| Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 13, 1946 |
| Died | 25 November 1987 (aged 41) Sri Lanka |
| Service/branch | Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1972-1987 |
| Unit | Mahar Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Operation Pawan |
| Awards | Param Vir Chakra (posthumous) |
Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, was born on 13 September 1946, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was granted Short Service Commission in the Mahar Regiment on 16 January 1972. He took part in a number of operations undertaken by the Indian Army and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, for his bravery.
Suddenly, his column was ambushed by a group of militants.
With great presence of mind he encircled the militants from the rear and boldly charged them. This completely surprised the enemy. During the hand-to-hand combat that followed, one militant shot him in the chest. Undaunted by his grave injury, he snatched the rifle from a militant and shot him dead. Though critically wounded he continued to give orders and inspire his command until he breathed his last. The ambush was finally cleared. In this action, five militants were killed and three rifles & two rocket launchers were captured. For the most conspicuous bravery & supreme sacrifice, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:
On 25 November 1987, when Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was returning from search operation in Sri Lanka, late at night, his column was ambushed by a group of militants. With cool presence of mind, he encircled the militants from the rear and charged into them, taking them completely surprise. During the hand-to-hand combat, a militant shot him in the chest. Undaunted, Major Parameswaran snatched the rifle from the militant and shot him dead. Gravely wounded, he continued to give orders and inspired his command till he breathed his last. Five militants were killed and three rifles and two rocket launchers were recovered and the ambush was cleared .
Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and thought nothing of dying at his post.