Shroff Ramesh Nayak was the eldest son of Shri Shroff Keshav Nayak. Mr Nayak had a family pharmaceutical business which kept him centred around Bengaluru and Coimbatore. The family comes from Mangalore, Karnataka. Ramesh Nayak was born on 5 November 1958 at Calicut in Kerala. He was schooled at the Stanes High School, Coimbatore and attended College at the Joseph's- Trichy before joining the NDA.

Rajesh Nayak recalls his brother as being the apple of his parent’s eyes, especially his mother’s! She was his source of encouragement and determination which led this young NCC Lad to join the NDA for making a career in the Indian Army. Ramesh was the best All-India Cadet at the RD Parade Camp in Delhi in 1974. Ramesh, both as a school student and at his college, was a fitness freak. He was fond of trekking and did not smoke or drink.

He was amongst our friends who initially went to the NDA wing at the OTS and later joined us at Khadakwasla. SR Nayak maintained a quiet profile and took to the NDA training like most of us. He settled in by the fourth term with his Corporal stripes pinned on his chest. A spirited person who could never figure out what he was up to even when he was at the edge of the 7-metre jump board on the deep side of the NDA Swimming Pool! A total team-man, a nice friend with a fine sense of humour, Ramesh always maintained the integrity of the group with his cheer and happiness! During the NDA camps, we always had good contributions from SR Nayak (his USP being ‘Surrangani’ song). Within the group, he always remained spirited and maintained 100% allegiance! “He was simple, religious-minded, and very hard working. His famous words to show anger were- 'YOU SWINE!', and his favourite song was Surrangani Surranganikka's Maalu Gennavva”

He was commissioned into 1st SIKH LI. As an officer, coming from the south, he worked hard to match up to the expectations of the Punjabi troops and did very well! He was loved by one and all and enjoyed the confidence of the men he led. He did well at the Commando Course at the Infantry School and was preparing to sit for the DSSC entrance exam after the IPKF mission ended. During his truncated service tenure, he was posted at Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Sikkim, Jammu, and the IPKF.

In the true tradition of the Indian Army, he gave up his life while leading his troops in the jungles of Vavunia in the North of Sri Lanka. He was shot at and grievously injured on 6th April 1989 at Vavunia, SriLanka. Incidentally, 6th April was his Grand Father’s death anniversary. Leading his convoy, he had just visited a famous temple along the route. The convoy went over an IED mine. Immediately, the six trucks led by Ramesh’s jeep were ambushed by the LTTE. Both Ramesh and his driver were shot at and badly injured. Ramesh had sustained six bullet injuries. It took four hours for the injured to reach the nearest hospital. Thereafter, they were flown to Bengaluru. He died at the IAF Command Hospital, Bangalore on 29th May 1989.

Sad that our dear friend left us so early - Just nine years into service and a very short married life. This young man quickly transformed from a young boy to a tough Infantry soldier, led his troops from the front. He worked hard along the way, became a Paratrooper and later lay down his life, in glory, with his chest out and eyes straight.

His family consisted of his parents, three siblings (all brothers) and his wife, Anjani. He had no kids. Ramesh Nayak was the eldest of all brothers. Next to him is Dr S Dinesh Nayak, currently, Head of the Neurology Department at the Global Hospital, Chennai. Third in line is S Rajesh Nayak. He is the Head of the Corporate Services with Reliance Industries in Mumbai. Incidentally, Rajesh Nayak is a neighbour of Air Cmde (now Capt) Sandeep Chhabra, India 56, who is flying for Reliance Industries. (Rajesh Nayak has been in regular touch with Lt Gen Abhay Krishna F 56). Ramesh's youngest sibling is S Ganesh Nayak an Architect working in Atlanta, USA.

Ramesh Nayak was married to Anjani for five years. His wife later remarried in 1994 and is now Anjani Shetty settled in Bengaluru. She has remained in contact with Ramesh’s unit - 1st SIKH LI.

We salute the braveheart and pray to God to bless his departed soul. We convey our best wishes to his accomplished family!

Penned with inputs from S Rajesh Nayak, Abhay Krishna, Hazari Lal Kalra, Sudhir Pillai and Rajiv Battish.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