Mrs Savita Rana unveils bust of her husband on his 30th Martyrdom Anniversary
Hajin (Bandipora), 02 Nov 2026: In a tribute to exceptional courage, valour and supreme sacrifice, the bust of *Lt Col Shanti Swarup Rana, Ashoka Chakra (Posthumous)*, was unveiled today at Rana Army Goodwill School, Hajin, by his wife, *Mrs Savita Rana, Veer Nari*. The ceremony was organised by the Indian Army on the *30th anniversary of the officer’s supreme sacrifice* during an anti-terrorist operation in Kupwara district on 02 Nov 1996.
The occasion commemorated the extraordinary courage, exemplary leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Lt Col S S Rana. Named in honour of the gallant officer, Rana Army Goodwill School stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy and commitment to the nation. The bust on the school campus will serve as a source of inspiration for generations of students, encouraging them to imbibe the values of *courage, discipline, integrity, patriotism and selfless service*.
On 02 Nov 1996, Lt Col S S Rana, then serving as *2IC of 13 Rashtriya Rifles*, was leading an operation against terrorist hideouts in the Hafruda forest of Kupwara district. Displaying exceptional courage and leadership, he led his troops in destroying *four fortified terrorist hideouts* containing substantial quantities of arms and explosives.
When heavy fire emanated from a fifth bunker, Lt Col S S Rana fearlessly crawled forward, lobbed grenades and eliminated two foreign terrorists who emerged firing. Despite sustaining grievous injuries, he continued to lead and motivate his men, subsequently engaging another terrorist in hand-to-hand combat and eliminating him. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries, making the *supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation*.
In recognition of his conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice, Lt Col S S Rana was posthumously awarded the *Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award*. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Savita Rana, a son, a daughter and grandchildren.
The unveiling of the bust, three decades after his supreme sacrifice, was a befitting tribute to an outstanding officer whose legacy transcends generations. For the students of the school and the people of Hajin, it will remain a lasting symbol of *courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation*.
Reader Comments 0