Meet Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu: The Lone Survivor Who Fought With Fire and Foresight

In an extraordinary display of courage and tactical brilliance, Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles has etched his name in the annals of Indian military history. On October 26, 2023, during a high-stakes counter-infiltration operation along the Line of Control in Kupwara district, the young Major led from the front, neutralizing four terrorists and saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his unmatched gallantry, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

At 1010 hours that day, Major Naidu’s team spotted five armed terrorists attempting to infiltrate Indian territory. Acting swiftly, he repositioned his ambush team to trap them. Minutes later, a fierce gunfight erupted as the ambush was sprung. Amidst flying bullets and chaos, Major Naidu not only identified one terrorist under cover but charged ahead, killing him at point-blank range. He injured another who retaliated with heavy fire.

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In a daring act, Major Naidu crawled under open fire to reach the injured terrorist and eliminated him too, taking down two terrorists with precision and valor.

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As the team searched the area, another encounter ensued. The fifth terrorist, hiding inside a cave, opened indiscriminate fire and hurled three grenades at the officer. Undeterred, Major Naidu swiftly moved, narrowly dodged the attack, and returned fire with pinpoint accuracy — neutralizing the final threat.

Major Naidu’s heroism was not only about bravery in combat but leadership in adversity. His calm demeanor, tactical genius, and disregard for personal safety ensured mission success without casualty to his team. His leadership under fire is now being hailed as a textbook example of operational excellence.

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Hailing from Nagaripenta village in Santhabommali mandal of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Major Naidu’s journey is one of determination and discipline. The son of a humble farmer, Shri M Appala Naidu, he rose through the ranks by sheer grit. A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, and a gold medalist from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, he embodies the finest traditions of military service.

Promoted from Lieutenant to Major, he remains the only living recipient among the four Kirti Chakra awardees of 2023 and is the first officer from Telugu-speaking states to receive this prestigious honour in the Indian Army.

On May 22, 2025, the nation honoured his indomitable spirit as President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the Kirti Chakra in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The award was not just a recognition of his gallantry — it was a tribute to every soldier who puts the nation above self. Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu called his act a “symbol of Telugu pride”, while Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu lauded his courage and intellect.

In a world where courage often goes unnoticed, Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu stands tall — not just as a soldier, but as an embodiment of duty, honour, and selfless service. His story inspires countless young Indians to wear the olive green with pride and to rise, no matter where they come from, to protect the motherland with unmatched dedication.