Brief Introduction of Major Mohit Sharma
Major Mohit Sharma, AC, SM was a distinguished Indian Army officer and a member of the elite 1st Para Special Forces. Revered for his exceptional courage, tactical brilliance, and unwavering dedication to the nation, he made the ultimate sacrifice during a counter-terrorism operation in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir in March 2009. His life is a saga of valor, marked by several high-risk missions, including a notable undercover operation for which he was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry. For his supreme sacrifice and extraordinary bravery in his final engagement, Major Sharma was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration. Fondly remembered as ‘Chintu’ by his family and ‘Mike’ by his colleagues, his story continues to inspire countless individuals across the country.
Major Mohit Sharma Overview
| Full Name | Mohit Sharma |
| Date of Birth | 13 January 1978 |
| Age(as of 2025) | Would have been 47 years old |
| Birthplace | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Profession | Indian Army Officer (1 Para Special Forces) |
| Husband/Wife | Major Rishima Sharma (now Lieutenant Colonel) |
| Family | Father – Shri Rajendra Prasad Sharma, Mother – Smt Sushila Sharma, Elder Brother – Shri Madhur Sharma |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Major Mohit Sharma
Major Mohit Sharma was born on January 13, 1978, in Rohtak, Haryana, to Shri Rajendra Prasad Sharma and Smt Sushila Sharma. He was their second child and was affectionately called ‘Chintu’ at home. His academic journey began at Manav Sthali School in South Extension, Delhi, followed by a year at Holy Angels’ School in Sahibabad. He later moved to Delhi Public School (DPS) in Ghaziabad in 1988, where he completed his 12th grade in 1995. Although he secured admission to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering in Shegaon, Maharashtra, his true passion lay in serving the nation. Driven by this ambition, he left his engineering studies to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1995. During his time at the NDA, Mohit excelled in numerous activities. He was a member of the India Squadron, a champion horse rider trained by Col. Bhawani Singh, a featherweight boxing champion, and an accomplished swimmer. His excellence continued at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), where he earned the rank of Battalion Cadet Adjutant (BCA) and had the honor of meeting the then President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan.
Major Mohit Sharma’s Career
Major Mohit Sharma was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the Madras Regiment on December 11, 1999, after graduating from the IMA. His first posting was in Hyderabad. Soon after, he was moved to Jammu and Kashmir to serve with the 38 Rashtriya Rifles as part of counter-insurgency operations. For his exemplary service during Operation Rakshak, he was awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card in 2002. However, Major Sharma aspired to be a part of the special forces. In June 2003, he realized this dream by joining the elite 1 Para (Special Forces) after undergoing rigorous training. In 2004, he demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical skill in a covert operation in the Shopian area of South Kashmir. Disguised as ‘Iftikhar Bhatt’, he infiltrated the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group, gathering intelligence and eventually neutralizing two key terrorists, Abu Torara and Abu Sabzar. For this act of gallantry, he was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 2004. Following this, he served as an instructor at the Commando Wing in Belgaum for two years, from January 2005 to December 2006, imparting his knowledge and skills to the next generation of commandos. He was promoted to the rank of Major on December 11, 2005. In 2008, he was once again posted to Kashmir. On March 21, 2009, Major Sharma was leading the Bravo Assault Team in an operation against infiltrating terrorists in the dense Haphruda forest of Kupwara. In a fierce gun battle, he engaged the terrorists, killing four and rescuing two of his teammates despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds himself. Unmindful of his injuries, he continued to lead his team, charging the enemy in a daring close-quarter combat. He made the supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of the Indian Army, but not before ensuring the success of the mission.
Major Mohit Sharma Personal Life & Family
Major Mohit Sharma came from a family with a strong sense of values. His father is Shri Rajendra Prasad Sharma and his mother is Smt Sushila Sharma. He had an elder brother, Shri Madhur Sharma. Major Sharma was not only a dedicated soldier but also a multi-talented individual. He was skilled at playing several musical instruments, including the guitar, mouth organ, and synthesizer, and was known for his singing. He married Rishima Sharma (née Sarin), who is also an officer in the Indian Army, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Major Rishima Sharma comes from an army background herself; her father is a retired Colonel. After his demise, she received the Ashoka Chakra on his behalf from the President of India. The couple’s life together was a testament to their shared commitment to the nation. Following Major Sharma’s martyrdom, there were reports of a legal dispute between his parents and his wife regarding the Army’s ‘Next of Kin’ (NOK) laws, which became a subject of public discussion.
Awards and Achievements of Major Mohit Sharma
- Ashoka Chakra (Posthumous): Awarded in 2009 for his supreme sacrifice and conspicuous gallantry during the Kupwara operation.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry): Awarded in 2004 for his courage and tactical acumen during a covert anti-terrorist operation.
- COAS Commendation Card: Awarded in 2002 for his distinguished service in counter-insurgency operations.
Major Mohit Sharma Net Worth and Income
Information regarding the net worth or personal income of Major Mohit Sharma is not publicly available. As a Major in the Indian Army, his income would have been based on the official pay scales and allowances set by the Government of India for its armed forces officers.
Legacy and Influence
Major Mohit Sharma’s legacy is that of an exceptionally brave soldier who embodied the ethos of “Service Before Self”. His life and sacrifice continue to be a profound source of inspiration for the armed forces and the youth of India. His story is often recounted at military institutions to instill a sense of duty, valor, and patriotism. In 2019, to honor his memory and sacrifice, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation renamed the Rajendra Nagar metro station in Ghaziabad as the “Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar metro station”. His name is etched in the annals of Indian military history as a symbol of courage and selfless service to the motherland. His life demonstrates a remarkable balance of a fierce warrior on the battlefield and a talented, charismatic individual off it.
Interesting Facts about Major Mohit Sharma
- He used the undercover alias “Iftikhar Bhatt” to infiltrate the Hizbul Mujahideen, growing a beard and posing as a Kashmiri youth to gain the trust of terrorists.
- During his training at the NDA, his favorite horse was named “Indira”.
- He was an accomplished musician who could play the guitar, synthesizer, and mouth organ with great skill.
- At the Indian Military Academy (IMA), he was appointed as the Battalion Cadet Adjutant, a position of significant responsibility.
- Despite securing a seat in an engineering college, he chose to follow his passion and join the armed forces.
Controversies
In late 2025, Major Mohit Sharma’s name came into the headlines due to a controversy surrounding the Bollywood film ‘Dhurandhar’. His family alleged that the film, starring Ranveer Singh, was based on Major Sharma’s life and his undercover operations without their consent. They approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his legacy and persona, requesting a private screening before the film’s release. The filmmakers, however, maintained that the movie was a work of fiction and not a biopic of the late officer.
Social Media Presence
Not applicable. Major Mohit Sharma was martyred before the widespread use of social media platforms, and there are no official accounts maintained in his memory.
Final Words about Major Mohit Sharma
Major Mohit Sharma’s life was a testament to extraordinary courage, leadership, and an indomitable spirit. As an officer of the elite Para Special Forces, he consistently operated at the highest echelons of risk, demonstrating unparalleled tactical skills and bravery. His final act in the Kupwara sector, where he saved his comrades while eliminating multiple threats, cemented his place as one of India’s most revered military heroes. Though his journey was cut short at the age of 31, his legacy endures. He is remembered not just for the gallantry awards he received, but for the patriotic fervor and dedication he inspired. Major Mohit Sharma’s story will forever be a shining example of the highest ideals of military service and selfless sacrifice for the nation.