NAINITAL: The nation's highest peacetime gallantry award Ashoka Chakra was given posthumously to Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami of 9 Para (Special Forces)/6th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. An announcement to this effect was made on the eve of Republic Day Goswami, a resident of Haldwani near Nainital, lost his life battling terrorists on the intervening night of 2/3 September 2015 and was part of an ambush in Haphruda forest at Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir."Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in personally eliminating two terrorists and assisting in evacuation of his wounded colleagues and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army," said the statement from the defence ministry. The soldier had eliminated 10 terrorists in a short span of 11 days before laying down his life.Goswami, who had left for duty promising his mother that he would finish the construction of their new house soon, was a dedicated son, a loving husband and an affectionate father, recollects his family. The slain soldier has a seven-year-old daughter.Shambhunath, his brother, told TOI, "It is a matter of great satisfaction that our government recognizes the act of valour of those who lay their lives in service of the nation. We are thankful for the support from the government."Goswami's father had also served in the Army. The official statement issued from the Army mentions that Goswami had volunteered to join the elite Para Commando outfit in 2002 and gradually earned the reputation of being a tough soldier ready to take on any challenge.