New Delhi: “I don’t want to die an ordinary death. When I go, the whole nation will remember me.”


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

These were the words uttered by Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan to his father when he had just joined the National Security Guard (NSG) as a part of the elite Special Action Group.


On November 26, 2008, Major Unnikrishnan got his wish. 26/11 will always be remembered for the courage displayed by our security forces in overcoming the siege at the Taj Mahal hotel, Oberoi and Chabad House in Mumbai.


Unnikrishnan was instrumental in rescuing 14 hostages from the clutches of terrorists who had swarmed the Mumbai hotel and killed hundreds of people.


On that fateful day, he entered the hotel in a group of 10 commandos and reached the sixth floor through the staircase. As the team descended the stairs, they suspected perpetrators on the third floor.


A few women were held as hostages in a room which was locked from the inside. After breaking open the door, the round of fire by the perpetrators hit Commando Sunil Yadav, Unnikrishnan's colleague.


Unnikrishnan engaged the perpetrators in a gunbattle. He arranged for Yadav's evacuation for first aid.


Meanwhile, he chased the terrorists, who had escaped to another floor of the hotel. In the encounter that followed, he was shot from the back before later succumbing to his injuries.


According to NSG officials, his final words were, “Don't come up. I will handle them.”


March 15 marks Late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's 41st birth anniversary. Not only should every Indian know his name, but also know the life of this martyr who died for his countrymen.


  • Sandeep Unnikrishnan always wanted to join the Indian army. He even sported a crew cut in school
  • According to his cousin, Sandeep was scared of water but learned how to swim when he joined the Indian Army.
  • According to his friends and teachers, he was a good athlete who was active in school activities and sports events. He was also a member of the school choir and enjoyed watching movies.
  • Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (India) (NDA), Pune, Maharashtra in 1995. He was a part of the Oscar Squadron (No. 4 Battalion) and a graduate of the 94th Course of NDA. He graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts.
  • His friends at the National Defence Academy have often recalled him as selfless, generous, calm, and composed.
  • After serving the Indian Army in different locations in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan during counter insurgencies for two terms, he was selected to join the National Security Guards.
  • Unnikrishnan topped the 'Ghatak course' (at the Commando Wing (Infantry School), Belgaum), the most difficult course of the Army, earning an "Instructor Grading" and commendation. He opted for the NSG commando service which he joined on deputation in 2006.
  • He died at the age of 31 after being shot by terrorists during the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • Major Unnikrishnan's funeral was held with full military honours.
  • He was awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peace time gallantry award, on 26 January 2009.

The official citation for the Ashoka Chakra Award reads:


IC-58660 MAJOR SANDEEP UNNIKRISHNAN BIHAR REGIMENT/51 SPECIAL ACTION GROUP (POSTHUMOUS)








Sandeep Unnikrishnan's death was a major cause of sorrow to people throughout the nation and many people openly mourned his death while taking to the streets. There were thousands who stood outside the Bangalore residence of Unnikrishnan to pay their last respect. Many mourners shouted slogans during his funeral “Long Live Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan” and “Sandeep Unnikrishnan Amar Rahe”.