Kottayam: The bust of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, Param Vir Chakra (P), was unveiled by Station Commander Pangode Military Station in Kottayam. The ceremony was attended by ex-servicemen and local citizens; all gathered to honour the hero and his heroic sacrifice made by him during the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka. Major Parmeshwaran hailed from Ramapuram, and it was the ex-servicemen trust of Ramapuram that took the initiative to install his bust as a tribute to his memory.
Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran commenced his journey by joining the esteemed Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. On 16th January 1972, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 15th Battalion Mahar Regiment. He was affectionately called as “Parry Sahab” by his comrades and fellow soldiers.
Throughout his service as an Officer in the North Eastern sector, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran displayed remarkable leadership skills, effectively leading his troops in encounters against militant forces. His superiors highly valued his expertise in handling counter-terrorism operations. Due to his exceptional track record, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was chosen to lead a contingent in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) deployed in Sri Lanka. He was specifically handpicked and reassigned to 8 MAHAR to confront the LTTE and its insurgency in Sri Lanka.
On the night of 25th November 1987, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and his team were returning from a search operation in Sri Lanka when they fell into an ambush laid by a group of militants. Despite the late hour and the surprise attack, Major Parameswaran displayed remarkable composure. He swiftly manoeuvred to encircle the militants from the rear, catching them off guard.
During the intense hand-to-hand combat that ensued, one of the militants shot Major Parameswaran in the chest. Unperturbed, he showed incredible bravery by disarming the militant and using the captured weapon to eliminate him. Although gravely wounded, Major Parameswaran remained resolute, continuing to issue orders and inspiring his comrades until he took his last breath. In the end, five militants were neutralized, and the ambush was successfully cleared. The heroic efforts of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and his team led to the recovery of three rifles and two rocket launchers. His courageous actions in the face of danger will be remembered as an extraordinary display of valour and dedication to duty.
Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran exhibited the utmost gallantry, showing no fear of sacrificing his life while fulfilling his duty. In recognition of his exceptional valour and ultimate sacrifice in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously honoured with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest Gallantry Award. His devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to protect his comrades and country will forever be remembered and honoured.
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