Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, MVC (Posthumous)
Early Life & Family
Colonel B. Santosh Babu was the only son of Bikkumalla Upender Babu, a bank manager, and his wife Manjula. A brilliant student with a disciplined upbringing, he completed his primary schooling at Sri Saraswathi Shishumandir before joining Sainik School, Korukonda. His time at Sainik School shaped his dream of serving the nation.
In 2009, he married Santoshi. The couple had two young children, Abhigna and Anirudh, who were his greatest pride and joy.
Military Career
Began his military journey at the National Defence Academy in November 2000 (105th course, “November” Squadron).
Commissioned into the 16 Bihar Regiment from the Indian Military Academy in December 2004.
Promotions: Captain (2006), Major (2010), Lieutenant Colonel (2017), and Colonel (2020).
Served with distinction in various challenging assignments, including counter-insurgency operations with the Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu & Kashmir.
Participated in UN peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his quick action during a crisis prevented casualties among allied forces.
Graduated from the Defence Services Staff College.
Assumed command of the 16 Bihar Regiment on 2 December 2019. He was slated to be transferred to Hyderabad shortly before his martyrdom.
Final Operation & Sacrifice
In June 2020, during the Galwan Valley confrontation, Colonel Santosh Babu led a team to confront Chinese forces that had set up an illegal post on the Indian side of the LAC. What began as a negotiation turned into a brutal hand-to-hand clash in freezing conditions.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and gravely injured, he inspired his men to fight back fiercely, evacuated the wounded, and continued to lead from the front. His leadership and courage in those final moments saved many lives.
He, along with 19 of his brave comrades, made the ultimate sacrifice. His death marked the first loss of a commissioned officer in action against Chinese forces since 1967.
Honours & Recognition
Posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, for exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice.
Accorded a full state and military funeral in Telangana.
The state government honoured his family with financial support, a government job for his wife, and a residential plot.
His name is inscribed on the National War Memorial, and a dedicated memorial stands at the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road to commemorate the Galwan heroes.
Legacy
Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu’s story is one of unwavering bravery, selfless service, and leadership under fire. He stood as a shield for his nation until his last breath, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire not only soldiers but every citizen of India.
