Major Mukund Varadarajan

 Real Heroes 

Major Mukund Varadarajan,

Major Mukund Varadarajan, born on April 12, 1983, in Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, was an exemplary officer of the Indian Army. He hailed from a Tamil  family and was inspired by his grandfather and uncles who had served in the army. Mukund completed his Bachelor of Commerce from Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya in Kanchipuram and a diploma in journalism from Madras Christian College, Chennai. He married his college mate, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, on August 28, 2009, and they were blessed with a daughter, Arshea Mukund, born on March 17, 2011. 

Commissioned into the 22nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment on March 18, 2006, Major Mukund showcased exceptional leadership and bravery throughout his service. He served at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, and participated in a United Nations Mission in Lebanon. In December 2012, he was deputed to the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles, operating in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. 

On April 25, 2014, Major Mukund led a cordon and search operation in a village in South Kashmir, acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of militants. During the operation, his team came under heavy fire. Demonstrating exemplary courage, he eliminated three top-ranked Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he continued to lead his team until he succumbed to his wounds. 

In recognition of his bravery, Major Mukund Varadarajan was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, on August 14, 2014. The official citation highlighted his "exemplary leadership skills, raw courage, planning and swift action." 

Major Mukund's legacy continues to inspire many. A bust in his honor was unveiled at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. His life story was depicted in the 2024 Tamil film "Amaran," with actor Sivakarthikeyan portraying him. 

He is survived by his wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, and their daughter, Arshea Mukund. His sacrifice remains a testament to the courage and dedication of India's armed forces.