Lieutenant Colonel Rishi Rajalakshmi often wears a veil to cover the scars from his battlefield injuries, but his valor and spirit remain unscarred. A native of Muthukulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala, this Indian Army officer’s life is an inspiring story of extraordinary courage and dedication. Severely wounded in a counter-terror operation in Kashmir, he not only returned to serve with undiminished fervor but also went on to lead life-saving disaster relief efforts in his home state with the same passion and commitment.

In March 2017, then-Major Rishi Rajalakshmi led an anti-terror operation in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir that would become the defining test of his courage. Acting on intelligence about militants hiding in a house in Tral, Major Rishi and his team launched a daring raid. He personally moved in to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to flush out the holed-up terrorists – one of the most dangerous tasks in such close-quarter battles.

In the dead of night, after an initial blast forced the militants into a corner, Rishi entered the house again to place a second explosive. At that moment, a terrorist ambushed him at point-blank range. A bullet tore into Rishi’s face, shattering his nose, cheekbone, and jaw. Despite this grievous wound, the Indian officer did the unimaginable – he sprang up and returned fire, emptying his AK-47 to eliminate the terrorist before staggering out to safety with his team. His actions saved his comrades and neutralized the threat, showing what fearless leadership under fire truly means.

The firefight, which lasted for more than 16 hours, ended with both terrorists killed. But for Rishi, the struggle had only just begun. He was rushed to the Army’s Research & Referral Hospital in Delhi in critical condition, with his face badly damaged. The coming weeks and months were a test of willpower. Military colleagues and family members watched in awe as Rishi fought to recover. Though unable to speak initially because of his injuries, he still found a way to communicate by writing notes, displaying the same grit he had shown in combat.

It eventually took numerous reconstructive surgeries to begin restoring his face. This long and painful journey earned him the nickname “Deadpool” among some admirers, who likened his resilience and his masked appearance to the comic book hero. The comparison captured the essence of Rishi’s story – a man who endured life-altering wounds but continued to stand tall, unbroken in spirit and duty.

“The Most Fearless Man”

Rishi Rajalakshmi’s heroic stand in Pulwama quickly became the stuff of legend within the Indian Army. Former Army Chief General Bipin Rawat praised him in simple but powerful words, calling him “the most fearless man.” This tribute came not just as recognition of an act of bravery but as acknowledgment of a soldier whose courage went beyond the battlefield.

The Army honored his valor with a gallantry medal, the Sena Medal, and stories of Major Rishi’s courage began to spread across the country. What made his story even more inspiring was his decision to continue serving the nation despite the life-changing wounds he carried. While many might have chosen to retire after such trauma, Rishi refused to give up. Once his health permitted, he returned to duty with the elite Rashtriya Rifles, determined not to let his sacrifice go in vain.

What truly set him apart was not just his battlefield bravery but also his humanity and leadership outside combat. During his tenure in Kashmir, he earned the trust and affection of local communities. Army sources observed how Rishi’s ability to speak with villagers and treat them with respect brought an unusual calm to Tral, an area earlier known for hostility toward security forces. Under his command, unrest declined significantly. Villagers later asked about him affectionately, referring to him as “Khan Sahib” during his recovery, a sign of the respect he had earned. These stories show that his courage was matched by compassion and cultural understanding – vital traits for any officer operating in conflict zones.

By 2024, Rishi had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was appointed as the commanding officer of the Pangode Military Camp in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. To this day, he wears a black veil or mask over his face – a constant reminder of Pulwama – yet he carries those scars with pride as “badges of honor.” His undaunted presence earned him another moniker among his supporters: “The Masked Man” of the Indian Army. Far from diminishing his aura, the veil has become a symbol of his unbroken commitment. He continues to wear the uniform every day, proving that true valor lies beyond appearances.

Leading Rescue Efforts in Wayanad

In August 2024, disaster struck the lush hills of Wayanad in Kerala when heavy monsoon rains triggered massive landslides in the Meppadi region. Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi, now back in his home state with the Army, found a new mission on these home shores. His unit was among the first military responders to reach the devastated villages, arriving the day after the catastrophe.

