Kochi: The 60th birth anniversary of Ashoka Chakra awardee Colonel Jojan Thomas was marked with deep emotion and pride at a heartfelt memorial event titled 'Smrithi’, held on Sunday, July 20, at Bolgatty Palace in Kochi. The late officer’s family, friends, fellow soldiers and admirers came together to celebrate the life and legacy of a soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty.
Col Jojan, a native of Kuttoor village in Thiruvalla, was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award, after being killed in action on 22 August 2008 during an anti-terror operation in the Machal sector of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. As Commanding Officer of the 45 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, he displayed unmatched courage, eliminating three terrorists single-handedly before making the ultimate sacrifice.
BJP's state president for Kerala, Rajeev Chandrashekhar also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share some pictures from the event. He wrote in his post, "Colonel Thomas and Mrs. Beena Thomas continue to inspire countless Indians, including me, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families to keep the nation safe."
Have a look:
Lt General BS Raju (retd), who served with Col Jojan in the Siachen Glacier in 1986, recalled fond memories of their time together in uniform. “Col Jojan and I are from the same battalion. I remember his strong personality and sharp mind. We scaled the mountain together and those memories are etched in my heart,” he shared.
According to a report by The Times of India, the evening was a poignant mix of personal recollections, poetry, music, and moments of silence, with Col Jojan’s wife Beena Thomas and their children present. Former army commanders, senior military dignitaries and elected representatives also paid their respects.
Memorial Plans Underway, Indian Railways Joins in Tribute
Major Shiju Sharif from the Kerala State Sainik Welfare Board revealed that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had directed Pathanamthitta district officials to fast-track plans for a permanent memorial in Col Jojan’s honour.
In a symbolic tribute, Indian Railways has also recognised the valiant soldier by dedicating his name to a train running between Lucknow and Patna, ensuring that his story of courage continues to travel across the nation.
