Major P Shyam Sundar SM

Major P. Shyam Sundar was born on August 2, 1975, in Kolkata, at Sishu Mangal, to Shri J. Panchapagesan and Smt P. Lakshmi. He was the youngest of four siblings, following Shyama Sridharan, Hema Murali, and Maya Balaji. From an early age, he displayed a strong competitive spirit and a passion for sports. He completed his schooling at Andhra Association School, Kolkata, where he actively pursued various extracurricular activities. A skilled martial artist, he trained under Shivaji Ganguli and eventually earned a coveted black belt in Karate. In addition to martial arts, he was an accomplished swimmer, excelling in all styles and winning numerous prizes at Rabindra Sarobar Lakes. His athletic prowess extended to rowing, where he secured several trophies, as well as badminton, squash, and athletics, which he played at Excelsior’s Club and South India Club.

Maj. Sundar’s dedication and discipline led him to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), where he was selected and excelled in training. He later joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and graduated with distinction in 1997. Upon commissioning, he was inducted into the 19 Madras Battalion of the renowned Madras Regiment, known for its fearless soldiers and a legacy of valour. Later, he was posted to 10 Madras, where he continued to serve with distinction before joining the 38 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). During his service, Maj Sundar played a key role in several counter-insurgency operations, bravely leading his troops in the dense jungles against terrorists and infiltrators. His exceptional combat skills and leadership resulted in the successful elimination of multiple threats. Recognized for his outstanding service record and dedication, he was promoted to the rank of Major. Subsequently, he was deputed to 38 RR, where he continued his fight against terrorism in Kashmir, displaying remarkable courage and tactical brilliance.

Operation Parakram: 05 March 2006

During 2006, Major P Shyam Sundar was serving with the 38 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the Poonch sector, a region known for frequent infiltration attempts and militant activity. On March 5, 2006, intelligence sources reported the presence of a group of heavily armed terrorists in a dense forest near Bhimber Gali in Poonch district. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the unit quickly devised a strategy to neutralize the threat. A search and destroy operation was planned, with Major Shyam Sundar leading the assault team. Displaying his characteristic decisiveness and courage, Major Shyam Sundar swiftly mobilized his troops and advanced toward the suspected hideout. As they reached the area, the team strategically took up positions to cordon off the terrorists. However, before they could fully tighten the cordon, the militants, well entrenched and desperate to escape, launched a sudden and intense attack.

A fierce gun battle erupted, with heavy exchange of fire from both sides. Major Shyam Sundar and his team fought valiantly, successfully eliminating multiple terrorists. Amidst the chaos, one of his men, Sepoy Rama Rao, sustained severe injuries and collapsed in the open, directly in the line of fire. His condition was critical, and any delay in evacuation could have proved fatal. Without a second thought, Major Shyam Sundar made the selfless and courageous decision to rescue his wounded comrade. Despite being fully aware of the risk, he braved the hail of bullets and sprinted towards Sepoy Rama Rao. As he reached the injured soldier and began pulling him to safety, the enemy unleashed a barrage of gunfire, striking Major Shyam Sundar multiple times. Gravely wounded but undeterred, he continued his effort until he could no longer move. Despite the valiant efforts of his team to save him, Major Shyam Sundar succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield, laying down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His unparalleled bravery, leadership, and selflessness not only saved the life of his fellow soldier but also left an enduring legacy of heroism. For his extraordinary courage, supreme sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty, Major P Shyam Sundar was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal". 

Major Shyam Sundar is survived by his his father Shri J Panchapagesan, his mother Smt P Lakshmi, wife Smt Deepa Sundar, daughter Ms Disha, and sisters Smt Shyama Sridharan, Smt Hema Murali, and Smt Maya Balaji.

The citation for the "Sena Medal" awarded to him reads:

On 5th March 2006, during the fateful operation led by Major Shyam his contingent came under heavy firing by the militants who were hiding in a jungle close to Bhimber Gali in Poonch District. In the ensuing gun battle with the militants, one of the soldiers of the group , Sepoy Rama Rao, got hit by a militant’s firing. Major Shyam Sundar pushed himself  to retrieve the wounded soldier,however in that effort he too was hit by gunshot and finally succumbed to the injury. Major Shyam Sundar had a heroic death wherein he showed extreme courage, valour and camaraderie and laid down his life fighting for the country. He was awarded Sena Medal posthumously.

