Colonel Santosh Babu who was martyred by the Chinese Army forced at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh last year was accorded the second-highest military decoration Mahavir Chakra. President of India Ramnath Kovind had done the honors. Taking his ultimate sacrifice into consideration, he was accorded the award posthumously.
On the behalf of the official, his family members received the award. His wife Santoshi and mother Manjula attended the event and received the award from the President of India. News Agency ANI shared the visuals of Colonel Santosh Babu’s family members receiving the award on Twitter.
In total, six soldiers including Colonel Santosh Babu were accorded the awards by the Presidents. The five other soldiers were accorded the Vir Chakra award. The five others received the awards while Santosh Babu was awarded posthumously.
Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh last year saw a fierce battle between the Indian and Chinese forces. When the Chinese forces tried to enter Indian territory, the Indian forces confronted them. Santosh Babu did not take a back step despite being hit on the head.
Not caring much about the injuries he sustained, Colonel Santosh Babu, who hails from Telangana had led the team. As a bid to appreciate the ultimate sacrifice made by the personnel, he was accorded the award.
“Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment deployed in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh) during Operation Snow Leopard, was tasked to establish an observation post in face of the enemy,” the citation went. “While holding the position his column faced stiff resistance from the adversary who attacked using lethal and sharp weapons along with heavy stone pelting from adjoining heights. Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to pushback Indian troops,” the document released by the government said.
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