Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, was awarded the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony held on May 22, 2025. The award, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry honor, was presented in recognition of Major Naidu’s exceptional courage and leadership during a high-risk counter-infiltration operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on October 26, 2023.
The operation, based on specific intelligence inputs, targeted a group of five terrorists attempting to cross the Line of Control. At approximately 10:10 AM, Major Naidu and his team identified the infiltrators and swiftly repositioned to intercept them. Despite coming under intense fire and grenade attacks, he led his troops with unwavering resolve, closing in on the attackers and eliminating one of them at point-blank range, even after sustaining injuries himself. His bravery ensured the success of the mission and safeguarded the lives of his soldiers.
Hailing from the village of Nagiripenta in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, Major Naidu comes from a humble background. Born to a farmer’s family, his aspiration to serve the nation began early. He pursued his education at Sainik School and later trained at the National Defence Academy from 2012 to 2015, followed by the Indian Military Academy in 2015–2016. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 2016, Major Naidu has demonstrated outstanding dedication throughout his service.
The operation in Kupwara highlights the persistent security challenges along the LoC, where infiltration remains a serious concern. Between 2019 and 2023, there were over 1,100 infiltration attempts reported. The bravery displayed by Major Naidu and his unit plays a critical role in maintaining India’s border security and deterring cross-border terrorism.
Major Naidu was the only living recipient of the Kirti Chakra among six awardees this year, with the remaining four conferred posthumously on personnel from the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. His nomination was first announced on Independence Day 2024, a moment of pride for his family and village. His father, Malla Appalanaidu, expressed deep pride in his son’s achievements, recalling his childhood dream of joining the armed forces.
The Maratha Light Infantry, one of the oldest and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, has a history dating back to 1768. With 56 battle honors, the regiment remains a vital component of India’s military strength. Major Naidu’s actions add to this proud legacy, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of those who protect the nation.
As India honored its bravest at the Gallantry Awards 2025, Major Naidu’s heroism stood out as a beacon of inspiration, reinforcing the values of duty, honor, and service to the nation.