Some of the letters of condolence paying tributes to Major P Shyam Sunder :

1. PRANAB MUKHERJEE—DEFENCE MINISTER—LETTER NO-140 DT 16TH MARCH 2006 I write to express my deep sympathy and condolence on the sad and untimely demise of your husband MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR IC-57180M on 05 March 2006. Like a true soldier, he laid down his life in the defense of his country. The entire Nation is with you in this hour of grief. I pray that God grant you the strength to bear this loss with courage and fortitude.

2. GENERAL J J SINGH-PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC—LETTER NO 12885/2006/MP 5(D) DT 9TH MARCH 06 It is with deep sorrow and sympathy that I write to express my condolences, and that of all ranks of the army, on the sad and untimely demise of your husband MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR ON 05 MARCH 06. in his death the ARMY has lost a competent and devoted officer. May GOD give you the strength to bear the irreparable loss. We share your sorrow and will always be ready to be of any assistance.

3. COL NARENDER KUMAR—COMMANDING OFFICER—38 RR (MADRAS) C/O 56 APO It is with a deep sense of sorrow and grief that I on behalf of all rank of 38 RR (MADRAS) write to convey my condolences on the sad and untimely demise of our husband IC-57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR ON 05 MARCH 2006, due to Gun Shot Wound in his right side of chest. Late IC-57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR who joined us on 28 Feb 2005 was a spirited and dedicated officer who led from the front. In his sudden loss we have been left with the void which would be difficult to fill. We pray to GOD to grant eternal peace and tranquility to the departed soul and give strength and fortitude to you and your family to bear this irreparable loss. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance that you may require. The same will always be forthcoming.

Contact Nos of the units are—  01962-255118—CO 01962—QM 01962-255198—UNIT EXCHANGE In grief with you

4. COL PRADEEP WALIA—COMMANDING OFFICER—10TH Bn The Madras Regiment, Pin-911410, C/O 56 APO LETTER NO 300/A3 DT 7TH MARCH 2006 I write to express my deep sympathy and condolences on behalf of self and all ranks of the battalion for the supreme sacrifice made by your husband IC-57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR on 06 march 2006 while serving with 38 RR (MADRAS). May GOD rest the departed soul in peace and give you strength to bear this irreparable loss bravely. You are and will continue to be a member of “TENACIOUS FAMILY”. Please feel free and let us know of anything that “THIS FAMILY” can do for you. We all are with you in this time of grief. With warm regards.

5. OBITUARY- RESTRICTED-IT IS GLORY TO DIE DOING ONE’S DUTY ,  10th BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, SPECIAL BATTALION ROUTINE ORDER PART-1 BY COL PRADEEP WALIA COMMANDING OFFICER C/O 56 APO MONDAY 06 MARCH 2006 With deep sorrow and grief, I on behalf of all ranks of the “TENACIOUS TEN” regret to inform the sad demise of IC-57180M Maj P. Shyam Sundar due to Gun Shot Wound on 05 March 06. The officer was serving with 38 RR (MADRAS). Maj P. Shyam Sundar was a very brave disciplined, loyal and hard working officer. His unfortunate demise has caused insurmountable loss to the Bn and has left the unit with a void that will be difficult to fill. All ranks of the Battalion join me in paying homage to the departed soul. On behalf of all ranks of the Battalion, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We pray to ‘GOD ALMIGHTY’ that the departed soul rest in peace and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss bravely. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

6. Maj Gen K S Yadava, AVSM, SM, VSM, Addl. MS (A), Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, South Block, New Delhi-110011  57180/PS/10 MADRAS/MS-2D DT 13 March 2006 Please accept my heart felt condolence on the martyrdom of your husband, Late Maj P. Shyam Sundar. Your husband has done the Nation proud by making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. May God give you and your family strength to bear the irreparable loss.

