Major Mukund Varadarajan, a revered Indian Army officer, left an indelible mark on the nation with his bravery and sacrifice. Born on 12 April 1983 in Kozhikode district of Kerala, Mukund grew up in Tamil Nadu and was inspired to join the army by his grandfather and two uncles who also served in the armed forces.
Mukund received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya at Enathur and a diploma in journalism from the Madras Christian College, Tambaram. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Rajput Regiment on 18 March 2006 after graduating from the Officers Training Academy. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including a stint with the United Nations Mission in Lebanon and as an instructor at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
Brave Actions in Jammu and Kashmir
On 25 April 2014, Major Mukund Varadarajan led an anti-terrorist cordon and search operation in Qazipathri village, Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir. During this operation, his team came under heavy fire from terrorists. Despite the danger, Mukund and his buddy, Sepoy Vikram Singh, crawled through an orchard to approach the suspected house. In the ensuing firefight, Sepoy Vikram Singh was grievously injured, and Major Mukund, despite being shot three times, continued to fight, ultimately killing the Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Altaf Wani before succumbing to his injuries.
For his extraordinary valor and sacrifice, Major Mukund Varadarajan was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. This honor was a testament to his exemplary leadership, raw courage, and swift action during the operation.
Personal Life and Legacy
Major Mukund Varadarajan was married to Indhu Rebecca Varghese, and they had a daughter named Arshea, born on 17 March 2011. His family and the nation mourned his loss, but his legacy continues to inspire. A bust of Major Mukund Varadarajan was unveiled at the Officers Training Academy on 1 June 2015 in honor of his patriotism and sacrifice.
Upcoming Biopic 'Amaran'
In 2024, a Tamil biopic titled Amaran is set to be released, chronicling the heroic life and sacrifice of Major Mukund Varadarajan. The film stars Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan and Sai Pallavi as his wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese. The movie promises to highlight his bravery and the significant events leading up to his final operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indhu Rebecca Varghese has expressed her mixed emotions about the film, stating that while she is excited to see her husband's story on the silver screen, it is also a reminder of the indelible grief and infinite love she feels. The film is anticipated to be a poignant tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan's life and service.
