Born: 26th June 1918
Died: 11th July 1994
Major Rama Raghoba Rane was born on 26th June 1918 at village Chendia, Karnataka. He was born in a Konkan Kshatriya Maratha community. Rane had his education from different parts of the country because his father had a transferable job. At the age of 22 yrs, he joined the Army, which was during World War II. In July 1940, he was commissioned into Bombay Sappers. As a young officer, Rane took part in the Burma war (during World War II) and played a key role in the Indo-Pak war (1947-1948) by capturing Rajouri by Indian forces and by remaining active in clearing several roadblocks and minefields. His actions cleared the way for advancing Indian tanks for which he was also honored with the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra ” on 8th April 1948 for his valor. After serving for 21 years, on 25th June 1968, he retired as a Major from the Army. During his tenure of service with the army, he was mentioned in despatches five times. Owing to natural causes Major Rama Raghoba Rane left for his heavenly house on 11th July 1994. He proved his personality as an outstanding soldier. He was the first living recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
