Bhukant Mishra

Major Bhukant Mishra, AC (15 June 1941 - 6 June 1984) was an Indian Army Officer of 15 Kumaon Regiment. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest military honour, on 26 January 1985 for his gallant act in Operation Blue Star.

Early life
Mishra was born on 15 June 1941 in the village Nowbasta Talipara, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. His father's name was Shri B L Mishra.

Military career
Bhukant Mishra was commissioned into 15 battalions of the Kumaon Regiment on 04 Apr 1970 as a Second Lieutenant.

Operational Blue Star
In 1984, the state of Punjab in India was grappling with a surge in terrorism. During this time, a group of militants seized control of the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is considered the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Faced with this crisis, the Government of India made the decision to launch a military operation aimed at flushing out the militants from the temple premises. This operation was codenamed "Operation Blue Star." Major Mishra played a crucial role in this operation. He was assigned the responsibility of being a company commander, leading a group of soldiers in the mission. On June 7, 1984, he assumed command of the operation targeting the heavily fortified temple complex. The operation faced immense challenges due to the fortified nature of the complex and the militants' resistance. At 0440 hours, an organization led by Mishra advanced on an armored personnel carrier, which was soon hit by an enemy anti-tank gunfire. At the same time the company came under heavy fire and eight men including the JCO of the top platoon were killed. The next day at 0530 hours two companies were launched in an attempt to advance and regain control of the complex. Both the companies moved forward but came under heavy fire. Mishra's company again suffered heavy casualties and this company's progress came to a standstill. Despite encountering heavy casualties and intense enemy fire, Major Mishra exhibited exceptional bravery and leadership. He took the initiative to regain command and control of his company, which had suffered significant losses. Despite facing heavy resistance, Major Mishra's inspiring leadership motivated his company to charge forward, even in the face of danger.During the course of the operation, Major Mishra's courage and determination were evident as he took direct action against enemy positions. He demonstrated selflessness by risking his own safety to eliminate threats, such as destroying a light machine gun and its crew with a grenade. As he was about to enter the temple complex, he was killed when a medium machine gun exploded.

Ashoka Chakra Award Winner
Throughout the operation, Mishra displayed courage and outstanding leadership skills. For his bravery and supreme sacrifice, Mishra was posthumously awarded the country's highest gallantry award, Ashoka Chakra.