One year after his death, statue of Galwan martyr Col Santosh Babu comes up in hometown

HYDERABAD: MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao and Energy Minister G Jagadish Reddy unveiled a nine feet high bronze statue of Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Colonel Santosh Babu, who was killed in a clash with Chinese troops in Galwan, eastern Ladakh a year ago, at his native town Suryapet in the presence of the Colonel’s family members on Tuesday.

Rama Rao said it was a matter of satisfaction for him to honour an army jawan who had sacrificed himself for the nation. Rao said Colonel Santosh Babu would be remembered for his sacrifices until Telangana and India ceased to exist.

He said by helping out the bereaved soldier’s family, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had sent a strong message to the Indian army that the people of this country would support their families. He said the financial support offered to Santosh Babu’s family was not just for a single family but was part of a gesture to instil confidence among the armed forces and inspire other States in doing so. He also appreciated Srinivas Reddy, the sculptor of the statue, who hails from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad.

Martyr’s widow proud of husband

Santhosh Babu’s wife Santhoshi  said that her husband’s sacrifice to the nation was a matter of pride for her family, and her husband would go down in history as a true patriot who laid down his life for the nation. She said his sudden demise was a great shock to her and distressed her, but she was now focused on the future of their children.

Aid meant to inspire other states

Rama Rao said the financial support offered to Santosh Babu’s family was not just for a single family but was part of a gesture to instil confidence among the armed forces and inspire other States in doing so