India: Odisha Catholics honor Galwan Martyr Chandrakanta Pradhan

On the fifth anniversary of the deadly Galwan Valley clash, the Catholic community in Odisha’s Kandhamal district remembered and honored one of their own, Chandrakanta Pradhan, the only Catholic among the 20 Indian soldiers who died defending the nation in 2020 at Bearpanga, Odisha, on June 15.

A solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated on June 16 at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Bearpanga, Raikia, under the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.

Over 500 faithful, including four priests, four nuns, and members of both Christian and Hindu communities, joined in paying tribute to the fallen soldier.

Presiding over the liturgy, Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, vicar general of the archdiocese, praised Pradhan as “a patriot inspired by his love for Jesus and devotion to Mother Mary.”

He called Pradhan’s sacrifice a “moment of great pride and honor for the Church in Odisha.”

Born on March 2, 1992, in Bearpanga village, Chandrakanta was the only son among five children. He served with the 16 Bihar Regiment and died in the fierce hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops on June 15, 2020. His sister, Sr. Anita Pradhan, is a member of the Daughters of Charity congregation.

“Chandrakanta is not only my son but the son of Kandhamal, of Odisha, and of India,” said his father, Gaura Chandra Pradhan, as his mother, Maloti, stood beside him.

The president of the Veteran Retired Soldiers Block Association, Lalit Kumar Pradhan, echoed the sentiment: “He is dead but lives in the heart of every Indian.”

Following the Mass, a procession led by clergy, local officials, and villagers made its way to a memorial dedicated to the martyr, chanting “Chandrakanta Pradhan Amar Rahe” (Let Chandrakanta Pradhan remain immortal). Garlands were laid, prayers offered, and respects paid at the statue honoring the brave son of India.

Local Sarpanch (village council) Ashok Kumar Pradhan called for further recognition of the martyr’s legacy. “We have petitioned to name the road and the village after Chandrakanta and to install a mobile tower in his memory. His sacrifice must never be forgotten. Jai Hind!”

The day of remembrance underscored not only the cost of defending peace but also the deep patriotism and faith that guided Chandrakanta’s short but heroic life.

Pradhan was one of twenty Indian soldiers who died in a June 15, 2020 conflict with Chinese forces.

Pradhan was a sepoy of the 16 Bihar Regiment when he perished in the Galwan Valley, a contested area of Aksai Chin in the Union Territory of Ladakh.