Lt Col O.P.N. Kalyan (Retd): A Lifetime of Service, Strength, and Spirit
In a life that embodies courage, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of a soldier, Lt Col O.P.N. Kalyan (Retd) stands tall as an inspiration to generations of servicemen and civilians alike. Born on 12 July 1949 in Madras, he belongs to a distinguished military family deeply rooted in the traditions of the Army Service Corps (ASC).
His father, Late Major O.P.V. Chari, was among the early paratroopers of the Indian Army, having completed his Para Basic Course at PTS Chaklala (now in Pakistan) in 1943. Major Chari served with the 601 Airborne Supply Platoon, RIASC, during World War II and retired in 1969. His elder brother, Late Col O.P. Rajagopalan, also served with distinction in the 6/11 Gorkha Rifles, continuing the family’s proud legacy of military service.
Lt Col Kalyan’s own journey began at King George’s School, Bangalore (now Rashtriya Military School), where the seeds of discipline and leadership were sown early. Commissioned into the Army Service Corps on 15 June 1969 from OTS, Madras, he was soon tested in battle during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, where he commanded 310 Petroleum Platoon ASC and led his men into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) under demanding combat conditions.
In recognition of his wartime service, he was among the 35 Indian Armed Forces officers specially invited to Bangladesh’s 51st Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka in 2022 — a deeply symbolic homecoming to the land where he once served in uniform.
A trained paratrooper, Lt Col Kalyan raised and commanded 5102 ASC Company (Composite) for the Siachen Brigade from 1987 to 1989 — a testament to his leadership and courage in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. Over a 38-year-long career, including four years of re-employment, he served in key appointments across Mountain Brigade, Headquarters Corps, and Command Headquarters.
Decorated with 12 medals for various operational and distinguished services, he has also been honoured with Commendation Cards from the Chief of Army Staff, Southern Army Commander, and the C-in-C Andaman & Nicobar Command.
Yet, what makes Lt Col Kalyan’s journey remarkable is how his pursuit of excellence never stopped with retirement. An accomplished athlete, he represented India in International Veterans Athletics Meets at Hong Kong (1990 & 1992), Singapore (1991), and Malaysia (1995) — winning four medals and earning the Army Service Corps Crest and Blazer for Athletics.
As Manager of the Services Taekwondo Team, he led them to victory in the National Taekwondo Championship at Chennai (2006). Between 2006 and 2012, he represented Karnataka State in the National Masters Aquatic Championships, securing 10 medals in swimming.
Even after hanging up his uniform, Lt Col Kalyan continued to serve the Army with the same passion — voluntarily taking on the role of Curator at the ASC Museum, Bangalore, for an extraordinary 15 years (2008–2023), nurturing heritage and history for future generations.
Proving that adventure knows no age, he went on to undertake an expedition to Antarctica at 75, followed by an Arctic Expedition across 22 uninhabited islands at the age of 76. He performed a Polar Plunge in both the Southern Sea and the Arctic Ocean, braving sub-zero waters at –3°C, and completed a skydiving jump from 7,000 feet at the Tønsberg Skydiving Club, Norway, on 18 August 2025.
His latest achievement came with his participation in the High-Altitude “Tawang Marathon” on 24 October 2025 — yet another milestone in a life defined by endurance, courage, and inspiration.
Lt Col O.P.N. Kalyan’s story is not just about a soldier’s service — it is about a human being’s relentless spirit to keep moving, keep challenging, and keep inspiring, no matter the age. His journey reminds us that discipline is timeless, courage ageless, and adventure endless.
