In a moving tribute to extraordinary courage and selfless service, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Army Service Corps attached to 1 Sikkim Scouts has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. The honour recognises his exceptional bravery in sacrificing his own life to save a fellow soldier during an operation in Sikkim.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award upon Lieutenant Tiwari’s parents, Neeta Tiwari and Jang Bahadur Tiwari, during a ceremony that became one of the most emotional moments of the occasion. As their son’s name was announced, the grieving parents walked towards the stage but found themselves overwhelmed by emotion. Lieutenant Tiwari’s mother broke down in tears while remembering her son. Witnessing their grief, the President personally stepped forward, handed over the Kirti Chakra and offered words of comfort. The gesture moved those present, and the hall echoed with applause.
From Ayodhya to the Frontlines of Service
Born on 24 January 2002 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari distinguished himself at a remarkably young age. He cleared the National Defence Academy entrance examination in 2019 and completed his military training before being commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army’s Army Service Corps on 14 December 2024.
Following his commissioning, he was attached to 1 Sikkim Scouts and posted in the challenging high-altitude terrain of Sikkim. Like countless young officers who choose a life of service, he embraced the hardships of military duty with dedication and commitment.
Though his career had only just begun, his actions would soon exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
The Rescue That Defined His Legacy
On 22 May 2025, Lieutenant Tiwari was part of an operational movement in Sikkim when he and his fellow soldiers were crossing a mountain river. During the crossing, Agniveer Stephen Subba lost his footing and was swept away by the river’s powerful current.
Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Tiwari immediately jumped into the river to rescue his comrade. Displaying exceptional courage under life-threatening conditions, he managed to push the Agniveer towards safety and save his life.
Having ensured the survival of his fellow soldier, Lieutenant Tiwari himself became trapped in the fierce current. The river swept him away despite his determined efforts.
A Nation Salutes Its Fallen Son
As soon as news of the incident emerged, the Indian Army launched an extensive search operation. On 23 May 2025, a day after the rescue, his body was recovered nearly 800 metres from the site of the incident.
The news of his sacrifice plunged Ayodhya into mourning. Large numbers of people gathered to pay their final respects, and tributes poured in from across the country for the young officer who gave everything in the line of duty.
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari did not lose his life in pursuit of personal glory. He gave it while ensuring that another soldier lived. His final act reflected the values that define military service: courage in the face of danger, commitment to comrades and an unwavering sense of duty.
Today, the Kirti Chakra stands as a national recognition of that sacrifice. More importantly, the story of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari stands as a reminder that true heroism often reveals itself in moments when an individual chooses the life of another above his own. His courage, duty, and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations and ensure that the brave son of Ayodhya is remembered with pride and gratitude.
