Col Ashutosh Sharma fulfilled his dream of joining Army in 13th attempt

Col Sharma was among five security forces personnel killed during an encounter with terrorists in north Kashmir late on Saturday night

For six-and-half years, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma made 12 unsuccessful attempts to join the Army. It was in the 13th attempt, a number considered unlucky by many, that he fulfilled his dream of donning the olive green uniform.

Col. Sharma, who was among five security forces personnel killed during an encounter with terrorists in north Kashmir late on Saturday night, is the second commanding officer of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles who lost his life in an anti-terror operation. The decorated army officer was part of a number of successful counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir.

Remembering Col Sharma, his elder brother Piush says