Sanjay Kumar (soldier)

Sanjay Kumar PVC (born 3 March 1976) is an Indian Army soldier and a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration.

Kumar was born in Kalol Bakain village, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh. He joined the Indian Army as a rifleman in the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles.

During the Kargil War in 1999, as a member of a scouting party, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar volunteered to lead an assault on Area Flat Top, in the Mushkoh Valley. The area was held by Pakistani troops. During the assault, his company was pinned down by machine gun fire from an enemy bunker. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Kumar, on his own initiative, charged towards the bunker. Despite sustaining bullet injuries, he continued to advance. In hand-to-hand combat, he killed three enemy soldiers, silencing the machine gun.

Despite his injuries, Kumar refused to be evacuated and assisted in capturing the remaining positions. His bravery and selfless actions were instrumental in securing the area.

For his exceptional courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. He continues to serve in the Indian Army.