7.LT GEN A K SAINI, AVSM, SM-DIRECTOR GENERAL RASHTRIYA RIFLES, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF RASHTRIYA RIFLES,GENTERAL STAFF BRANCH, ARMY HEAD QUARTERS, DHQ PQ, NEW DELHI-110011, 334039/ORG/RR DT 13 MARCH 2006 Please accept our deep condolences on the sad demise of your husband Maj P. Shyam Sundar. We pray for peace for the departed soul. May God Almighty give you the strength to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and courage. Words are totally inadequate at this stage but we want you to know that we share your grief. Maj P. Shyam Sundar laid down his life for the Nation in the finest traditions of our Army and his sacrifice will always be remembered. You can take justifiable pride

8. LT GEN DEEPAK KAPOOR, AVSM, SM, VSM, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF HEAD QUARTERS, NORTHERN COMMAND, C/O 56 APO 23209/18/A1 DT 20 MARCH 2006 Please accept my sincere and heart felt condolence on the sudden and untimely demise of your husband IC-57180M Maj P. Shyam Sundar of 38 RR Bn (10 MADRAS), killed in action in operation RAKSHAK (J&K) ON 05 March 2006. Your husband laid down his life on the field of battle in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. The Nation owes him a debt of gratitude. We pray to the Lord to give you and your family strength, fortitude and courage to bear this terrible loss. We want you to know that we are proud of your husband and share your grief. Your husband’s name will be enshrined for all time in the Roll of Honor at the Northern Command War Memorial Dhruva. I am enclosing a photograph of the MEMORIAL. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can be of any assistance.

9. MAJ GEN A C SONEJA, VSM*, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING HQ CIF (R), PIN:934756 C/O 56 APO, 1015/2/13 Sect/A2(ii) DT 12 MARCH 2006 Please accept my heart felt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of Maj P. Shyam Sundar who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting the terrorists on 05 MARCH 2006. He was a brave and courageous officer, who sacrificed his life for the security of the country. I pray to the ALMIGHTY to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to you and DISHA to bear this irreparable loss. We assure you that necessary expeditious action will be taken to ensure that required documentation is carried out on priority so that you get the entitled monetary benefits, at the earliest. All possible assistance in this regard will be extended by 38 RR Bn and this HQ.Please don’t hesitate in writing or speaking to us at any time as and when you require any assistance.

10. LT GEN A K CHOPRA, PVSM, AVSM, COLNEL OF THE MADRAS REGIMENT, COMDT’S SECTT, NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY, KHADAKWASLA, PUNE-411023 17674/AKC/COR/CONDOLENCE DT 10 APRIL 2006 It is with deep sorrow and sympathy, that I write to express my condolence and that of all ranks of the MADRAS REGIMENT, on the sad and untimely demise of you husband IC 57180M Major P. Shyam Sundar on 05 march in JAMMU & KASHMIR, during an encounter with terrorists. With his sudden demise the REGIMENT has last a competent and outstanding officer. May god give you the strength to bear the irreparable loss. We pray to ‘GOD’ to grant eternal peace to the departed soul. We from the MADRAS REGIMENT share your sorrow and will always be ready to be of any assistance.

11.BRIG SANDEEP SINGH, COMMANDER 13 SECTOR RASHTRIYA RIFLES C/O 56 APO, 31705/SS/DO DT 06 MARCH 2006 I do not know whether you will be in a mood to read any letter. Still I think it is my duty to write a line or two offering my sincere condolences at the untimely demise of your husband. I know the heart alone -knoweth its own bitterness. So my attempt to console you may not very much serve its purpose. I pray GOD that he might give you the necessary fortitude to bear the loss. I shall also pray for my friend’s soul to rest in peace. In his demise, you have lost your beloved husband, I have a lost a dear friend and the country has lost an able leader. The void created by his demise cannot easily be filled. Please accept our sincerest sympathy with you, both from myself and his brother officers in your irreparable loss. Always ready to help and most thoughtful of others, his death is indeed a great loss to us. May his soul rest in peace! May the Heavens give you the necessary strength in this hour of distress!

