TEZPUR, Jan 4 � The Gajraj Hall at Tezpur was renamed the Albert Ekka Auditorium on January 1 by Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan, a Defence release said.
L/NK Albert Ekka of 14 Guards was posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest decoration for gallantry for his act beyond the call of duty during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war. He was the only PVC awardee in the Eastern sector during this war. The Gajraj Corps based in Tezpur remembered the PVC hero of the Corps by renaming the Gajraj Hall as �Albert Ekka Auditorium.�
Born on December 27, 1942 in Jari village near Ranchi, he joined the 14 Guards at the age of 19 years and had taken part in the Sino-Indian war in 1962.
In 1971, when hostilities between Pakistan and India commenced, the 14 Guards was given the task of capturing Gangasagar. It launched an attack on enemy defences on December 3, 1971. L/NK Albert Ekka noticed an enemy LMG, inflicting heavy casualties on his company. He charged the enemy bunker, bayonetted two enemy soldiers and silenced the LMG.
Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades. An enemy MMG opened up thereafter, inflicting heavy casualties. Displaying outstanding courage and determination, L/NK Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and silenced the MMG. He ensured the success of the attack but succumbed to his injuries soon after.
