Till the last breath

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was an Indian Army officer who attained martyrdom during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Till the last breath

How can be my country not proud?

With tiger hearted men and women around.

Laying their lives for motherland's pride,

Courage, bravery, patriotism in their stride.

 

Of the many brave hearts saga put in pen,

Let me today tell you about Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

Part of Indian Military Academy 104th regular course,

Got commissioned as Lieutenant in Bihar Regiment ready to act as force.

 

He became a Captain when he showed his valor in Operation Vijay,

Followed by promotion as a Major, all in his sway.

The only son of K.Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi,

He always dreamt of being in the army.

 

National Defence Academy nurtured him,

He was in the Oscar Squadron no.4 Battalion, with patriotic dream never going dim.

Serving his country and training hard,

He joined the National Security Guards.

 

Then came a day when South Mumbai was attacked,

Hostages inside Taj Mahal Palace Hotel were stacked.

As a team commander of 51 Special Action Group,

He entered the hotel with his troop.

 

Saving his injured men,

He went alone in the den.

He was martyred in the mayhem,

His last words being “Don’t come up, I will handle them".

 

Great is his mother,

Having given birth to a tiger.

Many more sagas are there to be told,

Of bravery, strength and hearts of gold.

 

The story of this young man who sacrificed his life for his motherland,

Fills us with pride, inspiring us as we take our stand.

He was given a tearful farewell,

Thousands gathered to see a tale to tell.

 

For his bravery, he was awarded posthumously,

His mother received the award graciously.

There lies in Bengaluru a road,

With his name and bravery on board.

 

He will live in our hearts, inspiring the generations to come,

For there was a brave heart, Sandeep Unnikrishnan was his name!