A year since Galwan: Remembering braveheart Col Santosh Babu

A year has passed since Colonel Santosh Babu and his soldiers laid down their lives in the line of duty safeguarding India's borders against the Chinese forces. On his first death anniversary, his wife Santoshi shared her grief and plans for the family's future.

Hyderabad:On June 15, 2020, the commanding officer (CO) of the 16 Bihar Regiment, Col. Santosh babu was killed in action during an unarmed clash with PLA troops in the Galwan valley of Eastern Ladakh. He was posthumously awarded India's second-highest wartime gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra. A native of Suryapet in Telangana, Babu was the only son of Bikkumalla Upender and Manjula. From 1988 to 1993, he studied till his fifth class in Sri Saraswathi Shishumandir School in Mancherial district and thereafter till Class XII at the Sainik School in Korukonda, Vizianagaram district.

Col. Santosh Babu was a good student and always aimed to join the army with the encouragement of his father Upender from childhood. After completing his education at Korokonda Sainik School, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA). He then completed his military training at the Indian Military Academy and joined the Army. In his 15 years of service, he worked with dedication to safeguarding the nation.

Read:Nation remembers heroes of Galwan valley

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Col. Santosh’s wife, B Santoshi recollecting the memories of her husband said that his demise had left a void in the family that can never be filled. The Telangana government had provided a compensation of Rs 5 crore to Santosh Babu's family, besides a Group-I post to his wife and a residential plot. Santoshi is currently training for a job given by the Telangana government.

ETV Bharat - It's been a year since Col Santhosh Babu's supreme sacrifice. Have you been able to pull yourself together?

Santoshi - Every single day I've been thinking about him and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. His demise had left a void in the family that can never be filled. His life hasn't been an easy one, I actually learnt a lot about life through the years that I've lived with him. And the memories can never be forgotten.

ETV Bharat - As a housewife, the burden of looking after the family has fallen on you. How are you able to manage?

Santoshi - Yes. It's been a year since his demise. For many days I was in shock and was not in a situation to comprehend what's next. Then I realised that I have to get over and take care of children, their studies and their future. I am also planning about it. Also, all of a sudden there are a lot of responsibilities and the burden is immense.

ETV Bharat - How is the training for the job given by the Telangana government going on?

Santoshi - It's been 10 months since I have gotten into the new job and am currently undergoing training. This job comes with a lot of responsibilities and also there is a lot of subjects involved that I have to study. I need to have a good understanding and as I am training now, I am trying my best to learn as much as possible.

ETV Bharat - Could you please elaborate more about your training experience?

Santoshi - Well, the training experience is good. All officers, seniors and other staff members are helping me in every way possible. They are providing me with all possible assistance and I am really thankful for the support.

ETV Bharat - Unexpectedly, your life has changed post-Col. Santhosh Babu's demise. In such circumstances how are relatives and society supporting you?

Santoshi - Everyone in society has stood by me, supported me and I hope they will always be there. All those who worked with my husband, his school friends (Sainik School), Army colleagues and their families have always been there for me, advising me about the life ahead and also in understanding my emotions. Especially, when I had been feeling dejected, they have stood by me and have even helped me in every possible manner. They have also guided me and helped me adapt to the new job and work culture, especially about managing work-life balance. My parents are also currently staying with me. They are taking care of my children when I leave for office.

ETV Bharat- Whole nation has experienced the pain that you and your family had gone through. How do you feel?

Santoshi: In fact, to this very moment, people remember Col. Santhosh Babu for the service he has done for the motherland. As family members, we do feel proud and his supreme sacrifice will be remembered forever as it is listed in the annals of history. My husband fought every moment for the nation without taking a step backwards and in a brave manner. I can see people discussing about him, his courage and even his images are put up everywhere which gives us a lot of courage as we feel that society is with us.

ETV Bharat - Col. Santosh Babu always aimed to join the army and his parents supported him. How are his parents doing?

Santoshi: Everyone of us in the family, including Col. Santhosh Babu's parents too are still mourning his loss.

ETV Bharat - What is your advice to the youth who are willing to join the Indian Army?

Santoshi: Serving the nation is the ultimate opportunity and I request everyone to support the families of soldiers serving the nation. Many of our soldiers are braving all odds and fighting to defend the nation, wherein some of their families may not get the required assistance. Hence, I ask everyone to do support such families.

ETV Bharat - How long will your training go on and when will you officially report?

Santoshi: I still have 6 months for the training to complete and then I will probably join duty.