Ashoka Chakra awardee Col Jojan honoured at memorial event

Time of India

3 days ago

Kochi: Late Col Jojan Thomas was commemorated on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary in a solemn memorial function titled 'Smrithi' held on Sunday at Bolgatty Palace in Kochi.
The event was organised by his wife Beena Thomas, close family members, friends, fellow officers, and admirers who paid tributes to the brave soldier who laid down his life for the nation. Col Jojan, who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, was killed in action during an anti-terror operation on Aug 22, 2008, in Machal sector in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. He eliminated three terrorists single-handedly in that operation.
He was the commanding officer of the 45 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion then. Col Jojan was commissioned into Indian Army's Jat Regiment (11 JAT) in March 1986. Col Jojan belonged to Kuttoor village in Thiruvalla.
The evening was marked by reflections on Col Jojan's life of courage and selfless service. Emotional recollections, poetry, music and silent moments of remembrance came together to honour the memory of a man who lived and died with valour.
Lt General BS Raju (retd) remembered Col Jojan as a person of strong personality and sharp mind. "Col Jojan and I are from the same battalion. We served together in the Siachen glacier in 1986.
I have very fond memories of that time when we scaled the mountain together," he said.
Former army commanders, many senior military dignitaries, and people's representatives attended the event, besides his mother, wife, children and close relatives.
Major Shiju Sharif from Kerala State Sainik Welfare Board informed that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had passed instructions to Pathanamthitta district authorities to make immediate arrangements to create a befitting memorial to the brave soldier of Kerala. Indian Railways honoured the brave soldier by mentioning his name on a train running between Lucknow and Patna.