Kheroda Village (Udaipur District), RAJASTHAN :
(Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn)
New Delhi :
Major Mustafa Bohara, an esteemed officer of the Indian Army Aviation Corps, was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5, 2024. President Draupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award to Major Mustafa’s grieving parents, Fatima and Zakiuddin Bohara, recognizing their son’s exceptional courage and sacrifice.
Major Mustafa Bohara SC / pix: honourpoint.in
Born on May 14, 1995, in Kheroda village, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, Major Mustafa Bohara’s journey was defined by unwavering dedication to his country. Educated at Uday Shiksha Mandir Higher Secondary School in Kheroda and later at St. Paul’s School in Udaipur, he harboured a childhood dream of serving in the armed forces. His ambition led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he excelled in the 128th course and was part of the distinguished November Squadron. Graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, he was commissioned as a lieutenant before specializing as a helicopter pilot in the Army Aviation Corps.
Major Mustafa’s mother, Fatima Bohara, spoke with both pride and sorrow, saying, “Martyrdom is not just a word but a true testament. Mustafa always aimed for excellence and believed in swiftly moving forward towards success.”
On October 21, 2022, Major Mustafa and Major Vikas Bhambhu, alongside three crew members, undertook a mission in Arunachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain. Unfortunately, their helicopter encountered an emergency near Mugung in Upper Siang district, known for its hostile weather and difficult conditions. Despite their extensive training and experience, the helicopter caught fire, compelling Major Mustafa and Major Vikas to manoeuvre the aircraft away from populated areas and ammunition depots. Their valiant effort to land safely ended tragically at 10:43 am, claiming their lives.m,
The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, honoured both Major Mustafa and Major Vikas Bhambhu with the Shaurya Chakra. Their exemplary bravery in the face of grave danger was acknowledged, underscoring their selfless dedication to duty.
Deputy Secretary of the Shaheed Major Mustafa Trust, Virender Singh Solanki, announced that Major Mustafa’s family would return to Udaipur on July 7, 2024. They will receive a heartfelt welcome at Dabok Airport from Vallabhnagar MLA Uday Lal Dangi, political dignitaries, members of the Bohra community, and various social and religious organizations.
Major Mustafa Bohara’s legacy remains an enduring symbol of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. His heroic actions serve as a profound inspiration, embodying the unwavering spirit of India’s armed forces.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / pix source: replaced with (Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn) (2) pix added source: honourpoint.in / July 07th, 2024