Maj. Sandeep Unnikrishnan

During the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in November 2008, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was deployed as part of the National Security Guard's elite counter-terrorism force. His mission was to clear the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and rescue civilians trapped inside. Leading from the front, Major Unnikrishnan successfully evacuated hostages while engaging heavily armed terrorists. Despite the dangerous conditions and continuous gunfire, he continued advancing deeper into the hotel to neutralize the threat. When one of his fellow commandos was injured, he attempted a rescue under direct enemy fire. During the operation he sustained fatal injuries but continued fighting until the very end. His courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty earned him the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Service Journey