12 INDIAN ARMY-TELEGRAM DT 13TH OF MARCH 2006 Please accept sincere condolences from THE CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF and all ranks on sad demise of your husband MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR

13.MRS LAKSHMI RAMAN-VICE PRESIDENT-ARMY WIVES WELFARE ASSOCIATION ROOM NO 210, SOUTH BLOCK, ARMY HEAD QUARTERS, DHQ PO, NEWDELHI-110011, AWWA/D/1001/DO DT 30 MARCH 2006 I express my deep sympathy and condolence on the sad and untimely death of your husband, ic-57180 MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR. We pray to the ALMIGHTY LORD that he gives you and your family the courage and fortitude to bear the sorrow and the strength to shoulder the responsibilities of life.The nation salutes the ‘SUPREME SACRIFICE’ of your husband. ARMY WIVES WELFARE ASSOCIATION shares your sorrow and will stand by you, whenever you need us.

14. COL PRATIK SHARMA, COMMANDING OFFICER, 2ND BATTALION, THE MADRAS REGIMENT, C/O 56 APO, 1001/A2 DT 30 MARCH 2006 Refer 38 RR (MADRAS) Special BRO No 6/S/2006 dated 05 March 2006. On behalf of all ranks of the unit please accept our heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of your husband IC 57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR on 05 March 2006. We pray the ALMIGHTY to grant peace to the departed soul and give you strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. With deep condolences.

15. COL REUBEN PETERS, COMMANDING OFFICER, 8, RASHTRIYA RIFLES (MADRAS), C/O 56 APO, 44533/RP DT 03 APRIL 2006 I write to express deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences from myself & and all ranks of the Bn on the sad and untimely demise of your husband IC-57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR on 05 MARCH 2006 in J&K while performing the duties of a devout soldier. May the ALMIGHTY rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give you strength and courage to bear this loss with fortitude. May god almighty give you strength.

16. COL B.S. SAUNKHALA (retd), officer-in-charge, ECHS MILITARY HOSPITAL, SHIMLA, JUTOGH CANTT-171008, NO 25922/DO/ECHS, DT 20 APRIL 2006 It is to convey my heart felt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of our beloved & brave officer, MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR. His contribution to the TENACIOUS TEN will always be cherished by the generations to come in.His pleasing nature, dedication to the Bn and hard work has strengthened the unit and will go a long way in reaching greater heights. At this moment we are with you and will always stand by. Please don’t hesitate to ask us/me to do anything which you like, please. I am sure his gift to you through daughter will give you strength to bear this loss. I am sure as a brave lady member of our family you will gather the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

17. COL R S GURAYA, COMMANDING OFFICER, 17 BN, THE MADRAS REGIMENT, PIN911417,C/O 56 APO, 177/SPL/A4 DT 03 APRIL 2006 On behalf of all ranks of 17 MADRAS (COCHIN), I write to express our deep sympathy and condolence on the untimely demise of your husband. We pray to the ALMIGHTY to grant eternal peace to the departed soul. We also pray to the GOD to give you and your family the strength to bear the irreparable loss with courage and fortitude. With deep sorrow.

18. COL P S GOTHRA, COMMANDING OFFICER, 25TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (MADRAS), C/O 56 APO, 44619/DO/PERS DT 26 APRIL 2006 Please refer 10 MADRAS SPL PART 1 ORDER NO 01/S/2006 DT 06 MARCH 2006. On behalf of all ranks of 25 RR (MADRAS) I extend my profound grief and sorrow on the sad and untimely demise of IC- 57180M MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR on 05 MARCH 2006during an encounter with terrorists. May the almighty give you enough strength to bear the irrecoverable loss. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything. I and SHYAM moved from 19 MADRAS to 10 MADRAS together.

19. COL P K DHODAPKAR, OFFG COMDT, THE MADRAS REGIMENTAL CENTRE, WELLINGTON (NILGIRIS)-643231, 31142/PKD/DO DT 12 MARCH 2006 I am writing to express my deep sympathy and condolence on the sad and untimely death of MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR on 05 MARCH 2006. we deeply value his association and the good work he has done for the REGIMENT which will always be remembered. May GOD keep his departed soul in peace and may he also give you strength to bear this tragic loss. With deep condolences.

