Major T Shyam Sundar was born on 09 September 1969 in the family of an army officer Lt Col T. B. Ranga Rao (Retd)  and  Mrs. T. Vijayalakshmi. Being an Army kid, Maj Shyam had to move to various places along with his family during his childhood which made him study in a number of schools including,  Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Sassoon Dock Mumbai, Kendriya Vidyalaya Dipatoli, Ranchi and Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 Airforce Station Pathankot.

Right from his younger days he nursed the dream of joining NDA and follow in his father’s footsteps to serve in the army. Coming from an Army background Major T. Shyam Sundar had the right combination of courage, boldness, and discipline. Therefore, in his NDA days, he excelled in all aspects of training and passed out with flying colors. During his service career, Maj Shyam led many successful operations and proved his mettle as a committed soldier and true leader. He won the best officer award in his very first rank as a second lieutenant and was mentally and physically the toughest in his battalion.

Kupwara Operation: 1995

In 1995, at the age of 27, Major T Shyam Sundar was made officiating commanding officer of his unit. The unit was deployed and was operating in an extremely sensitive area of Kupwara in J&K.  During his stint there, one night while returning from patrolling, Maj Shyam had to undertake a very risky operation, wherein many soldiers had to be rescued who had fallen into a deep pit full of snow. Without worrying for his life even for a second, Maj Shyam spent the entire night leading the rescue operation.

Subsequently, Maj Shyam was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer- Non- Hodgkin’s- Lymphoma (of the lungs) at stage 3. He braved his dangerous illness like a true soldier and never let his family feel depressed or helpless. His struggle with life came to an end on 24th of October 1996 when he breathed his last. His life was cut short but he made it truly inspirational, befitting a proud Indian soldier, living by the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Tributes from Unit & regiment officers, coursemates and lady wives of officers

Trophy instituted in honour of Shyam is best in BPET ( battle physical efficiency test) shyam being known for being mentally and physically toughest in battalion.   I returned to ‘Eighth’ in October 1996 at Machhil, and learnt about Shyam and his bravado as Ghatak Pl Cdr. I was posted to B Coy, and was briefed about the fire assault with RL across the LC, (ahead of Jeevan post) which destroyed few temporary shelters used by Pakistan to aid infiltration. I had a look at the treacherous route taken by the Ghataks and also the remnants of the target. It was a commando style ops, which demanded highest level of physical stamina and mental alertness. Later in 1998 I met Shyam’s Parents and Kavita at Hyderabad. May his soul rest in peace…. Col Ajay pal

Few more fond memories Remember Shyam as a quiet and unassuming officer when I welcomed him into the paltan. Tall and lanky he was physically very fit. Remember him running cross country for the paltan and finishing well ahead of other officers of the Bde. Never could imagine at time he was being gnawed from inside by that dreaded disease. Was shocked to learn about his sad demise when I was in Udhampur. In him the EIGHTH lost a budding soldier officer…. Gen PS Rana

Shyam a thorough soldier,officer and gentleman.family for him encompassed everyone.what he embodied is a legacy for all generations. God bless “handsome”. proud and privileged to be your commanding officer…. Brig G.S Jairam

Shyam sir as i use to address him was a daring officer and a true inspiration for me when i joined the unit. With his killer looks he could have given bollywood star’s run for their money. Fearless and yet compassionate it was my privileged to share the same FRP with him at Tingrie post. Miss those days even now and always will. A true hero! ….Col. Ashish Negi.

I do not understand the military bearing Shyam but you are my baby with the smile that even your enemy would have given up meekly. That was your strength that even in your toughest moments you could smile. I miss that I am not able to make new memories with you. love you so so very much. I firmly believe, that which has utility value will always exist. And god knows that if ever it was needed it now your ability to spread love and happiness. So where ever you are doing that be happy and be blessed…Mrs. Jyoti Jairam w/o brig. G.S. Jairam

Adjutant Machil Post…Major Shyam’s last assignment  Col SK Singh : Once Shyam sir took a task to go across n destroy a launching pad of terrorist.. he received the area n route n went with his team,, I was at that time placed at his post Tingri to man a be a communication point… He went for the mission n due to  the rugged terrain he got day lighted… Question was to go ahead or wait… He in spite of under direct enemy observation n fire went ahead with the operation n came back successfully after conducting the task… Those days there was no media attention otherwise it was a at that time one of the only surgical strike by our unit…thanks to Shyam sir bravery.

After that operation Sir had selected an ambush point which was along a nala and was overlooking the infiltration entry route used by the militants..it was a difficult place under the nose of Pakis post… One of our ambush was in place.. as any other day I n Sir were in the room chatting. That day our ambush party was to come back.. it was afternoon n we were discussing good weather,  fauz n lot of other things in general.. suddenly the phone rang and some massege was passed to sir by the operator.. hearing from other side he looked at me n I understood there’s something wrong.. I asked what..He said one of  jawans irfan from the party coming back has stepped on a mine n is injured badly…the party after giving irfan the initial fist aid and informed sir about the gravity of the situation… Hearing all this he just got up… We were in combats,, we both wore shoes n sir just went out,, I followed him n asked what next.. He said I m goin to get the party back.. I too followed but realised sir had moved ahead without weapon,, I turned back to the room took the weapon n followed him,, while running he said SK don’t stop,, keep running because the route he took had mines n we could have stepped over some mine.. n running over them could save us from getting injured.. we reached the site and got irfan back… Later irfan was shifted to hospital where he had to be amputated… .02/07/2017, 00:40 – Col SK Singh:

My dear Shyam was a true soldier,dear to all ranks, compassionate, very smart officer. Visited Shyam at Pune Command hospital before saying BYE BYE from all of us. UNABLE to explain that last meeting. He was the same Shyam & can’t explain the JOY when he met me and the concern shown for MEN of EIGHTH in spite of his critical illness. With special permission from doctors, we went HOME, had lunch together alongwith parents and Kavitha. Though Shyam has left us physically, fond memories will stay with us till our END… Col BP Ramesh

…Col Niranjan Jhakkar

Tributes by Coursemates

The first and most recurring memory that any 80 NDA guy would have of Shyam is that of a tall and handsome guy always bubbling with ‘Josh’ and a booming voice which reverberates input ears even now.   Shyam was a guy whose presence in any gathering could not be ignored. From  NDA we remember him as a physically tough guy, good in all his endeavours and the force which drove his squadron during outdoor marches. Picture of Shyam leading his squadron ( HUNTER) during runs and route marches, willingly taking on heaviest loads and calling out is still vivid.   Bestowed with impeccable character Shyam believed in calling spade a spade. He never hesitated in standing up for his principles and righteousness even if he had to face the wrath of seniors.   Shyam left us too early…we were not prepared….unfortunately pre e-age….got to know about it much later. Wish info was shared as fast as it is today…..we all would have made it a point to hold his hand and say a bye. God loved you more than us….Col Sameer Srivastava