Everyday heroes

Sandeep Unnikrishnan (March 17, 1977 – November 28, 2008) was a Major in the Indian Army serving in the elite National Security Guards (NSG) who was led his life in an encounter with terrorists in November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

“Do not come up, I will handle them.” These were probably the last words which Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan told his men as he was hit by bullets while engaging terrorists inside the Taj Hotel, Mumbai during the Black Tornado operation.

During the operation, when a commando got injured Major Unnikrishnan arranged for his evacuation and started chasing the terrorists himself. The terrorists escaped to another floor of the hotel and during the chase Major Unnikrishnan was seriously injured and succumbed to his injuries.

Its common people like this who keep pitching in for the good againist the evil that make us safer and to these everyday heroes we need to be grateful. That may be in any form - a bus conductor, a doctor, a vendor, a mother, a teacher or just anyone, but they have this quality of human compassion and selflessness that sets them apart. This is a rare breed and they dont make men and women like this often.

Pics are from his Orkut album from the July' 08 trip he took to Hampi.