Early Life and Education
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, to K. Unnikrishnan, a retired ISRO officer, and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. He was the only son and grew up in Bangalore, Karnataka. Sandeep was lively and affable from his youth, marked by supportive kindness and leadership.
Sandeep was a bright student at Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore. He was also involved in sports and other activities. His formative years were marked by a strong sense of responsibility and a high level of commitment towards his goal—a streak he had to maintain in the years that followed.
High School and College
After finishing his schooling, he felt that it was time to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. He joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune and did the 94th course. His stint in the NDA further made him a very effective leader and inured him with deeply held feelings of patriotism and duty towards his motherland. He passed out and was immediately commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army in June 1998.
Early Days of Military Service
Upon commission, Sandeep was posted to the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment. His initial postings brought him across various harsh terrains, including Jammu and Kashmir, where he was affiliated with some of the counterinsurgency operations. He was devoted to his work and was valiant, often making him the topic of discussion among fellow officers.
That Police officer was so dedicated to perfection that he volunteered for the elite National Security Guard (NSG) in the year 2006, where he went through arduous training. The NSG then inducted him into the Special Action Group, where he got a specialization in anti-terrorist operations.
The 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which happened in 2008, was that moment in time that carved its career in the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. Ten terrorists had gone on a rampage of attacks at four locations across Mumbai—the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, and Nariman House—on the fateful night of November 26, 2008.
Major Sandeep and his men moved in to clear the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which had been captured by terrorists. Leading from the front, he, with absolute valour and strategic acumen, released a number of hostages and gunned down a number of terrorists.
The Last Battle and Martyrdom
In the heavy gunfire exchange that followed, Major Sandeep’s team was heavily fired upon. Onward, he led fearlessly in freeing hostages and in minimizing the fatalities of his team. Tragically, while attempting to save an injured commando, he was mortally wounded.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan said in his last words, from reliable sources: “Do not come up, I will handle them,” which are selfless words of his valour and devotion to duty. He managed to save many more lives with his act of valour on November 28 2008, the day he laid down his life for his country, curbing the designs of the terrorists.
Legacy and Honors
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was awarded posthumously the Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award in India, for his supreme sacrifice and exemplary bravery in The Taj operation. The citation read, “For the most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty.”
To many of us, he was Major Sandeep, leaving a bygone name that the whole nation now conserves, inspires, and prides themselves on. Lend it thought about a century hence when schools, roads, and institutions are named after some other genuinely great Indian.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Sandeep was a calm and soft-spoken individual. He was attached to his family, sharing a close bond with his parents. And amidst all odds and danger into the profession, he continued to function honestly for the mission and the country.
His favourite motto was “Karambhoomi,” which means field of action. He used to believe in action and dedication. He would lead by example.
Conclusion
The life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is beaming with acts of valor, inspiration, and selflessness. From Kozhikode to his supreme sacrifice in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, the journey was marked by an iron will for the motherland and colleagues.
“His story is a potent reminder of the sacrifices men and women in uniform make to secure our nation. Major Sandeep’s legacy shall always continue to inspire and motivate generations by reminding everyone of what true courage and patriotism actually mean.”.
As Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan told his commando team, “Do’t come up, I will handle them,” his life and sacrifice form the point of confluence where all the highest ideals within the Indian Armed Forces really merge and will eternally leave a mark in the annals of our nation’s history. His valour and commitment have not been forgotten and have, undoubtedly, made him a true hero and a guide to us all.