President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries at the Defence Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, today.
New Delhi: Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Regiment, was posthumously conferred the nation’s second highest military decoration, the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) (literally great warrior medal) by President Ram Nath Kovind, here today.
The President presented Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations for the year 2021 at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Colonel Babu was deployed in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh. During Operation Snow Leopard, he 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 pelti
ng from adjoining height.
Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by over whelming strength of Chinese soldiers, the officer in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemies’ attempt to push back Indian troops.
Despite being previously injured, Colonel Babu led from the front with absolute command and control despite hostile conditions to determine 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 paragraph
Colonel Santosh Babu displayed exemplary leadership and astute professionalism. He showed conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy andmade Supreme sacrifice for the nation.
