Major MR Gopal Naidu, Sainik School Korukonda Alumnus, awarded with Kirti Chakra
For his fearless leadership, unmatched valour, raw courage and tactical acumen in challenging combat conditions Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu is honoured with the nation’s second highest peacetime gallantry award – Kirti Chakra; awarded by the President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of 78th Independence Day.
Hailing from the quiet village of Nagiripenta, nestled within the Santhabommali mandal of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu completed his schooling from Sainik School Korukonda Vizianagaram district, where he studied from 2005 to 2012.
Upon finishing his schooling at Sainik School Korukonda Major Naidu went on to join prestigious National Defence academy Khadakwasla & subsequently Indian Military Academy at Dehradun. At IMA Dehradun, he stood first in order of merit & received the President Gold Medal for his performance.
Major Naidu’s Kirti Chakra Citation reads:
Major Naidu was the leader of an ambush party deployed along the Line of Control in Kupwara district on October 26, 2023 for intelligence-based counter infiltration operation when his scout spotted five terrorists. He immediately set up an ambush to trap the terrorists and during the ensuing exchange of fire, the officer rolled over under volley of fire, pinned down the terrorist with fire, facilitating elimination of three terrorists.
For planning and executing clinical operation, displaying nerves of steel and utter disregard to own safety while saving lives of own troops, resolute leadership and eliminating two terrorists, Maj Naidu has been conferred with Kirti Chakra.
President awards 103 Gallantry awards on 78th Independence Day
They are among 103 recipients of gallantry awards, including 18 Shaurya Chakras and one Bar to Sena Medal, all conferred by the President. The awards list also features 63 Sena Medals, 11 Nao Sena Medals, and six Vayu Sena Medals.
Additionally, the President announced 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including a posthumous recognition for the Army Dog Kent, who played a significant role in six operations: Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid, and Operation Katchal.
The Shaurya Chakra awardees include two from the Indian Navy, two from the Indian Air Force, and five from the Central Reserve Police Force. Four of the 18 recipients, including two from the CRPF, were honored posthumously.
In the Navy, the Shaurya Chakra was awarded to Captain Sharad Sinsunwal, the commanding officer of INS Kolkata, which was involved in four major anti-piracy and missile attack incidents on the western sea board, including the daring mid-sea rescue of 17 hostages from MV Ruen. The second recipient, Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav, was stationed on INS Visakhapatnam and played a crucial role in extinguishing a severe fire onboard MV Marlin Luanda.
From the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane received the award for safely landing a Jaguar combat jet after both engines failed, and Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar was honored for successfully belly landing a Kiran aircraft with minimal damage after an engine flameout at Hakimpet, while a trainee pilot was on board.
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