Galwan Clash Hero Colonel Santosh Babu Awarded Mahavir Chakra Posthumously

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday (23 November) awarded Mahavir Chakra to the wife and mother of Colonel B Santosh Babu, who died fighting Chinese troops during a clash in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh in June 2020.

Colonel Santosh Babu was the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment during the Operation Snow Leopard. He was among the 20 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in the fierce hand-to-hand combat with Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops on 15 June last year.

The deadly clash was one of the most serious military conflicts between India and China in decades.

During Operation Snow Leopard, Babu successfully executed the task of establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy.

"Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by enemy soldiers, the officer, in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to push back Indian troops,” the Mahavir Chakra citation read, reports Indian Express.

The citation further highlighted his “exemplary leadership and astute professionalism” despite being grievously injured.

“He showed conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and made supreme sacrifice for the nation,” it added.

The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India, after the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.