Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a Major in the Indian Army who sacrificed his life while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his courage and valour. But who was Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife, and what was their relationship like? Here is the story of Neha Unnikrishnan and her brave husband.
Childhood Sweethearts
Neha Unnikrishnan, also known as Isha, met Sandeep Unnikrishnan at the Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore, where they studied together for 14 years. They became friends and later fell in love. They shared a common passion for sports, music, and movies. They also supported each other’s dreams and aspirations. Neha wanted to become a journalist, while Sandeep wanted to join the army.
Long-Distance Lovers
After completing their schooling, Neha and Sandeep went their separate ways to pursue their careers. Neha joined a media house in Bangalore, while Sandeep joined the National Defence Academy in Pune. They maintained a long-distance relationship for many years, communicating through letters, phone calls, and occasional visits. They faced many challenges and hardships, but they never gave up on their love.
Happily Married
In 2008, Neha and Sandeep finally tied the knot in a simple ceremony in Bangalore. They had a short honeymoon in Ooty, where they enjoyed each other’s company and planned their future together. They looked forward to spending more time with each other and starting a family. However, fate had other plans for them.
Tragically Separated
On 26 November 2008, a group of terrorists attacked Mumbai, targeting several iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Nariman House. Sandeep Unnikrishnan was part of the elite National Security Guards (NSG) team that was deployed to rescue the hostages and neutralize the terrorists. He led his team with bravery and skill, saving many lives and cornering the terrorists in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. However, he was fatally shot by the terrorists while chasing them alone in the hotel. He died on 28 November 2008 at the age of 31.
Forever Remembered
Neha Unnikrishnan was devastated by the news of her husband’s death. She could not believe that he was gone forever. She was proud of his heroism and sacrifice, but she also felt lonely and heartbroken. She said that he was her soulmate and her best friend, and that she would always love him and miss him.
Neha Unnikrishnan also received immense support and respect from the nation and the army. She was invited to attend various events and ceremonies to honour her husband’s memory and legacy. She also received his Ashoka Chakra award from President Pratibha Patil on 26 January 2009.
Neha Unnikrishnan has not remarried or moved on from her husband. She still lives in Bangalore with her parents-in-law, who treat her like their own daughter. She also works as a journalist and writes about various social issues. She says that she wants to keep her husband’s name alive and inspire others with his story.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife is an example of strength, resilience, and loyalty. She has faced unimaginable loss and pain, but she has not lost hope or faith. She has honoured her husband’s memory and legacy with dignity and grace. She is a true partner of a true hero.