Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan wife, Age, Indian Army Career, Death, Family & More

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Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a brave and courageous Indian Army officer who died during the 26/11 Mumbai Attack. He was very famous for his ultimate sacrifice for the country. This biography blog is dedicated to him and will cover Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan wife, children, Career, education, parents, Age, and much more in detail. If you want to know more about him then reading this blog is worth considering. So, Stay connected with us to get to know each and everything related to him. Continue reading!

Who was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan served in the Indian Army within the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard. He was one of the martyrs of the 2008 Mumbai attack. As a tribute, he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on January 26, 2009, as the highest gallantry award for peacetime.

NameMajor Sandeep Unnikrishnan
ProfessionArmy Major
RankMajor
Unit51 Special Action Group for NSG
Service NumberIC-58660
Years of Active1999-2008
Celebrity TypeIndian Army Officer
Age at time of death31 years
Date Of Birth15th March 1977
Death Date28th November 2008
Zodiac SignPisces
Place of BirthKozhikode
Place of DeathMumbai, Maharashtra, India
Place of CremationBengaluru, Karnataka, India

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Age (At the Time of Death)

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on 15 March 1977 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. When he was martyred, he was just 31 years old.

Early life and education

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born to a Malayali family in Kozhikode, Kerala. When he was very young, his family shifted to Bangalore, Karnataka. He was the only child of retired ISRO officer K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. He was sure from the time he was a young boy that he wanted to join the Indian Army, and this desire did not change throughout his childhood. Unnikrishnan went to The Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore for his education. He graduated from school in the ISC science stream in 1995. After that, he decided to pursue his dream of joining the armed forces.

Military Life of Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Bachelors before joining NDA

He had completed his bachelor’s degree and joined NDA back in 1995 in Pune, Maharashtra. He got his posting to Oscar Squad No. 4 Battalion. He passed out along with the NDA course as a 94-batch graduate with a bachelor in Arts degree. After the NDA, he served the regular course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, as part of the 104th regular course.

He Was Recruited as Lieutenant

On June 12, 1999, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 7th battalion of the Bihar Regiment Infantry. During Operation Vijay in July 1999, he distinguished himself. On December 31, 1999, he led a team of six soldiers to establish a post just 200 meters from enemy lines for continuous observation and fire support.

Promoted to Captain

He was promoted to the rank of Captain on June 12, 2003, for his excellent service. On June 13, 2005, he performed excellently in the challenging Ghatak course at the Infantry Wing Commando School, Belgaum, with instructor grade and commendation for topping the course twice.

Sandeep also had special training at the High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg. Throughout his career, he served in some of India’s toughest regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Siachen, Hyderabad, and Rajasthan.

Joined NSG Commando

He underwent elite commando training in 2007, after which he joined the National Security Guard (NSG). He was placed with the 51 Special Action Group and became a part of it. As a training officer, he completed several missions with the NSG.

Operation Black Tornado

During the 2008 terrorist attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Major led a mission to eliminate the terrorists. He was critically injured during the operation when he came under open fire from the terrorists and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice.

What is Operation Black Tornado?

On the night of November 26, 2008, terrorists attacked various locations in South Mumbai. Among those was the famous Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, where hostages were held captive. The commanding officer of the 51 Special Action Group (SAG), Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, headed a team of 10 commandos to rescue the hostages. They were able to ascend to the sixth floor with the help of the staircase and evacuated hostages from the sixth and fifth floors.

During the operation, they found that there was a locker room on the fourth floor; they suspected it to have terrorists. Upon opening that door, terrorists started firing, and Commando Sunil Kumar Yadav sustained injuries in both legs. Major Sandeep managed to rescue Yadav while the terrorists fled after the detonation of a grenade in the room. This rescue operation went on nearly for 15 hours.

In the wee hours of November 27, Major Sandeep and his team moved on the central staircase, which was the only access route to more hostages and confronting the terrorists. The terrorists opened fire from the first floor, injuring Commando Sunil Kumar Jodha with seven bullets. Major Sandeep took him out and continued his operation, battling the terrorists alone to not let them escape to the upper floors. He also seriously injured four terrorists inside the ballroom located on the northern end of the hotel.

