Who Was Sandeep Unnikrishnan? Everything About The Indian Commando

Sandeep Unnikrishnan, AC (15 March 1977 – 28 November 2008), served as an officer in the Indian Army and was on deputation to the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards. Tragically, he lost his life in the line of duty during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

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Born on March 15, 1977, in Bangalore, India, he hailed from a family with a rich military background, growing up surrounded by that heritage. Known for his courage, valor, and selflessness, Sandeep sacrificed his life in the course of his duty.

Who Was Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was an Indian Army officer born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. He held the rank of Major and served in the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards (NSG). Sandeep Unnikrishnan gained widespread recognition for his exceptional courage, bravery, and selflessness.

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Tragically, he sacrificed his life in the line of duty during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan displayed exceptional valor when he confronted terrorists alone in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Despite facing heavy gunfire, he fought bravely, sustaining fatal injuries in the process. His actions and sacrifice are remembered as acts of extraordinary heroism.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and dedication to duty. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration, in recognition of his exceptional bravery and sacrifice.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan Profile Summary

Category	Information
Name	Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Profession	Army Personnel
Famous For	Being martyred in action during the 2008 Mumbai attacks
Date of Birth	15 March 1977 (Tuesday)
Birthplace	Kozhikode, Kerala
Date of Death	28 November 2008 (Friday)
Place of Death	Mumbai
Age (at the time of death)	31 Years
Death Cause	Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan lost his life when he went against the terrorists alone in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The terrorists opened fire on him, causing fatal injuries to his body. His body was found the next day in a pool of blood with several bullet wounds.
Zodiac sign	Pisces
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Bengaluru, Karnataka
School	The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore
College/University	National Defence Academy, Pune

Military Information	Deatails
Rank	Major
Service/Branch	Indian Army
Unit	51 Special Action Group for NSG
Service No.	IC-58660
Years of Service	1999-2008
Awards, Honours, Achievements	Ashoka

Early Life

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. He hailed from a family with a rich military background, and his upbringing was immersed in the ethos of the armed forces. Sandeep’s early life was shaped by the values of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation.

He received his education at The Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore, Karnataka. Later, Sandeep Unnikrishnan pursued his higher education at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where he embarked on the path of a military career. The NDA is known for training cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s early life experiences, coupled with his education and military training, laid the foundation for a career marked by dedication and a strong sense of duty. His commitment to serving the nation ultimately led him to become a Major in the Indian Army and a member of the elite 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards (NSG).

Education

Sandeep Unnikrishnan, born in Kozhikode, Kerala, in 1977, received his early education at The Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore before embarking on a military career. He furthered his education at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where he underwent rigorous training, setting the stage for his future role as a dedicated officer in the Indian Army.

This blend of civilian and military education laid the foundation for Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s unwavering commitment to duty, culminating in his service with the elite 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards. His legacy is marked not only by his exceptional bravery during the 2008 Mumbai attacks but also by the values instilled in him through his educational journey.

Military Career

Following the completion of his engineering degree, Sandeep Unnikrishnan joined the Indian Army in 1999. Commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, he demonstrated commendable service before being chosen to join the National Security Guard (NSG) in 2006. Sandeep underwent intensive training in diverse facets of counter-terrorism operations and played a pivotal role in numerous successful missions. His remarkable journey encapsulates the essence of an Indian commando dedicated to safeguarding the nation, showcasing bravery, and contributing significantly to counter-terrorism efforts.

Mumbai Attacks

Sandeep Unnikrishnan served as a member of the National Security Guard (NSG) team deployed to Mumbai in response to the terrorist attacks in November 2008. Leading his team into the seized Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Sandeep played a pivotal role in the liberation of numerous hostages and the neutralization of the terrorists. Tragically, he sustained injuries from enemy gunfire during the mission and ultimately succumbed to them, demonstrating unwavering dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Legacy

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Sandeep Unnikrishnan was posthumously honored with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration. Remembered as a genuine hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Sandeep’s legacy endures through the Sandeep Unnikrishnan Trust. Established with the noble purpose of supporting the education of underprivileged children, the trust serves as a testament to Sandeep’s enduring commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Funeral

At Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s funeral, conducted with complete military honors, mourners resonated with the chant “Sandeep Unnikrishnan Amar Rahe,” expressing the wish for his name to endure eternally. Reports indicated that thousands congregated outside his residence in Bangalore to pay their respects, attesting to the widespread acknowledgment and admiration for the fallen soldier.

Honour and legacy

In tribute to the enduring memory of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, various honors have been bestowed in his name, including the renaming of Mother Dairy Double Road in Bengaluru. The road, spanning a distance of 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Federal Mogul on Doddaballapur Road to MS Palya junction within Yelahanka New Town, has been dedicated as Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road, serving as a lasting commemoration of his valor and sacrifice.

Honouring Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Portraying the role of Sandeep Unnikrishnan in the biopic film “Major” is Adivi Sesh. The movie, a collaborative production involving actor Mahesh Babu, A+S Movies, and Sony Pictures International Productions, commenced principal photography in February 2020. The global release of the film took place on June 3, 2022, offering audiences a cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of the brave Indian Army officer.

Conclusion

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s life is a testament to unparalleled bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty. Born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, he pursued a path of education and military training, ultimately joining the Indian Army in 1999. Commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, he later became a crucial member of the National Security Guard (NSG). Major Unnikrishnan played a heroic role during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, leading his team in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

His selfless actions and sacrifice earned him the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration. Beyond his military service, tributes like the renaming of roads in his honor and the release of the biopic “Major” serve as enduring acknowledgments of his legacy. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan remains an inspiring figure, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of service and courage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Qn. Who was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was an Indian Army officer born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala. He served in the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment before joining the National Security Guard (NSG), an elite counter-terrorism unit.

Qn. What is Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan known for?

Ans. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is renowned for his bravery and sacrifice during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. He led his team in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, displaying exceptional courage in the face of terrorists and sacrificing his life to save others.

Qn. What awards did Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan receive?

Ans. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration, in recognition of his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Qn. How did Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan contribute during the Mumbai attacks?

Ans. During the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan led his NSG team into the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to confront terrorists. He played a crucial role in the liberation of hostages and the neutralization of terrorists but tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Qn. What is the Sandeep Unnikrishnan Trust?

Ans. The Sandeep Unnikrishnan Trust was established to support the education of underprivileged children. It stands as a tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Qn. Is there a biopic on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans. Yes, there is a biopic titled “Major,” where Adivi Sesh portrays the role of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The film, a joint production by Mahesh Babu, A+S Movies, and Sony Pictures International Productions, was released globally on June 3, 2022.

Qn. How is Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan remembered today?

Ans. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is remembered as a national hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His legacy lives on through various tributes, including the renaming of roads and the release of the biopic “Major,” ensuring that his bravery and dedication continue to inspire generations.

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