Honoring Bravery: Shri Jang Bahadur Tiwari Commemorates Lt. Shashank Tiwari at 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre
In a moving ceremony held today, Shri Jang Bahadur Tiwari, the father of the late Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, visited the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre in Lucknow to pay tribute to his son's remarkable courage. Lt. Shashank, an officer with the 1st Battalion Sikkim Scouts, was posthumously honored with the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his heroic actions in May 2025.
Lt. Shashank Tiwari's ultimate sacrifice came as he heroically saved a fellow soldier from a turbulent glacial stream in North Sikkim. His bravery exemplifies the Indian Army's core value of prioritizing service before self. This tragic event highlighted the ongoing threat posed by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the region.
During the ceremony at the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre, Shri Tiwari participated in several acts of homage. He laid a wreath at the Regimental War Memorial, offered floral tributes at his son's Memorial Stone, and toured the Motivation Hall where his son's story continues to inspire future generations. The event was a solemn reflection of both a father's loss and a nation's appreciation.
The 11 Gorkha Rifles, reinstated after independence through the 1947 India-Nepal Tripartite Agreement, is a regiment rich in gallant history. Its troops have displayed commendable bravery in numerous conflicts, including the Kargil War in 1999.
The Kirti Chakra, established in 1967, recognizes extraordinary heroism in non-war situations. Lt. Shashank's sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the countless acts of valor that occur beyond the battlefield, often unnoticed.
The incident in North Sikkim underscores the growing concern over glacial instability. In 2023, a catastrophic GLOF unleashed 14.7 million cubic meters of water, resulting in a 20-meter high wave that caused extensive devastation. The Indian Army remains steadfast in these perilous environments, protecting lives against the unpredictable forces of nature.
The legacy of Lt. Shashank is not only a testament to bravery but also a powerful narrative of selfless service, resilience, and dedication. His story continues to inspire both soldiers and civilians to pursue the highest ideals of courage and duty.
