The name Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu resonates deeply within the annals of Indian military history, forever associated with unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice during the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020. As the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, Colonel Babu epitomized the Indian Army's ethos of "Service Before Self," leading his troops with exemplary bravery in the face of an unprecedented challenge.
Born on February 13, 1983, in Suryapet, Telangana, Colonel
Santosh Babu's journey was one of unwavering dedication to the nation. An
alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda and the prestigious National Defence Academy
(NDA), he was commissioned into the 16 Bihar Regiment in December 2004.
Throughout his distinguished career, he served in various challenging terrains,
including Jammu and Kashmir, and even as part of the UN peacekeeping force in
the Democratic Republic of Congo. His rapid promotion to Colonel at the age of
37 in February 2020 was a testament to his exceptional leadership and
professionalism.
The Defining Moment: Galwan Valley Clash
On the night of June 15, 2020, Colonel Santosh Babu was
tasked with establishing an observation post in the Galwan Valley in Eastern
Ladakh, amidst escalating tensions with Chinese forces. This mission, part of
'Operation Snow Leopard', became a grim turning point. Despite prior
disengagement talks, the Chinese troops violated agreements, leading to a
violent confrontation.
Leading from the front, Colonel Babu and his men faced a
numerically superior adversary armed with lethal and unconventional weapons.
The clash quickly devolved into brutal hand-to-hand combat in the freezing
temperatures of the high-altitude terrain. Undeterred by severe injuries,
Colonel Santosh Babu fought valiantly until his last breath, inspiring and
motivating his troops to hold their ground against the vicious attack. His
courage ensured that Indian soldiers inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, preventing
them from encroaching further onto Indian territory.
Posthumous Recognition and Lasting Legacy
For his extraordinary leadership, conspicuous bravery, and
supreme sacrifice, Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), India's second-highest wartime gallantry
decoration, on Republic Day 2021. His wife, B. Santoshi, and mother, Manjula,
received the prestigious award on his behalf, a poignant moment recognizing the
ultimate sacrifice made by their beloved son and husband.
Colonel Santosh Babu's martyrdom, along with 19 other brave
Indian soldiers, shook the nation and galvanized public sentiment. His story
became a powerful symbol of the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to
defending the nation's sovereignty. The Telangana government honored his family
with an ex-gratia payment, a residential plot, and a Group-I government job for
his wife, Santoshi.
His legacy continues to inspire, serving as a reminder of
the immense courage and dedication of India's armed forces. As Bollywood gears
up to tell his story in films like Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan', the
heroism of Colonel B. Santosh Babu will undoubtedly reach a wider audience,
ensuring that his name remains synonymous with valour and patriotism for
generations to come.
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