Galwan hero Col Santosh Babu gets Mahavir Chakra; his story will make every Indian proud!

Galwan Valley hero Col Santosh Babu was awarded Mahavir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry medal by President Ram Nath Kovind on November 23, 2021. He was awarded the medal for resisting the Chinese Army attack in Galwan Valley. HIs wife B Santoshi and mother Manjula received the honour.

Here’s what happened in Galwan:

• Col Santosh Babu was leading 16 Bihar regiment during Operation Snow Leopard.

• He was tasked to ensure that Chinese moved back beyond Patrolling Point 14.

• Following June 6 Lt General-level talks, disengagement between both sides had begun.

• On June 15, Indian and Chinese troops had a violent face-off in Galwan Valley.

• During the clash, Col Babu got grievously injured but he refused to be evacuated.

• He valiantly resisted the enemy attack till his last breath.

• Reportedly, he was struck on the head by a large stone, and fell into Galwan river.

He was among 20 Indian soldiers who died in fierce hand-to-hand combat in Galwan Valley. This incident marked one of the most serious military conflicts between India and China in decades.