Brave Heart Remembered

Over fourteen years ago, on 03 Nov 1999 a fidayeen attack was staged by the terrorists in Badami Bagh Cantt. At that very time, three journalists (Shri S Tariq, Shri Fayaz Ahmed and Shri Habib Nagush) were with Late Maj Pramod Purushottam discussing media matters in the PRO’s Office.

 On hearing the sounds of firing by the terrorist and sensing some trouble, Late Maj Pramod Purushottam without caring for his personal safety, forced the three journalists to take cover in the bathroom attached to his office alongwith one of the unit personnel. The terrorists amidst indiscriminate firing stormed their way into the PRO’s office. Late Maj Pramod Purushottam bravely fought the terrorists and made the supreme sacrifice while trying to save the lives of those locked in his office complex. As a recognition of the supreme sacrifice of Late Maj Pramod Purushottam and as desired by the Media Fraternity, the bust of the late Maj Pramod Purushottam ex PRO (Def) Srinagar was unveiled by Lt Gen Gurmit Singh , General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps alongwith Mr Sitanshu Kar, Additional Director General (Media & Communication) at a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt, Srinagar today.

Senior Officials of Indian Army and Police including IG Police, Kashmir, Mr AG Mir attended this ceremony. Shri Fayaz Ahmed and Shri Habib Nagush whose lives were saved in this fidayeen attack were also present on this occasion.

The unveiling ceremony commenced with an introduction on the heroic deed of Late Maj Pramod Purushottam. This was followed by reciting of prayers by the Punditji, Maulvi, Granthi and Priest. Shri Fayaz Ahmed spoke during the ceremony, remembered fondly how his life was saved and said that “I am here today because of Late Maj Pramod Purushottam”

Speaking on the occasion Mr Sitanshu Kar, Additional Director Genenral (Media & Communication) said that “I am sure this bust will go a long way in remembering the supreme sacrifice of this gallant soldier and act as a source of inspiration to all of us”.

The unveiling ceremony culminated with an address by Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps. In his address he said that Late Maj Pramod Pururshottam’s sacrifice reminds us of our duty to other fellow human beings.

NNJ 52/2014
(Release ID :104160)