A Father’s Tribute to Lt. Shashank Tiwari's Heroism at 11 Gorkha Rifles Centre

On Friday, 12th September 2025, Shri Jang Bahadur Tiwari, father of Lt. Shashank Tiwari ‘Kirti Chakra’ (Posthumous), visited the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre in Lucknow to pay a heartfelt tribute to his son. Lt. Shashank Tiwari, who was part of the 1st Battalion Sikkim Scouts, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra – India’s second-highest bravery award during peacetime.

Lt. Shashank Tiwari’s Supreme Sacrifice

Lt. Shashank Tiwari received this honour due to his unparalleled bravery in May 2025. He sacrificed his life while rescuing another soldier from a risky glacial stream in North Sikkim. His act of selflessness is a perfect example of the spirit of “service before self” of the Indian Army, particularly in risky and challenging situations.

Ceremony at 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre

On the visit, Shri Tiwari offered wreaths at the Regimental War Memorial and laid floral tributes on his son’s Memorial Stone. Shri Tiwari also saw the Motivation Hall, where Lt. Shashank’s tale will be showcased to motivate future soldiers as well as common people.

This ceremony was not only a personal tribute from a grieving father also an opportunity for the nation to pay respects to a soldier who gave up everything merely to save his comrades. The 11 Gorkha Rifles has a proud history of serving India, including playing a key role in the Kargil War of 1999.

Kirti Chakra – Honoring Peacetime Bravery

Kirti Chakra is awarded for acts of valour in peacetime, and Lt. Shashank Tiwari’s sacrifice is a reminder of the non-descript courage many soldiers display each day, even when there is no war.

His act of bravery also points to an increasing threat in the region – glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Such risky floods are increasingly occurring in the Himalayas due to climate change. A single large flood in 2023 emptied more than 14.7 million cubic meters of water, leading to heavy destruction.

Lt. Shashank’s tale is not one of courage alone. It’s a story of selfless devotion and a desire to sacrifice for others. His legacy will also motivate not just soldiers but all of us to live with courage, commitment, and patriotism.