Harish Chandra Pathak

Major General Harish Chandra Pathak was born on 30 June 1934

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Lt Col H.C.Pathak was commanding officer of 8 Sikh, which was tasked with capturing Pak Fatehpur, which was a well-fortified position held by Pakistani troops. During the attack, the Pakistani troops were able to inflict heavy casualties on the assaulting Indian troops through intense and accurate artillery and small arms fire. Lieutenant Colonel Pathak, disregarding his personal safety and displaying high courage personally led the charge and captured the objective after fierce hand-to-hand fighting. The enemy launched two fierce counter attacks, both of which were beaten back by Lieutenant Colonel Pathak's men, inflicting heavy casualties.[2][3]

For his gallantry and leadership, Lt Colonel H.C.Pathak was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

This battle was part of the Battle of Basantar river, one of the major battles of the 1971 war.

Lt Colonel H.C.Pathak later rose to the rank of Major General. He passed away on 14 July 2015 due to natural causes.[4]

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Battle of Basantar