Second Lt Rajeev Sandhu was killed in peace operation in Sri Lanka
From page 01 CHANDIGARH : For parents who could not even see the body of their only son, Wednesday was a day that will always remain etched in the memories of DS Sandhu and Jaikanta Sandhu, parents of late Rajeev Sandhu, second lieutenant of the Assam regiment, whose statue was unveiled at his alma mater, St John’s High School in Sector 26.
Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu had served in the Indian Army for only four months when he lost his life fighting against the LTTE during a peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka in 1988.
At 21, he became the youngest officer to receive Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), the second highest gallantry award of the country after Param Vir Chakra. He was commissioned in the army on March 5, 1988, and gave supreme sacrifice on July 19, 1988. Seen as an effort to highlight his achievements and motivate students to join the forces and serve their country, principal Kavita C Das shared how the officer embodied the motto of the school— For God and Country.
The highlight of the day, however, was when the martyrs’ batch mates who turned up in large numbers broke into tears as Justice GS Sandhawalia took the podium and recollected the memories of his friend and class fellow Rajeev Sandhu.
FUN-LOVING AND COMPETITIVE Unanimously referred to as a loyal friend, a disciplinarian with a competitive spirit, Sandhu’s class fellows were effusive in their praise for their friend. “He was always sure that he wanted to join the army,” said Lt Colonel PK Jaitley, his batch mate, complimenting his never say die spirit.
His class fellow Akhil Mehta, a consultant, said he owes his roller skating skills to Sandhu who was a national champion in the sport.
While another alumni Col Michael James (retd), Sanjeev Sharma and Rajeev Bansal added how Sandhu’s fun-loving avatar came out every now and then, be it while going for gehri to Sector 9 near Carmel Convent School back in the 80s or while planning trips to Kasauli and Pinjore airfield.
Many credit his parents for imbibing this spirit in him from a young age, the soldier’s father, a former para-trainer, and his mother, who was the first woman SP in the Punjab cadre during her time.
However, the humble parents believe they are best known as the ‘proud parents of the bravest soldier.’
The beauty of the event was how it brought together people who even though had never met the army officer, but had heard of his valour all their lives.
Brig Jashi Bawa (retd) from the same battalion in the Assam regiment shared how Rajeev Sandhu is remembered to date and became a source of inspiration for everyone there.
The function was concluded on a serene note by the students of the school who presented the national anthem in sign language throwing light on the concept of equality for all.
