In a poignant ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of Havildar Hangpan Dada’s ultimate sacrifice, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, led tributes at the soldier’s memorial in Borduria village, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district. The event took place on May 26, 2025, commemorating the day in 2016 when Havildar Dada bravely gave his life while neutralizing four terrorists during a fierce encounter in the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Pendharkar laid a wreath at the memorial, honoring the valor displayed by Havildar Dada, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2017, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The event featured a solemn guard of honor composed of Indian Army soldiers, alongside a garlanded bust of Havildar Dada that symbolizes his lasting legacy. The site was beautifully adorned with flowers and candles, drawing community members and local dignitaries who gathered to pay their respects.
Born on October 2, 1979, in Borduria, Havildar Dada served with distinction in both the Assam Regiment and later with the Rashtriya Rifles. His courageous actions on May 26, 2016, involved engaging three terrorists at close quarters while wounding a fourth, effectively thwarting an infiltration attempt. His bravery came at the ultimate cost, and his sacrifice has become a beacon of valor within the Indian Armed Forces.
Lt Gen Pendharkar took the opportunity to meet with Havildar Dada’s family during the ceremony, offering assurances of the Army’s ongoing support and expressing the nation’s gratitude for their loss. This interaction highlighted the Army’s enduring commitment to the welfare of the families of its fallen heroes.
In addition to honoring Havildar Dada, the GOC engaged with ex-servicemen from the Tirap and Longding districts, acknowledging their essential contributions to national security and community development. Speaking at a local community hall, he underlined the strategic importance of the region, which has faced both counter-insurgency operations and challenges in developmental efforts near the Line of Actual Control. This engagement reflects the Indian Army’s dual role in defense and in fostering stability and growth in Northeast India.
Havildar Dada’s legacy continues to resonate across the nation. Notable tributes include a bridge in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh, and a stand at the prestigious Eden Gardens in Kolkata bearing his name. The Assam Regimental Centre has also honored him by naming its main office block after him, while the Chief Minister’s Trophy for football and volleyball in Arunachal Pradesh has been renamed the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy. These honors ensure that his memory remains alive within both military and civilian contexts.
As the memorial ceremony came to a close, Lt Gen Pendharkar emphasized the importance of continued operational preparedness, reaffirming the dedication of the Indian Army to safeguarding the nation. The tribute in Borduria served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers like Havildar Hangpan Dada, as well as the collective responsibility of the nation to honor and remember them.
