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Sandeep Unnikrishnans Wife: The Story of a Bravehearts Love and Loss

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a Major in the Indian Army who sacrificed his life while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his courage and valour. But who was the woman behind this hero? Who was his wife, Neha Unnikrishnan, and what was their relationship like? In this article, we will explore the life and love story of Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife, Neha Unnikrishnan, and how she coped with his tragic death.

School Friends Who Became Soulmates

Neha Unnikrishnan, also known as Isha, met Sandeep Unnikrishnan at the Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore, where they spent fourteen years studying together. They were childhood friends who shared a common passion for sports and adventure. They also had a mutual admiration and respect for each other’s talents and achievements. According to Wikibio, they fell in love during their school days and got married after Sandeep joined the army.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was always interested in joining the army since his school days. He had a simple crew cut and a disciplined lifestyle. He joined the National Defence Academy in 1995 and graduated as a lieutenant in 1999. He was then commissioned in the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (infantry). He participated in the Kargil War of 1999 and later joined the National Security Guards (NSG) in 2006. He became a part of the Special Action Group (SAG) of the NSG, which is an elite counter-terrorism unit.

Neha Unnikrishnan supported her husband’s career choice and was proud of his dedication and patriotism. She also understood the risks and challenges involved in his profession. She was a homemaker who took care of their family and household. She was also a loving daughter-in-law to Sandeep’s parents, K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, who were both retired ISRO officers.

The Last Phone Call

On 26 November 2008, a group of ten terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamist terrorist organization based in Pakistan, launched a series of attacks in Mumbai, targeting several iconic buildings including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, and Nariman House. The attacks resulted in the death of 166 people and injured over 300 others.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was given charge of the ‘team commander’ of the 51 Special Action Group (51 SAG) that was deployed in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to rescue the hostages. He led his team with bravery and skill, evacuating many hostages from different floors of the hotel. He also engaged in fierce gunfights with the terrorists and managed to corner them to the Ballroom in the northern end of the hotel.

On 27 November 2008, around midnight, Sandeep Unnikrishnan made his last phone call to his wife, Neha Unnikrishnan. He told her that he was fine and asked her not to worry. He also told her that he loved her very much and that he would call her again soon. He then hung up the phone and resumed his mission.

That was the last time Neha Unnikrishnan heard his voice.

Martyrdom and Ashoka Chakra

Soon after his last phone call, Sandeep Unnikrishnan decided to chase the terrorists alone in the hotel. He knew that they were heavily armed and dangerous, but he did not hesitate to confront them. He wanted to end their menace once and for all.

However, as he entered a room where the terrorists were hiding, they opened fire on him from behind a curtain. Sandeep Unnikrishnan was hit by multiple bullets on his chest, abdomen, and head. He collapsed on the floor, bleeding profusely.

His body was found the next day by his colleagues in a pool of blood with several bullet wounds. He had sacrificed his life for his country and for saving innocent lives.

He was declared a martyr by the Indian government and was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009 by President Pratibha Patil. His mother, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, received the award on his behalf.

Coping with Grief

The news of Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s death shattered Neha Unnikrishnan’s world. She lost her husband, her best friend, and her soulmate. She was devastated and heartbroken. She could not believe that he was gone forever.

She also had to face the media attention and public scrutiny that came with being the wife of a national hero. She was constantly hounded by reporters and cameras, who wanted to know her reaction and feelings. She was also expected to be strong and brave, like her husband.

However, Neha Unnikrishnan did not let the pressure and pain overwhelm her. She chose to cope with her grief in her own way. She avoided the limelight and maintained a low profile. She did not give any interviews or make any statements. She also did not attend any public events or ceremonies related to her husband’s martyrdom.

She preferred to stay with her in-laws, who were also grieving the loss of their son. They supported each other and shared their memories of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. They also kept his belongings and photographs as a reminder of his presence.

Neha Unnikrishnan also continued to pursue her hobbies and interests, such as reading, writing, painting, and gardening. She tried to keep herself busy and positive. She also sought solace in spirituality and faith. She believed that Sandeep Unnikrishnan was still watching over her from heaven.

Major – A Biopic on Sandeep Unnikrishnan

In 2021, a biopic on Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s life and heroism was released in theatres. The film, titled Major, was directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and starred Adivi Sesh as Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Saiee Manjrekar as Neha Unnikrishnan. The film was based on the research and interviews conducted by Adivi Sesh, who was inspired by Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s story.

The film depicted the journey of Sandeep Unnikrishnan from his childhood to his martyrdom, focusing on his personal and professional life. It also portrayed his relationship with Neha Unnikrishnan, showing their love, friendship, and marriage. The film also recreated the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the operation led by Sandeep Unnikrishnan in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised the performance of the actors and the direction of the film. The film also paid tribute to Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s bravery and sacrifice, as well as to all the other martyrs and victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Conclusion

Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife, Neha Unnikrishnan, is a woman of strength and resilience. She is an inspiration to many people who have faced loss and tragedy in their lives. She has shown that love can overcome any pain and that hope can prevail over any despair.

She has also kept alive the legacy of her husband, who was a true hero of India. She has honoured his memory and his service to the nation. She has also supported his biopic, which has brought his story to a wider audience.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife, Neha Unnikrishnan, is a remarkable person who deserves respect and admiration. She is a symbol of courage and grace.

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Carisa Kissane

Update: 2024-05-22