In a significant moment during India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), was promoted to the rank of Honorary Captain. This elevation is part of a larger acknowledgment of 2,241 Junior Commissioned Officers for their exemplary service, further solidifying Kumar’s legacy of bravery and dedication to the Indian Army. The promotion was showcased during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, where PVC awardees, including Kumar and retired Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, were honored, highlighting their contributions to the nation’s valor.
Sanjay Kumar was born on March 3, 1976, in Kalol Bakain village, located in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district, to a humble Dogra family. His parents, Durga Ram and Bhag Devi, instilled in him values of perseverance and duty. After completing his secondary education at the Government Senior Secondary School in his village, Kumar moved to New Delhi, where he worked as a taxi driver to make ends meet. Inspired by his uncle’s service in the Indian Army and the role of his brother in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, he aspired to join the military. Facing multiple rejections during enlistment, Kumar’s resolve eventually led to his induction into the 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on June 26, 1996, as a Rifleman.
His notable heroism emerged during the Kargil War of 1999 as part of Operation Vijay. On July 4, 1999, he volunteered to be the leading scout for a mission to capture a strategically important position called Area Flat Top (Point 4875) in the Mushkoh Valley, which was under enemy occupation. Fighting through hostile conditions, Kumar’s team faced intense gunfire from an enemy bunker about 150 meters away, which halted their progress.
In a display of extraordinary valour, Kumar crawled through a flanking route amid heavy gunfire. Despite suffering two bullet wounds—one to his chest and the other to his forearm—he continued to press on, bleeding heavily. He engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat, eliminating three enemy soldiers in the first bunker before seizing their Universal Machine Gun. Undeterred by his injuries, Kumar charged towards a second bunker, neutralizing further threats and motivating his platoon to overrun the position. His official PVC citation commended his actions, stating, “Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage, and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy.” This act not only secured the objective but also epitomized the unyielding spirit of the Indian soldier.
For his unmatched bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on Independence Day 1999, which is India’s highest wartime gallantry award. In addition to the PVC, Kumar’s accolades include the Wound Medal, Special Service Medal, Operation Vijay Star, Operation Vijay Medal, Sainya Seva Medal, High Altitude Medal, Videsh Seva Medal, and various long-service and anniversary medals, including honors for his participation in United Nations missions.
Kumar’s military career illustrates his dedication. He was directly promoted to Havildar on January 26, 2000, following his PVC award, with subsequent promotions to Naib Subedar in July 2014, Subedar (exact date unspecified), and Subedar Major in February 2022, during which he served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune. On August 15, 2025, he was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant, culminating in his promotion to Honorary Captain in 2026. Furthermore, on India’s 79th Independence Day in 2025, he was conferred with the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his continued service.
His career, however, was not without its challenges. In 2010, he faced a temporary demotion to Lance Naik, reportedly due to internal disputes, but this issue was later resolved, leading to further promotions. Kumar’s legacy is solidified not only through his military achievements but also through a statue erected at the Param Yodha Sthal in Delhi and an island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands renamed Sanjay Dweep in his honor in 2021. He has also been portrayed in the film “LOC Kargil” by actor Sunil Shetty.
As one of India’s three living PVC recipients, Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar continues to inspire generations of defense aspirants and active personnel alike. His remarkable journey, from a taxi driver to a national hero, epitomizes resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism. In recognition of his service beyond the battlefield, the Himachal Pradesh Government has offered post-retirement employment.
In contemporary times, amidst evolving security challenges, Kumar’s saga stands as a testament to the valor that typifies the Indian Armed Forces. His honors during Republic Day 2026 not only reflect past achievements but also reinforce the nation’s dedication to honoring its defenders.
