Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan and others remember martyred Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his 41st birth anniversary

During the 26/11 attacks, many lost their lives, many lost their loved ones and many lost the jewels of our country.

 “I don’t want to die an ordinary death. When I go, the whole nation will remember me” these were the words that young Sandeep Unnikrishnan uttered to his father when he joined National Security Guards (NSG) as a part of the Special Action Group and on the infamous November 26, India lost a jewel. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wish was fulfilled.

While fighting the terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba at Taj Hotel in Mumbai, Major Unnikrishnan was wounded badly by the cross firing, while leading a team of 10 commandos of NSG to vacate the Taj Hotel.

Major Unnikrishnan rescued 14 hostages and even helped his co-commando to get some medical help before breathing his last breath.

"Do not come up, I'll handle them" shouted Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and these were his last words as per his colleagues.

He had a dream of joining Indian army and even donned a crew cut during his school days. A good athlete and a natural leader, he was an unselfish, determined and a calm person.

Major Unnikrishnan was awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's father, a retired ISRO officer stated that India needs many "Major Unnikrishnans" and he has taken a vow to "create more majors like my son".

March 15 is the 41^st birth anniversary of Late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and every citizen of this country should know about the martyr who died for them.

1. He loved watching movies and was a member of the school choir.

2. He was a good athlete and excelled in every sport he played.

3. Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1995.He was a graduate of the 94^th course of NDA. He graduated with Bachelor of Arts.

4. He was the part of Oscar squadron (No.4 battalion).Major Unnikrishnan was selected for National Security Guards after having served in different locations of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan for the Indian Army.

5. He was the topper of the ‘Ghatak Course’, the toughest course of the Army.

6. He was martyred at the age of 31, in the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

7. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra, on 26 January 2009.

8. Major Unnikrishnan's funeral was held with full military honors.

Twitter world was full of tributes for the braveheart of India: 

Paying tributes to the proud son of India, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His bravery, service & spirit of sacrifice will always inspire us. pic.twitter.com/dy0vcMpSz3

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 15, 2018

Remembering the brave-heart, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His valour & sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/DyQcCoObPk

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 15, 2018

Saluting Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His bravery and sacrifice in action during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/aqbwzwvXQB

— R. K. Singh (@RajKSinghIndia) March 15, 2018

Remembering braveheart, martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His valour, courage and spirit will always remain an inspiration 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qhlGAV0MhV

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 15, 2018

Paying tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary, an epitome of valour & courage which will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/1Uu3YgjLlp

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) March 15, 2018