20. COL SANDEEP K. SATPATHY, COMMANDING OFFICER, 8, MADRAS C/O 99 APO, GALLANT GUERILLAS, PIN-911408 We do not know each other-rather never have met. I had a very brief association with SHYAM while I was the 21c in 10 MADRAS from 04 Jan 2003 (joined at SEVOKE ROAD). My joining and SHYAM’S moving out was almost concurrent. I am yet to meet a person as popular and likeable across the ranks by one and all. His professional dedication and involvement made him so dear to every body. In the very short association of ours, I always found him totally committed to his duties and responsibilities, often at the cost of utter disregard to his comfort and safety ( as they narrated about his activities in the field tenure in J&K before coming to SEVAK ROAD). I am not attempting to offer you words of comfort as nothing but time will only make the loss a part of your life. There is an onerous responsibility on your shoulder and it is not an easy job to stand up in life, with a small child to be brought up with out the presence of the husband. However I am more than sanguine that you will face the challenge ‘square on’ and will do a better job than is expected- all the ladies in 10 MADRAS talk so very high of you. However meaningless they may seem, please accept our sincerest and heartfelt condolences for the unfathomable loss of SHYAM and also please convey the same to your parents and in-laws. DEEPA, as an elder brother (if I can appoint me the same subject to your acceptability) there is nothing really that I can offer you at this juncture of life of yours. However, I shall consider myself honored and privileged for my association with the gallant and brave husband of yours. If you DEMAND any assistance from me –WHATEVER you deem me fit for. Look forward to meet you all some times. We are proud of you. With the very best wishes and all the good luck. We pray to the ALMIGHTY to give you all the strength and courage to face the challenge ahead of you. All the best.

There are also a few letters addressed to his father:

1. BRIGADIER A H GADRE, COMMANDANT, NCC OFFICERS TRAINING ACADEMY, KAMPTEE (MAHARASHTRA) PIN-441001, NO 93/A DT 10 MARCH 2006 I have just learnt about the sad and untimely demise of your son, MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR. We have had a long and fruitful relationship with SHYAM in the Academy and he is remembered as a thorough gentleman & professional soldier by one and all. SHYAM has made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation and we all are proud of him. I, on behalf of all ranks of the NCC Officers Training Academy, convey our heartfelt condolences to you & his bereaved wife Deepa for this irreparable loss and pray to the God Almighty to bless his departed soul and give enough strength to you all to bear this trauma.

2. COL NARENDER KUMAR, COMMANDING OFFICER, 38 RR (MADRAS ), C/O 56 APO, NO 38531/PRI, DT 17 MARCH 2006 At the outset on behalf of all ranks of 38 RR ( MADRAS) I convey our heart felt condolence to the family of the brave son of the Nation who laid down his life in the highest tradition of the Armed Forces. I have been in this war for more than 10 years, but I have never seen a soldier braver than MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR. I salute the Mother and Father who gave birth to the brave son MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR. My heart bleeds at the loss of such an outstanding officer and a gentleman. He embraced MARTYRDOM in trying to save a comrade in action which as an officer and soldier MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR could perform.

3. MAJ GEN A C SONEJA, VSM, General Officer Commanding, HQ CIF (R ), PIN:934756, C/O 56 APO, NO 1015/2/13 SECT/A2, DT 22 MAR 2006 Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the sad and untimely passing away of MAJOR P. SHYAM SUNDAR while fighting the terrorists on 05 March 06. He was a brave and courageous officer, who sacrificed his life for the security of the country. I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to you and the family to bear this irreparable loss. I have also written to Mrs. Deepa Shyam sundar. Do please let us know if she requires any assistance from us. Please also convey our condolences to Mrs. Laxmi Panchapagesan. Warm regards.

Some Quotes from the personal diary of Maj Shyam Sunder on military and soldier :

• “A WARRIOR” IS A PERSON, A MAN OF HONOR WHOSE ACTIONS, HOWEVER MUCH DEATH AND DESTRUCTIVE THEY CAUSE ARE JUSTIFIED BY THE WARRIOR’S SPECIAL MORAL CODE. THEY ORGANISE PEOPLE TO KILL, BUT THEY ARE NOT MURDERERS; THEY DIE BUT THEY ARE NOT ACCIDENT VICTIMS.
• THERE ARE ONLY TWO TYPES OF SOLDIERS. THE GOOD ONES AND THE DEAD ONES.

