Captain Tushar Mahajan was born on April 20, 1989, in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir. From a young age, he dreamed of donning the uniform and serving his nation, even though his family wished for him to pursue engineering like his elder brother, Nikhil. His military inclination led him to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), where he joined the ‘Alpha’ squadron of the 116th course in June 2006. He was a diligent and disciplined cadet who did well in cross-country running, boxing, and leadership and gained the coveted position of Divisional Cadet Captain. He then proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun to continue his training after he graduated from NDA in June 2009.
Commissioned into the elite Parachute Regiment, Captain Tushar Mahajan was assigned to the 9 Para (Special Forces), a unit that was highly regarded for its expertise in mountain warfare and counterinsurgency operations.
20 February 2016
Captain Tushar Mahajan, Captain Pawan Kumar and Lance Naik Om Prakash, displayed conspicuous courage and made the supreme sacrifice while fighting against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Awarded #ShauryaChakra (Posthumous).#JammuAndKashmir… pic.twitter.com/EhUf6pDCzu
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) February 20, 2025
He was one of the few selected from 100 probationers to be part of this elite force. His bold nature and dedication to the forces compelled him to perform exceptionally well in clandestine reconnaissance operations in Ladakh from 2012 to 2013, providing vital intelligence on terrorist operations. His expertise included combat diving, which he perfected through a demanding course at INS Venduruthy, allowing him to command underwater rescue missions in Jammu & Kashmir.
February 20, 2016, brought a dire challenge when terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy in Pampore, wounding several jawans. The assailants then took shelter inside the sprawling multi-story Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building. Initially, the CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles engaged the terrorists, but after the unfortunate martyrdom of Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para (SF), the operation was transferred to 9 Para (SF). Captain Tushar Mahajan, who was a master strategist and a bold commander, was tasked with leading the building intervention operation to neutralize the terrorists.
He tactfully planned the attack, with snipers keeping watch at the windows and his unit blasting open the doors to enter from every direction, with few casualties. While his team took the first and second floors, they were met with strong resistance from the terrorists who were on the higher floors. During the intense firing, Lance Naik Om Prakash was grievously injured but fought on, killing one terrorist before he died of his injuries.
When Captain Tushar moved towards the third floor, he came under fire from several shots. He suffered hemorrhage but did not give up and, ignoring his wounds, kept fighting, shooting, and throwing grenades at the terrorists. In his last moment of an act of heroism, he rushed at the last terrorist and killed him before falling down. Although rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, giving his life for his nation.
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In appreciation of his uncompromising courage and selfless service, Captain Tushar Mahajan was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. His legacy continues to live on with the Udhampur Railway Station renamed as “Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station.” His statue was unveiled at the ‘T Morh’ on Udhampur on his birthday in 2017. His life is an account of courage, valor, and unflinching devotion to the country, and generations shall be inspired by it.
