15 March, 1977: Remembering 26/11 Warrior Hero Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary

 

Today, on the birth anniversary of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, we pay tribute to a true hero whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a braveheart of the Indian Army, exemplified valor, dedication, and selflessness in the face of adversity.

 

Born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, Major Unnikrishnan exhibited leadership qualities from a young age. He was an exceptional student and a natural leader, traits that would shape his future as a courageous soldier.

 

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1995 and later the Indian Military Academy (IMA), where he honed his skills and displayed exceptional prowess in various military exercises. He was commissioned into the 7th Battalion, the Bihar Regiment, in 1999.

 

Major Unnikrishnan's defining moment came during the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. He was part of the NSG (National Security Guard) team that was deployed to neutralize the Pakistani terrorists holed up in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Despite knowing the dangers involved, Major Unnikrishnan fearlessly led his team into the line of fire to rescue hostages and eliminate the terrorists.

 

During the operation, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan displayed extraordinary bravery and gallantry, putting his life on the line to save others. Tragically, he made the ultimate sacrifice while engaging terrorists in close combat, but his exceptional courage and leadership motivated his comrades to eliminate all the terrorists and complete the assigned mission successfully.

 

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's unwavering commitment to duty and supreme sacrifice earned him the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy lives on as a symbol of bravery, patriotism, and selflessness, inspiring generations to come.