Sandeep Unnikrishnan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major
Sandeep Unnikrishnan
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Sandeep Unnikrishnan
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| Born | 15 March 1977 Kozhikode, Kerala, India |
| Died | 28 November 2008 (aged 31) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Cremation | |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service/ |
 Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1999–2008 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Service number | IC-58660 |
| Unit |  51 SAG, NSG7 Bihar, Bihar Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Operation Vijay Operation Parakram Operation Rakshak Counter-Insurgency Operation Black Tornado |
| Awards |
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| Alma mater | The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore National Defence Academy Indian Military Academy High Altitude Warfare School Commando School Belgaum |
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (born March 15, 1977 – died November 28, 2008) was a brave officer in the Indian Army. He was part of the National Security Guards (NSG), a special force in India. Major Unnikrishnan sadly lost his life during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. For his incredible courage, he was given the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest award for bravery during peacetime. He received this award after his death on January 26, 2009.
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Early Life and Family
Sandeep Unnikrishnan grew up in Bangalore, India. His family originally came from Kozhikode, Kerala. He was the only child of K. Unnikrishnan, who worked for ISRO, and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan.
Sandeep went to The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore, and finished in 1995. From a young age, he dreamed of joining the armed forces to serve his country. He was married to Neha.
Joining the Army
In 1995, Sandeep Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (India) (NDA) in Pune. He was a bright student and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He then went to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. On June 12, 1999, he officially became a Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army. During a conflict called Operation Vijay in July 1999, he showed great courage under heavy fire from enemy troops.
He was promoted to Captain on June 12, 2003, and then to Major on June 13, 2005. Major Unnikrishnan was also a top student in special commando training courses. He even became an instructor. He also trained at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg.
After serving in many different places like Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat, he was chosen to join the National Security Guards (NSG). In January 2007, he became a training officer for the 51 Special Action Group (51 SAG) of the NSG.
His Bravery in Mumbai
On the night of November 26, 2008, several buildings in Mumbai were attacked by terrorists. One of the main targets was the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was the leader of a team from the 51 SAG sent to the Taj hotel to rescue people trapped inside.
He entered the hotel with 10 commandos and went up to the sixth floor. They helped many hostages escape from the sixth and fifth floors. As they went down, they found terrorists in a locked room on the fourth floor. When the commandos opened the door, a commando named Sunil Kumar Yadav was shot in both legs. Major Unnikrishnan bravely saved Yadav, but the terrorists escaped after throwing a grenade.
Major Unnikrishnan and his team continued to rescue people for about 15 hours. Later, they decided to go up the central staircase to find the remaining terrorists and hostages. The terrorists ambushed them, and another commando, Sunil Kumar Jodha, was badly injured. Major Unnikrishnan made sure Jodha was evacuated.
He then bravely chased the terrorists alone. He managed to corner all four terrorists in a ballroom. During this fight, he gave his life for his country. His last words to his team were, "Don't come up, I will handle them." NSG commandos later killed all four terrorists.
Remembering a Hero
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's funeral was held with full military honors. Thousands of people came to pay their respects, chanting "Sandeep Unnikrishnan Amar Rahe" (meaning "May Sandeep Unnikrishnan's name remain eternal").
To honor him, a road in Bengaluru, about 4.5 kilometers long, was renamed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road. There are also statues (busts) of him in Bangalore and Mumbai. An army housing complex in Bangalore is named 'Sandeep Vihar' in his memory.
About the Film
A movie called Major was made about Sandeep Unnikrishnan's life. The actor Adivi Sesh plays Major Unnikrishnan in the film. It was produced by actor Mahesh Babu, Sony Pictures International Productions, and A+S Movies. The movie was released worldwide on June 3, 2022.
