Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lieutenant Colonel Prasanta Coomar Purkayastha was the commander of a force which was deployed in the Eastern Sector. he enemy had organised a chain of defences held in strength by regular Pakistan and para military forces. With utter disregard for his safety, he led his men with exceptional vigour and zeal, capturing post after post in lightning raids, cutting their routes of withdrawal and reinforcement and throwing the enemy out of balance. Under his inspiring leadership, a large area in Bangladesh was liberated in a short period of five days. 

Throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Purkayastha displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.