by Lt Naresh, emphasizing that he fell during one of the war’s most brutal confrontations.
The ceremony was attended by numerous Army officers, representatives from the Sainik Welfare Board, including Wg. Cdr. Santhosh (Retd), as well as soldiers and ex-servicemen, all there to pay their respects to a soldier whose courage and dedication to duty continues to inspire future generations. The unveiling of the bust not only honors the memory of Radha Mohan Naresh but also reinforces the values of bravery and sacrifice that are the hallmark of the Indian Armed Forces.
