Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam was born on 31st December 1972 to Mr. Rajkumar Ratnam and Mrs. Hemala Ratnam. He hailed from Bangalore. He was selected to join the Officers’ Training Academy in Chennai and passed out on 05 Sep 1998. He was commissioned as Lieutenant into 21 Jat of the famed Jat Regiment. His unit 21 Jat moved to J & K in Oct 2001 and he also got promoted to the rank of Major.
| Service Number | SS-37536 |
| Place of Birth | Bangalore |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 21 Jat |
| Regiment | Jat Regiment |
| Date of Martyrdom | 2nd August 2002 |
On 2nd August 2002, Major Sylvester’s unit was engaged in an encounter with militants in the Keran sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Sylvester swung into action and took measures to protect other soldiers from the militants. He managed to push some of the soldiers into a bunker before falling victim to a shell from the enemy firing. Major Sylvester was martyred but showed exemplary courage and leadership in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam is survived by his mother Hemala Ratnam and sister Dr. Joseline Ratnam.
