Tamil Nadu CM Presents Rs 48 Lakh Reward To Kirti Chakra Awardee
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has honored Kirti Chakra recipient Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram with a Rs 48 lakh reward. The soldier was recognized for his exceptional valor during a counter-terror operation in South Kashmir in 2024.
Highlights
- •Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay presented Rs 48 lakh to Kirti Chakra awardee Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram.
- •The soldier sustained critical injuries during a fierce anti-terror operation in Kulgam, South Kashmir.
- •Lance Naik Sundaram serves with the 34 Rashtriya Rifle and was honored by the President on June 8.
- •The financial grant was provided through the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Benevolent Fund to support the veteran.
The state government of Tamil Nadu has officially honored a decorated war hero, Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram, with a significant financial reward. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay personally presented a cheque valued at Rs 48 lakh to the Kirti Chakra recipient on Monday, acknowledging his extraordinary display of valor and dedication to national service.
Recognizing Extraordinary Bravery in Combat
The financial reward, facilitated through the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Benevolent Fund, serves as a state-level tribute to Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram for his selfless actions during a critical anti-terror operation. The soldier, who serves with the 34 Rashtriya Rifle, demonstrated immense courage during a high-stakes encounter in Kulgam, South Kashmir, on December 19, 2024. Despite sustaining severe gunshot wounds to his face and shoulders, he remained focused on neutralizing the threat, ultimately ensuring the success of his unit’s mission.
This recognition follows the prestigious national honor bestowed upon him by President Droupadi Murmu. On June 8, 2026, the Kirti Chakra—one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards—was presented to him in New Delhi, highlighting his rare bravery under fire. The presentation ceremony at the Secretariat in Chennai saw the presence of Sundaram's family members alongside high-ranking government officials who gathered to celebrate his service.
Impact of State Support for Defense Personnel
The decision to provide the Rs 48 lakh reward underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the families of brave military personnel. By recognizing such acts of exceptional heroism, the state continues to foster a culture of respect for those who protect the nation's security. This support not only acknowledges the immediate sacrifices of soldiers like Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram but also provides essential stability for their families as they recover from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between regional leadership and the brave hearts who defend the country's borders. As Sundaram, a native of Theni district, continues his journey of recovery, this gesture from the Tamil Nadu administration stands as a testament to the nation's enduring gratitude for his unwavering commitment to duty, even in the face of intense close-quarters combat.
