(Image source from: Twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn)
Colonel Santosh Babu Awarded With Mahavir Chakra:- Telugu youngster Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu who has been the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment was active in the Chinese attacks that took place in the Galwan valley during June last year. Santosh Babu passed away in the attack and he was awarded with Mahavir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his courage and braveness during the attack. Santosh Babu's wife Santoshi and his mother Manjula received the award and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present at the event in New Delhi.
President Kovind presents Maha Vir Chakra to Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, 16th Battalion, Bihar Regiment (Posthumous). He displayed exemplary leadership and astute professionalism. He showed conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy and made supreme sacrifice for the nation. pic.twitter.com/LkYCsXPSmt
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 23, 2021
Mahavir Chakra happens to be the second highest wartime gallantry award after Param Vir Chakra in the country. The citation revealed "Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, Commanding officer 16 BIHAR deployed in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh) during Operation Snow Leopard was tasked to establish an observation post in face of the enemy. Organising and briefing his troops about the situation with a sound plan, he successfully executed the task. 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 by overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to push back Indian troops".
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the recipients of Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/2SUJaFKcKm
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 23, 2021
It also added "Despite being grievously injured, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu led from the front with absolute command and control despite hostile conditions to deter the vicious enemy attack at his position. In the skirmish that broke out and ensuing hand to hand combat with enemy soldiers, he valiantly resisted the enemy attack till his last breath, inspiring and motivating his troops to hold ground. Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu displayed exemplary leadership and astute professionalism. He showed conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and made supreme sacrifice for the nation".
#WATCH | Col Santosh Babu accorded Mahavir Chakra posthumously for resisting Chinese Army attack while establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy in Galwan valley in Ladakh sector during Operation Snow Leopard.
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2021
His mother and wife receive the award from President. pic.twitter.com/vadfvXBz9M
