The Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Ashok Chakra Foundation is a charitable trust raised in his name — team commander of the 51 Special Action Group, National Security Guard, who gave his life defending hostages inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, in the early hours of 28 November 2008.
“Don't come up, I will handle them.”
The Life
From a schoolboy in Bengaluru who wanted nothing but a uniform, to the officer who stood between four terrorists and a hotel full of hostages.
The Route · 1977–2008
1995Entered the National Defence Academy — 94th Course, Oscar Squadron.
2008Led Operation Black Tornado at the Taj — and fell defending hostages, 28 Nov 2008.
1977Born here on 15 March 1977, the son of a retired ISRO officer.
1977–95Grew up dreaming only of a soldier's life, and never wavered from it.
1999Commissioned into the 7th Battalion, Bihar Regiment, on 12 June 1999.
1999Deployed along the Line of Control in Operation Vijay, 1999; later served on the Siachen Glacier.
The Trust
Established to preserve Major Unnikrishnan's legacy and extend his example of service into the lives of the families, soldiers, and students who need it most.
The Foundation's official seal
Vision & Mission
The Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Ashok Chakra Foundation was registered on 4 June 2026 as a charitable trust in Kollam, Kerala. It was formed with the aim of keeping alive the motto encircling its seal above — “Seva Parmo Dharma”(service is the highest duty) — displayed by one of India's finest soldiers, who laid down his life fighting for our nation. The Foundation is the initiative of three Indian Army officers: Major Unnikrishnan's course-mate, Colonel S. Dinny (Retd.); a regimental officer, Colonel Kochu Koshy Panicker, Shaurya Chakra (Retd.); and former Judge Advocate General, Major General (Dr) C. S. Nair, Vishisht Seva Medal (Retd.).
Promoting welfare activities for members of the armed forces, ex-servicemen and their families, and providing assistance to families of martyrs and disabled soldiers.
Relief activities for the poor, destitute and underprivileged; medical relief including clinics, hospitals and health camps; and promotion of rural and skill development.
Scholarships, fellowships and educational assistance for students, particularly children of armed forces personnel, and support for schools, libraries and research institutions.
Lectures, conferences and conclaves promoting awareness of constitutional duties, national service and patriotism among youth, and memorial events honouring national heroes.
Governance
The Foundation is an initiative of three Indian Army officers, who together form its Board of Trustees.
Trustee & President
Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1978, he served over 33 years in a military legal career culminating in his appointment as Judge Advocate General, superannuating in January 2012. He was later empanelled as Group 'A' counsel for the Central Government in the Supreme Court of India (2012–2014) and has practised in the High Court of Kerala, Cochin, since 2015. He was awarded the President's Vishisht Seva Medal in January 2011.
Managing Trustee & Secretary
A 104th Regular Course graduate of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, commissioned into 14 Rajput in June 1999 alongside his course-mate and close friend, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Ashok Chakra. He served in the Kashmir valley, North East India, and along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, was a UN Military Observer in Congo, and commanded an infantry battalion at Pangong Tso, Ladakh, before taking voluntary retirement on 1 October 2019 to serve society in Kerala.
Trustee & Treasurer
Born in Ezhukone, Kollam, Kerala, he joined the Indian Army in 1976 and was commissioned into the 10th Battalion, Bihar Regiment, in 1985. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for a daring counter-terrorism operation in Jammu & Kashmir in which he eliminated terrorists and was himself grievously injured. He served the Indian Army for 41 years, retiring in 2017.
What's Next
Modules in active development for future release on this site.
A permanent digital record of Major Unnikrishnan's citations, photographs, and the testimonies of those he served with.
Notify MeAn online portal for students to apply directly for STEM and Defense Studies scholarships, with document upload and status tracking.
Notify MeRegistration for the annual 28 November commemoration ceremony held in honour of Major Unnikrishnan and 26/11 personnel.
Notify MeGet In Touch
Foundation Office
Lakshanam, Valathungal PO, Kollam, Kerala - 691011
+91 95579 97414
Donation Transparency — Pending Certification
