India paid tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary on Thursday, 15 March. The Major, who attained martyrdom in the counter-offensive during 26/11 Mumbai terror attack of 2008, was posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra – India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

Union cabinet ministers and other leaders from the world of business and politics were among those who paid their respects to the Indian Army officer deputed to the National Security Guards (NSG) at the time of his martyrdom.

“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,” Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal wrote on Twitter.

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

“His last words were, ‘Do not come up, I will handle them’. Remembering the valour and courage of Martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. I bow down to his supreme sacrifice for the nation,” wrote Dr Mahesh Sharma, Union MoS Culture.

His last words were, “Do not come up, I will handle them”. Remembering the valour and courage of Martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. I bow down to his supreme sacrifice for the nation.

— Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) March 15, 2018

“Remembering the brave-heart, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His valour & sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered,” Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, wrote.

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

Naveen Jindal wrote, “Homage to Shaheed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary… His extraordinary courage, valour and supreme sacrifice will keep inspiring the nation. #Salute.”

Homage to Shaheed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary… His extraordinary courage, valour and supreme sacrifice will keep inspiring the nation. #Salute pic.twitter.com/uKocPBrevW

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) March 15, 2018

RK Singh, MoS Power, wrote: “Saluting Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan on his birth anniversary. His bravery and sacrifice in action during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks will always be remembered.”

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

Cricketer Virender Sehwag, too, paid his respects:

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

Born on 15 March 1977, Major Unnikrishnan was commissioned in 1999 in the Bihar Regiment. He was the commander of the NSG group tasked to flush out the terrorists from Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. In the ensuing operation, he ensured that an injured colleague is safely evacuated and fought the terrorists till his last breath.

He was among six honoured with the Ashok Chakra for their sacrifice in the 2008 terror attack.