MAJOR SANDEEP UNNIKRISHNAN

“Don't come up , I will handle" 

These last words of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan to his fellow  men shows how courageous, brave and determined he was for the country people. Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born in a small village of Kerala on 15th March 1977 residing in Bangolore. He has always been fascinated by the Navy and has his heart set on joining them, even though his father wants him to become a doctor. He keeps his ambitions to himself while silently working towards them. He once secretly applied for Navy and then he was being scolded by his father for applying in the first place, all the while holding his rejection letter in his hand. His best friend, Isha knows that this one rejection is not enough to stop him. She communicates as much to him, making him realize in the process that joining the Navy is not the only way to be a soldier. Sandeep decides to join the Army and, while initially hesitant, his father gives him his blessings.

Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (India) (NDA), Pune, Maharashtra in 1995. His NDA friends remember him as “selfless”, “generous” and “calm and composed”. He was the lieutenant in the 7th battalion of the Bihar regiment. During Operation Vijay in July 1999, he was regarded positively at the forward posts in the face of heavy artillery firing and small arms fire by Pakistan troops.

Because of this he was promoted and become Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. 

Later on, he was selected to join the National Security Guards. On completion of training, he was assigned as the training officer of the 51 Special Action Group (51 SAG) of NSG, in January 2007.

On the night of 26 November 2008, several buildings in South Mumbai were attacked. One of the buildings where hostages were held was the iconic 100-year-old Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was the team commander of 51 Special Action Group (51 SAG) deployed in the hotel to rescue the hostages. This mission was named as Operation Black Tornado. The major managed to rescue 14 hostages from 6th floor of the hotel. He got injuries while encountering with the terrorists. He was selfless that Even though he was in lot of pain and have severe injuries he evacuate his fellow soldier Sunil Yadav. While he was encountering single-handedly he managed to corner all four terrorists but died in the course as he was shot from behind. He valiantly fought until his last breath, we salute his sacrifice and bravery. He forever lives in our hearts. . His exceptional courage and leadership motivated his comrades to eliminate all the terrorists and complete the assigned mission successfully. Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a valiant soldier and gritty officer, who led from the front and laid down his life at the age of 31 years in the line of his duty, following the highest traditions of Indian Army. Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan was given the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award “Ashok Chakra” for his outstanding courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice on 26 january  2009

No story will ever manage to match up to such exemplary courage and selflessness. . Your first and foremost relationship is your duty towards your country and your countrymen. Next comes family and yourself. He died a hero's death, doing what he loved best-serving his country, and we are forever proud of him for his valor.

Once an army officer asked Sandeep “What does it mean it be a soldier?” Sandeep answered “One cannot answer this question , only can live it sir!” This touches our heart.

He taught us many life lessons, we should inculcate them in our daily life.

For example the values of courage  bravery can be shown wherever we speak the truth, we stand by the truth. We can be selfless in helping our fellow citizens. We can respect every individual in this country.