TN CM honours Kirti Chakra Awardee Meenatchi Sundaram, grants ₹48 lakh reward for bravery

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday honoured Kirti Chakra awardee Lance Naik A. Meenatchi Sundaram and presented him a cheque of ₹48 lakh in recognition of his exceptional bravery during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The award and financial assistance were presented through the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Benevolent Fund at the state secretariat in Chennai. Family members of the soldier and senior government officials were present during the ceremony.

Meenatchi Sundaram, a native of Theni district, is serving with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles under the Artillery Regiment. He was injured during a counter-terror operation in Kulgam, South Kashmir, on December 19, 2024, sustaining gunshot wounds to his face and shoulder.

Despite severe injuries, he continued the operation and successfully neutralised a terrorist in a close-range encounter, demonstrating exceptional courage under fire.

For his bravery and indomitable spirit, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on June 8, 2026.

The state government’s honour and financial support were announced as a mark of respect for his service and sacrifice, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s recognition of armed forces personnel who display extraordinary valour in counter-terror operations.