MAJOR SANDEEP UNNIKRISHNAN

The story of a soldier who chose duty over life 🇮🇳

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was not born a hero — he became one the day he decided that the safety of India would always come before his own life.

Born on 15 March 1977, Sandeep grew up as a cheerful, disciplined, and deeply patriotic young man. He loved his family, respected his parents, and dreamed of wearing the uniform not for pride, but for purpose. When he joined the Indian Army, he didn’t just accept a job — he accepted a lifetime responsibility to protect people he had never met.

On the dark night of 26 November 2008, when terror struck Mumbai during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Major Sandeep was deployed as part of the NSG to clear the Taj Hotel. Inside those burning corridors, amidst gunfire, smoke, and fear, he stood like a wall between terrorists and innocent lives.

He rescued hostages, neutralized terrorists, and kept moving forward despite injuries. When his team cautioned him to slow down, he said words that will forever echo in India’s soul:

“Don’t come up, I will handle them.”

Those were not just words — they were a promise.

A promise to every Indian sleeping that night.

A promise sealed with his own blood.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan laid down his life at just 31 years of age, but in doing so, he became immortal. He didn’t ask for medals, fame, or remembrance — yet the nation bowed to him in tears and pride. For his unmatched bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

Some people live long lives.

Some people live meaningful lives.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan lived both — in just 31 years.

Salute to the soldier who taught us what true patriotism looks like.

Your sacrifice is etched in India’s heartbeat forever. 🇮🇳