In a poignant ceremony today, Shri Jang Bahadur Tiwari, father of the late Lt. Shashank Tiwari, visited the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre in Lucknow to honor his son’s extraordinary bravery. Lt. Shashank, a valiant officer of the 1st Battalion Sikkim Scouts, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his selfless act in May 2025.
Lt. Shashank Tiwari’s Supreme Sacrifice
The young officer laid down his life while rescuing a fellow soldier from a raging glacial stream in North Sikkim. His courage stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s ethos of service before self. The incident was closely linked to the challenges of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have been an increasing threat in the region.
Ceremony at 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre
During his visit, Shri Tiwari:
- Laid a wreath at the Regimental War Memorial
- Offered floral tributes at his son’s Memorial Stone
- Toured the Motivation Hall, where Lt. Shashank’s story will continue to inspire future generations
The solemn event symbolized both a father’s grief and a nation’s gratitude.
Legacy of 11 Gorkha Rifles
The 11 Gorkha Rifles, re-established post-independence under the 1947 India-Nepal Tripartite Agreement, is a regiment steeped in valor. Its soldiers have earned glory across conflicts, including the Kargil War in 1999.
Kirti Chakra – Honoring Peacetime Bravery
Since 1967, the Kirti Chakra has been awarded for exceptional courage in circumstances other than war. Lt. Shashank’s sacrifice is a reminder of the countless acts of bravery performed beyond the battlefield, often in silence.
Broader Context – GLOFs in the Himalayas
The North Sikkim incident resonates with growing concerns about glacial instability. In 2023, a devastating GLOF released 14.7 million cubic meters of water, unleashing a 20-meter high wave that caused widespread destruction. The Indian Army continues to operate in these treacherous terrains, safeguarding lives amid nature’s fury.
Conclusion
Lt. Shashank’s story is more than a tale of bravery it is a reflection of selfless service, resilience, and sacrifice. His memory will continue to live on, inspiring both soldiers and citizens to uphold the highest ideals of courage and duty.