• MY FATE IS NOT IN GOD’S HAND TILL THERE IS A WEAPON IN MINE

• ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS PROVE YOUR WORTH

• SUCCESS COMES TO THOSE WHO DARE AND ACT AND NEVER TO THOSE WHO FEAR AND WAIT

• IF DEATH STRIKES BEFORE I PROVE MY BLOOD I SWEAR I WILL KILL DEATH

• BEFORE YOU SAY “I CAN’T” SAY “I WILL TRY”

• I LIVE BY CHANCE, LOVE BY CHOICE, KILL BY PROFESSION

• NDA—- MAKER OF MEN YOU WANT COURAGE I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAN YOU WANT SACRIFICE I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAN YOU WANT LOYALTY I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAN YOU WANT FRIENDSHIP I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAN YOU HAVE GUESSED IT RIGHT MY FRIEND, HE IS THAT MAN, THE MAN AMONG MEN, THE NDA MAN

• IF YOU BEHAVE LIKE A WORM WHY COMPLAIN?  IF OTHERS STEP UPON YOU!

• “A LION AT THE HEAD OF AN ARMY OF SHEEP IS BETTER THAN A SHEEP AT THE HEAD OF ARMY OF LIONS

• FIGHT FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND WHEN YOUR FEET ARE TIRED THAT YOU HAVE TO SHUFFLE BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND WHEN YOUR ARMS ARE SO TIRED THAT YOU CAN HARDLY LIFT YOUR HANDS TO COME ON GUARD FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND WHEN YOUR NOSE IS BLEEDING AND YOUR EYES ARE BLACK AND YOU ARE SO TIRED THAT YOU WISH YOUR OPPONENT WOULD CRACK YOU IN THE JAW AND PUT YOU TO SLEEP FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND

• REMEMBERING THAT THE MAN WHO ALWAYS FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND IS NEVER WHIPPED GOD AND THE SOLDIER GOD AND THE SOLDIER WE ADORE IN TIME OF DANGER, NOT BEFORE THE DANGER PASSED AND ALL THINGS RIGHTED GOD IS FORGOTTEN, AND THE SOLDIER SLIGHTED NO DEFEAT IS FINAL —-UNTIL YOU STOP TRYING

• WINNING IS NOT EVERY THING IT IS THE ONLY THING

• Maj Shyam Sundar’s alma mater Andhra Association School in Kolkata has opened a library in his name to honour him and inspire the students of his school.

Mrs Maya Balaji, Sister of Major P Shyam Sundar, paid tribute to her brother on his “Day of Martyrdom” on 05 Mar 2019…..

Thirteen years have gone by since my dear brother Shyam’s martyrdom, but he continues to live in our memories, thoughts and actions. Though younger to me, he was my first “Hero” and continues to be one, even now. He was the youngest of all siblings and was quiet, affable and a very well-behaved child. Adored by all family members and friends alike, he would bring cheers and happiness wherever and whenever he was around.

As a child he would strut about in Army uniform which my father gave him on his 5th birthday and his passion for the Army grew thereafter with his age. We as a family were delighted when he achieved his dream and earned his stars as an Infantry officer in the Army. Soon Shyam evolved into a committed soldier and a fearless officer, who swore by military ethos and believed in leading from the front. My husband, an Army officer himself would often advise him to be careful, but Shyam, a deep rooted soldier at heart, had his priorities firmly in place.

True to his image, while displaying cold courage and unyielding fighting spirit in an operation in J & K, Shyam was martyred on 05 Mar 2006. His body draped in Tri-colour arrived two days later on 07 Mar. Though torn from inside with my hero’s loss and inconsolable parents, I did not want anyone to sympathize with me as it would have diluted the honour and recognition Shyam deserved. After all, my brother had not died of any illness or accident but had laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

My father finally mustered courage to go near to Shyam’s body and sat quietly beside him. He then spent the entire night with his son, who had gone into a deep slumber forever. The next morning my brother- the pride of our family, was cremated with full military honours. Though my brother is physically gone forever, he still lives in our hearts and mere mention of his name, evokes respect, admiration and lots of love as he truly exemplified the lines of the British poet, Thomas B Macaulay…

To every man upon this earth, Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better, Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods.”

Jai Hind!