Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Albert Ekka
Lance Naik · 1942 – 1971
At Gangasagar on the eastern front, he silenced enemy guns at the cost of his life.
On 3 December 1971, during the attack on enemy positions at Gangasagar near Agartala, Lance Naik Albert Ekka of 14 Guards charged and silenced enemy machine-gun positions that were holding up his company’s advance. He was mortally wounded in the action.
Early life and background
Albert Ekka was born in Jari village in present-day Gumla district, Jharkhand, into a Kurukh (Oraon) Adivasi family. He enrolled in the Bihar Regiment in December 1962 and later served with the 14th Battalion of the Brigade of the Guards.
Historical context
At the start of the 1971 war, Indian troops attacked Pakistani positions at Gangasagar, an important railway station on the eastern front near Agartala.
Key achievements
When enemy fire from a bunker and a machine-gun position held up the attack, Albert Ekka charged them, silencing the guns. Though seriously wounded, he continued until the objective was secured.
Important events and milestones
- 1962 Joins the army.
- 3 December 1971 Battle of Gangasagar; killed in action.
- 2000 Honoured on an India Post stamp.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous). India Post commemorative stamp (2000).
His sacrifice
Lance Naik Albert Ekka died of his wounds on 3 December 1971. He was twenty-eight.
Enduring legacy
A memorial in Ranchi and many institutions in Jharkhand bear his name.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Albert Ekka (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: India Post commemorative stamp, 2000 · India Post, Government of India · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.