Meet Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram: Took a Bullet on His Face and Still Neutralised a Terrorist
In the rugged terrain of South Kashmir, where counter-terrorism operations demand split-second decisions and unyielding resolve, one soldier’s extraordinary act of courage on 19 December 2024 redefined the limits of human endurance. Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A, of the Regiment of Artillery serving with the 34th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (34 RR), sustained severe gunshot wounds to his face and right shoulder during an intense firefight — yet he pressed forward, neutralised a hardcore terrorist at close range, and lived to receive the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
His story is not merely one of survival; it is a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit that defines the Indian Army’s finest.
The Soldier and His Unit
Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A serves in the Regiment of Artillery but was deployed with 34 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialised counter-insurgency formation tasked with maintaining security in the challenging districts of South Kashmir, including Kulgam. Rashtriya Rifles battalions operate in some of the most volatile areas, conducting cordon-and-search operations, intelligence-based actions, and direct engagements with terrorist groups.
While detailed personal information such as his native village, family background, or pre-service life remains limited in public records — a common practice to protect the privacy of serving personnel — his professional conduct and battlefield performance speak volumes about his character. Soldiers from artillery units attached to RR battalions often bring specialised skills in fire support, observation, and quick reaction, complementing the infantry’s ground operations.
19 December 2024: The Defining Moment in Kulgam
On that winter day in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, a counter-terrorist operation was underway based on credible intelligence. Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A was part of the assault element moving through difficult terrain when contact was established with terrorists.
In the ensuing intense close-quarter firefight, he was struck by gunfire, sustaining serious wounds to his face and right shoulder. The injuries were severe enough to incapacitate most individuals. Yet, displaying exceptional presence of mind and raw courage, he refused to yield. Despite the pain and blood loss, he engaged the terrorist at close range and successfully neutralised one hardcore terrorist.
This single act of defiance turned the tide in that encounter. His ability to fight through excruciating pain and deliver accurate fire under extreme duress exemplifies the highest standards of battlefield leadership and individual bravery. Such actions often prevent larger casualties among own troops and disrupt terrorist networks operating in the Valley.
Defence community tributes have aptly described him as “The Man of Steel” — a fitting moniker for a soldier who refused to let grievous injuries dictate the outcome of the engagement.
From the Valley to Rashtrapati Bhavan
The gallantry of Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A did not go unrecognised. On the eve of the 79th Independence Day (14 August 2025), the President of India approved four Kirti Chakras for the Indian Army, one of which was conferred upon him. The other recipients included personnel from Para Special Forces and Sikkim Scouts, underscoring the diverse operational spectrum of the awards.
On 8 June 2026, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-1) at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu personally presented the Kirti Chakra to Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A. The solemn ceremony was attended by the Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and senior military leadership. The citation highlighted his “indomitable spirit and exceptional bravery” in neutralising a hardcore terrorist despite being severely injured.
The Kirti Chakra is awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy — a category that perfectly captures the high-risk, close-combat nature of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Why This Act Matters
In counter-insurgency warfare, engagements are rarely clean or distant. They occur in villages, orchards, and built-up areas where terrorists exploit terrain and civilian presence. A soldier who continues fighting after being shot in the face and shoulder demonstrates not only physical toughness but also profound mental resilience and commitment to the mission.
Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A’s actions prevented a potentially deadlier outcome and upheld the operational momentum of his unit. For young defence aspirants preparing for the SSB Interview, his story offers a living example of several Officer Like Qualities (OLQs):
- Courage — acting decisively under fire despite personal injury.
- Presence of mind — maintaining situational awareness and delivering effective fire.
- Selfless service — prioritising the mission and comrades over personal safety.
- Stamina and endurance — physical and mental toughness in extreme conditions.
These are precisely the traits the Services Selection Board seeks in future officers.
A Legacy of Valour
Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A joins the distinguished roll of honour of Indian Army personnel who have received the Kirti Chakra for operations in Jammu and Kashmir. His name now stands alongside other bravehearts who have made supreme sacrifices or displayed extraordinary courage in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
While the nation continues to honour such heroes through investiture ceremonies and public recognition, the true measure of their contribution lies in the security they help provide to citizens and the inspiration they offer to the next generation of soldiers.
Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A did not merely survive a bullet to the face — he turned a moment of extreme adversity into a defining act of victory. His story reminds every Indian that the uniform carries not just responsibility, but an unbreakable will to protect the nation at any cost.