What followed was a relentless week of rescue and relief operations led by Rishi through treacherous terrain filled with mud, rocks, and debris. Dressed in combat fatigues and his trademark face covering, he threw himself into the relief work with the same determination he had once shown in battle. Soldiers under his command worked tirelessly to pull out survivors, clear blocked roads, and deliver aid to stranded families. Many of them labored day and night in dangerous conditions, with collapsing slopes and continuous rain making the task even harder. Rishi coordinated every step closely with local authorities and volunteers, using the discipline and resources of the Army to strengthen the relief effort.

Despite the immense challenges – collapsed roads, unstable slopes, and pouring rain – Rishi never wavered. Eyewitnesses recalled him wading through thick sludge and climbing over heaps of rubble to ensure help reached even the most remote pockets of the disaster zone. Under his leadership, countless lives were saved in those critical days.

“I am proud to have been able to serve during this disaster in Wayanad,” Rishi said afterward, emphasizing that many villagers had lost everything and that “society must stand together to support them.” His words revealed both humility and a deep empathy for the people he was serving. For Rishi, the mission was not just a professional duty but a personal one. “As a Malayali, I am leaving Wayanad with a heavy heart,” he admitted when the Army operation drew to a close. The usually stoic officer was moved by the suffering of his fellow Keralites, and the bond he had formed with the locals was clearly visible.

One particularly heartwarming moment from the Wayanad mission captured nationwide attention. As the Army prepared to withdraw after completing their tasks, Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi embraced members of the Pulpally Offroaders — a local off-road driving club that had volunteered their jeeps and trucks for the rescue work. The video clip of Rishi, in a mud-stained uniform, hugging and thanking the civilian volunteers quickly went viral on social media. It showed the emotional side of this tough soldier and highlighted the spirit of camaraderie between the Army and the people.

In recognition of their bravery and contribution, the Army awarded the Pulpally Offroaders a Certificate of Excellence for their efforts, with Rishi personally present at the felicitations. This gesture further endeared him to the public as an officer who not only leads from the front but also acknowledges and shares credit with everyone who joins in the mission.

Legacy of Courage and Compassion

Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi’s journey from the battlefields of Pulwama to the hills of Wayanad stands as a testament to a hero’s heart and an indomitable spirit. He stared death in the face – literally – when a terrorist’s bullet destroyed part of his face, yet he refused to let that dark moment define him. Instead, he transformed it into strength and fuel for further service. Whether confronting militants in a high-stakes encounter or carrying a child out of wreckage in a landslide-hit village, Rishi has consistently displayed the same qualities: bravery, leadership, and a deep sense of duty.

His story has inspired countless people within the armed forces and outside. General Rawat’s label of “India’s most fearless man” is not just an epithet but a way of life that Rishi embodies each day. Despite carrying pain and permanent scars, he continues to put the nation first, echoing the Army’s proud motto: “Service Before Self.” Young officers and soldiers admire his determination to persevere through adversity, while civilians see in him a role model who blends patriotism with compassion. For Kerala, he is a source of pride, a son who showed unmatched bravery during the Wayanad calamity. For his fellow soldiers, he remains the comrade who never gave up, winning both gallantry honors and the affection of those he helped.

In every photograph of Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi, the veil covering his healed wounds is striking, but what stands out even more is the determined gaze and warmth visible beyond that veil. His life is a heroic tale of survival and service — of a man who literally gave his face for the country and later offered a helping hand to his countrymen in their darkest hour. As Rishi himself modestly said after the Wayanad mission, he was just “doing his duty to help [his] people in their time of need.”

Such words, coming from a soldier who has already sacrificed so much, reflect a rare blend of passion, courage, and compassion. The bravery and benevolence of Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi continue to inspire the nation, proving that a true hero’s legacy is measured not only by the battles he fights but also by the lives he touches and saves along the way.