Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Honours Kirti Chakra Awardee Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honored Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram with Rs 48 lakh for his extraordinary bravery during a counter-terrorist operation in Kashmir, for which the soldier was previously awarded the prestigious Kirti Chakra.
Highlights
- •Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay awarded Kirti Chakra recipient Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram Rs 48 lakh.
- •The soldier sustained severe gunshot wounds while neutralizing a terrorist in Kulgam, Kashmir, in December 2024.
- •Meenatchi Sundaram, a native of Theni, serves with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles in the Artillery Regiment.
- •The national Kirti Chakra award was previously presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on June 8.
In a formal ceremony held in Chennai, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, officially honored Kirti Chakra awardee Lance Naik A Meenatchi Sundaram for his remarkable display of valor during a high-stakes anti-terror operation. The state government extended its gratitude by presenting the brave soldier with a financial award of Rs 48 lakh, processed through the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Benevolent Fund at the Secretariat.
The event was attended by Meenatchi Sundaram's family members alongside prominent government officials who gathered to recognize his service. Hailing from the Theni district, Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram is a dedicated soldier currently serving with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles under the Artillery Regiment. His actions reflect the high standards of discipline and courage maintained by members of the Indian armed forces.
Recognizing the Kirti Chakra Awardee's Valor
The Kirti Chakra, one of India's most prestigious military decorations, was awarded to Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram for his extraordinary bravery. The incident occurred on December 19, 2024, during a tense counter-terrorist mission in Kulgam, located in South Kashmir. Despite sustaining severe gunshot injuries to his face and right shoulder, Sundaram did not falter in his duty.
Instead of retreating, he demonstrated rare resilience, continuing to engage the hostile forces through an intense, close-quarters combat encounter. His decisive actions allowed him to neutralize a terrorist, thereby preventing further threats during the operation. This level of dedication under extreme physical duress was noted by the highest levels of the nation.
National Honor and State Recognition
Prior to the state-level recognition in Chennai, Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram received the Kirti Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu. The investiture ceremony took place on June 8, 2026, in New Delhi, where his indomitable spirit and refusal to yield despite his grave wounds were celebrated. The financial support provided by the Tamil Nadu government serves as a testament to the state's ongoing commitment to supporting its heroes and their families.
Such acts of bravery by soldiers like Meenatchi Sundaram emphasize the sacrifices required to maintain peace and national security. By honoring this Kirti Chakra recipient, the government continues to foster a culture of respect for the armed forces, ensuring that soldiers who excel in the line of duty receive the national and regional appreciation they rightfully deserve.
