Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran: A Hero of Operation Pawan

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, a valiant officer of the Indian Army, was born on 13 September 1946 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra. The son of Mr. K.S. Ramaswamy and Mrs. Janaki, he pursued his early education at SIES (South Indian Education Society) High School, Mumbai, graduating in 1963. He then completed a degree in science from SIES College in 1968. With a passion for serving the nation, he joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, and was commissioned into the 15 Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army on 16 June 1972.

Major Parameswaran undertook several counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast during his long service with 15 Mahar and displayed an exceptional breed of courage and leadership. In 1981, he married a poet and writer, Ms. Uma, and continued his flash career. In 1983, he was called upon to serve with 5 Mahar, again under the banner of counter-insurgency operations. ‘Parry Sahib,’ as his troops would fondly refer to him, commanded great respect from them for his tactical brilliance and unflinching dedication to duty.

Operation Pawan and Indo-Sri Lanka Conflict

Operation Pawan was initiated in 1987 as India’s peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka. The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in July 1987, with the main objective of disarming a host of militant groups, particularly the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE, however, was not disarmed and resorted to violent attacks upon the Indian forces, so there was a vicious and prolonged armed conflict.

Major Parameswaran was detached to serve in 8 Mahar, one of the first battalions to deploy in Sri Lanka. His expertise in counterinsurgency warfare made him a useful ally for most of this deployment. The mission, which required rapid strategic action, showed Major Parameswaran in a tall order.

The Battle of 25 November 1987

On the night of 25 November 1987, Major Parameswaran led a patrol unit on a search mission in Kantharodai near Uduvil in Jaffna, an LTTE stronghold. Their objective was to locate a hidden consignment of weapons. Unknowingly, they walked into a well-planned ambush by heavily armed LTTE militants equipped with AK-47s, grenades, and heavy machine guns (HMGs). The militants also had the area mined, making movement difficult for the Indian soldiers.

Realizing the grave situation, Major Parameswaran quickly devised a counter-ambush strategy. He led ten of his men in a bold attack, crawling through a coconut grove to surprise the militants. Despite facing relentless enemy fire, he continued advancing with fierce determination.

During the assault, he was struck by an HMG burst on his left wrist, nearly severing his hand. Undeterred, he snatched a weapon from a militant and shot him down. Moments later, another HMG burst hit him in the chest. The mini-clear pistol and rounds in his pocket exploded due to the impact, and he succumbed to his injuries. However inspired by their leader’s astounding bravery, his soldiers retaliated with unmatched aggression, ultimately defeating the militants.

Param Vir Chakra and Legacy

For his supreme sacrifice, gallant leadership, and indomitable courage, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was posthumously awarded India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. He remains the only recipient of the PVC from the IPKF operation in Sri Lanka and the first officer from OTA Chennai to receive the honor. His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and patriots across India.