John was extremely hard working and sincere. For him there were no short cuts. If a job was given it had to be done the right way whether someone was watching or not. He came from a Fauji background. He was commissioned in the Madras Regiment.  He had back to back postings in the valley. He was fatally wounded in an encounter with militants in the valley as a Coy Cdr in 19 Madras and was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously for his act of gallantry.

 

His award citation...

"On 10 May 1996 around 0900 hours a group of militants were spotted by Major John Pandian and his party in area Kathua of DODA district of Jammu and Kashmir. In quick action Major Pandian blocked the escape route of the militants and started closing in. Seeing this, the militants opened fire and grievously injured Major Pandian. Without caring for his personal safety in a daring move Major Pandian fired back and killed his assailant on the spot. The other militant threw hand grenade which inflicted fatal injuries on Major Pandian.

Major Pandian’s action and sacrifice galvanised his unit. In the operation that followed five militants were killed on the spot.

Major John Soundara Pandian, thus displayed outstanding bravery, conspicuous courage, devotion to duty and made supreme sacrifice."

He is survived by lady wife Suma who is currently settled down at Coimbatore. Their daughter Varsha is married to Binny Hira and now lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She is working as Development Engineer  at Auckland Council.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