After overwhelming them, Major Sandeep seriously got hurt but still continued fighting. When his last words were said to his team, they read: “Don’t come up, I will handle them.” Later on, the rest of the NSG commandos neutralized all four terrorists trapped inside the ballroom and in the Wasabi restaurant at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

He Was Given a Prestigious Award – Ashoka Chakra

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was given the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, posthumously, in recognition of his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The honour was announced on Republic Day, January 26, 2009. The award was given to his parents by the former President of India, Pratibha Patil, in a formal ceremony.

Major – A Biopic on Him

A biographical film titled Major was released in 2022 to commemorate the life and sacrifice of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. Directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and produced by Sony Pictures India, Mahesh Babu, and A+ S Movies, the film stars Adivi Sesh as Major Sandeep, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

Cremation

Major Sandeep’s funeral was conducted with full military honours on November 29, 2008, at the Hebbal Crematorium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Thousands of family members, friends, and citizens came in droves to pay respect to the person who breathed his last. His parents performed the last rites with sheer courage and dignity, and the atmosphere was full of sorrow. There was also a 21-gun salute at the funeral, while NSG commandos saluted him. Many persons carried the Indian flag in their hands, chanting in unison: “Sandeep Unnikrishnan Amar Rahe.

Final Words

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan continues to be the epitome of courage and dedication. From a childhood dream to serve the nation to lay down his life during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, his heroism and patriotism will always inspire one and all. His leadership during the operation at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel helped save many lives. He was conferred with Ashoka Chakra for his bravery. His life and legacy will always inspire people to serve with honour and integrity.

Trivia (Some Lesser Known Facts)

  • Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan died at the age of 31.
  • His last words were, “Don’t come up, I will handle them,” and indeed he did.
  • He married Neha Unnikrishnan, whom he first met at The Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore. Mutual respect for each other later blossomed into love.
  • His last phone call was with his father on 26 November 2008.
  • Sandeep had always dreamed of becoming an Indian Army officer. He joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1995 and graduated as a lieutenant. He was posted to the seventh battalion of the Bihar Regiment on June 12, 1999.
  • He was also part of the Kargil War in 1999. He and his team withstood heavy artillery and small arms fire from Pakistani troops.
  • He was promoted to captain in June 12, 2003, and to major on June 12, 2005.
  • After passing out from his training he joined the National Security Guard or NSG, and is a part of the Special Action Group. He is one of the best pass-outs of the Ghatak course, one of the toughest training programs in the Indian Army.
  • Major Sandeep led a team of NSG commandos into the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He rescued several hostages and cleared the area.
  • Major Sandeep was martyred during the operation. His death was confirmed the next day, as the search operation continued.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Who is Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans.Sandeep Unnikrishnan is an officer of the Indian Army who served in the National Security Guard (NSG).

2.How old was Sandeep Unnikrishnan at the time of birth?

Ans.Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on the 15th of March 1977, in Kerala, India. Unfortunately, he was brutally killed on 28 November 2008, as well as during the attack that occurred on 26/11 in Mumbai.

3.What are the key characteristics of the personality of Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans.Known for being calm, and courageous and possessing leadership qualities, he also had a great sense of humour.

4.What was the role of major Sandeep Unnikrishnan in the 26/11 attack?

Ans.Sandeep Unique Krishna was the team commander of the NSG operation to rescue the hostage stuck in the Taj Mahal hotel. He sacrificed his life while saving the hostages.

5.What award did Sandeep Unnikrishnan receive?

Ans.For his heroism and bravery during the 26/11 terror attack, his family received Ashoka chakra on his behalf.

6.Where did Sandeep Unnikrishnan complete his schooling?

Ans.Sandeep Unnikrishnan completed his schooling at Prank Anthony Public School Bangalore and graduated from National Defence Academy Pune.

7.What is the background of Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans.He was the son of retired ISRO officer k. Unnikrishnan and DhanaLakshmi Unnikrishnan.

8.Where is the memorial of Sandeep Unnikrishnan?

Ans.The memorial of Sandeep Unni Krishnan is located in Bangalore, Karnataka.

9.What was the rank of Sandeep Unni Krishnan in the Indian Army?

Ans.He was a major and also served with the National Security Guard (NSG).

10.How and when did Major Sandeep Unikrishnan get killed?


Ans.Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan died while rescuing a hostage from the 26/11 terror attack on 26 November 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.


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