Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Apr 25: Yuva Brigade, Mangaluru unit organized ‘Sandeep in My Heart’, a unique programme to remember Mumbai-terror attack hero, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan at T V Raman Pai hall, here on Saturday April 25.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a major in the Indian Army serving in the elite Special Action Group of the National Security Guards (NSG). He was killed in action while fighting against terrorists in November 2008 in Mumbai-terror attack. His bravery was honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peace time gallantry award on 26 January 2009.
The programme began with the invocation and lighting of lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep's father Unnikrishnan said, “It is my first speech in Mangaluru. My son got all the honours he deserved for his bravery but most of the soldiers die without being recognized for their service to the nation. I thought my son was only sincere, but he went one step ahead by cultivating the spirit of patriotism. A real soldier is not made but born. We never thought we would ever lose him. Now the security concerns in the nation have increased. We feel insecure in our own country. We never know that the person behind us may be a terrorist. It’s really sad that we are not safe in our own country”.
Yuva Brigade mentor Chakravarthy Soolibele in the speech to motivate the youth of the country said, "Even though the parents of Sandeep have lost him, they motivate thousands of Sandeeps of the nation to die for the country. I was in Kashmir till yesterday. The experience I got in the border is breathtaking. I realized that Jammu and Kashmir was completely different one than what is projected in media. The entire Kashmir is not burning. Only a few who are pro-Pakistan are creating tensions in the region to avail the grants from the central government. Many children and youth join in the stone pelting activity without knowing the reason”.
“The India which Mangaloreans think like malls, theatre, beach is one part of India. If you want to really feel India, you have to go India-Pakistan boarder and have to shake hands with the soldiers who guard the border without even seeing the family for years. We feel like a current passing through our body. A soldier has to spend two years in war zone and three years in the peaceful zone on the rotational basis. The camp in which they stay does not even have proper network to talk to their families”, he further said.
He gave examples of Param Vir Chakra winner Havildar Yogender Singh Yadav, Param Veer Captain Vikram Batra, and explained the life story of the soldiers.
"The American soldiers could go into the territory of Pakistan and kill al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and throw his body into the sea is because the entire nation is behind soldiers and they respect and support them. The same attitude has to be cultivated in our system. Soldiers expect nothing from us but respect for their selfless service. They must feel that the nation they guard honours and recognizes their service. This will give boost to the soldiers. If you get an opportunity to become a soldier do not miss, it is a rare honour and privilege”, he concluded.
Dhanalaxmi Unnikrishnan mother of Sandeep Unnikrishnan was also present on the occasion.