The heroic tale of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who died while saving a fellow soldier in Sikkim
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The heroic tale of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who died while saving a fellow soldier in Sikkim
Lt Shashank Tiwari was deployed with the Sikkim Scouts regiment of the Indian Army. The 23-year-old, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, made the ultimate sacrifice while saving a young agniveer officer from drowning in an icy, fast-moving mountain stream. His body was recovered nearly 30 minutes later, around 800 metres downstream. “His bravery and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,” the Army said, as it announced the loss of the young officer, who had been commissioned just six months earlier. Those who knew him remember him as a disciplined, dedicated, and bright young man. His uncle, Rajesh Dubey, told The Hindustan Times that he had always dreamed of serving the nation. He excelled in academics and completed his schooling at a CBSE-affiliated school in Faizabad city. After passing his intermediate exams in 2019, he was selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA) He was the only child of his parents.
Lt Shashank Tiwari hailed from Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. He was the only child of his parents. He was commissioned with the Sikkim Scouts of the Indian Army. Image courtesy: X
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari had only been in the Indian Army for six months, but when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate.
During an operational patrol in North Sikkim, the 23-year-old Army officer jumped into an icy, fast-moving mountain stream to save a fellow soldier from drowning. He successfully rescued his comrade, but in doing so, lost his own life.
The Indian Army’s Eastern Command paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice. “Lt Gen R.C. Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC, and all ranks offer heartfelt condolences on the loss of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing a comrade during an operational patrol in the high-altitude area of #NorthSikkim,” the official statement read.
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In this explainer, we take a closer look at what happened and the young officer behind the uniform.
What happened?
On Thursday morning, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari was leading a route-clearing team in a high-altitude area of North Sikkim. The team was on its way to a strategic forward base that was being prepared for future deployment.
Around 11 am, one of the soldiers, Agniveer Stephan Subba, lost his footing while crossing a makeshift log bridge and was swept away by a strong current.
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Without a moment’s hesitation, Tiwari jumped into the freezing water to save him. He was soon joined by Naik Pukar Katel, who also entered the stream to assist. Together, they managed to pull the Agniveer to safety.
Tragically, in the effort to save his comrade, Tiwari was himself caught in the powerful current. Despite swift rescue efforts from the patrol team, his body was recovered nearly 30 minutes later, around 800 metres downstream.
“His bravery and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,” the Army said, as it announced the loss of the young officer, who had been commissioned just six months earlier.
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Who was Shashank Tiwari?
The young officer hailed from Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. He was the only child of his parents, according to The Times of India.
His father, Jung Bahadur Tiwari, served in the Indian Merchant Navy and is now retired. Those who knew Tiwari remember him as a disciplined, dedicated, and bright young man.
“His sacrifice has been hailed nationwide. He stands as a symbol of courage and selflessness,” read a statement from the Defence Ministry.
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His uncle, Rajesh Dubey, told The Hindustan Times that Tiwari had always dreamed of serving the nation. He excelled in academics and completed his schooling at a CBSE-affiliated school in Faizabad city. After passing his intermediate exams in 2019, he was selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The officer was commissioned into the Sikkim Scouts unit of the Indian Army on December 14, 2024.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, who laid down his life while on patrol in the severe terrain of North Sikkim. His courage, sense of duty, and commitment to the country will forever be remembered. On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We honour his sacrifice with the utmost respect and gratitude.”
Following the incident, Tiwari’s body was flown from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri to Ayodhya on Friday afternoon. It reached his hometown later that evening, according to Ayodhya SP (City) Madhuban Singh. His last rites were performed with full military honours.
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Lest We Forget
Lt Shashank Tiwari made the supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier during an operational patrol in high-altitude North #Sikkim.
A wreath was laid with full military honours by Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla, GOC Trishakti Corps, at Bengdubi Military Station,… pic.twitter.com/v4qzekcpBe — Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) May 23, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present in Ayodhya that day, paid tribute to Tiwari’s sacrifice. He announced that a memorial would be built in Ayodhya in his memory and the state government would provide the family with financial support of Rs 50 lakh.
Tiwari is now survived by his parents and sister.
In its tribute, the Indian Army said his actions reflect the very ethos of the force—selfless service, integrity, and leadership by example. His sacrifice, the Army noted, stands as a powerful reminder of the deep bond between officers and soldiers, whether in times of war or peace.
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With input from agencies
Young Army officer dies while saving colleague in Sikkim
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Indian Army’s Sikkim Scouts regiment lost his life. The 23-year-old officer was commissioned less than six months ago. He was leading a Route Opening Patrol towards a Tactical Operating Base (TOB) The fellow soldier is an Agniveer who was a part of Lieutenant Shashanka Tiwara’’ team.“The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who, despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie,” the Army said.
The fellow soldier is an Agniveer who was a part of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari’s team.
The 23-year-old officer was commissioned less than six months ago on December 14, 2024.
According to the Army, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari was leading a Route Opening Patrol towards a Tactical Operating Base (TOB) in Sikkim — a key post being prepared for future deployment. Around 11 a.m., Agniveer Stephan Subba — a member of the patrol — lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream.
Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, selfless leadership, and unwavering commitment to his team, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation, Army officials added.
Another soldier, Naik Pukar Katel, also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer. However, Lieutenant Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by 11:30 a.m.
“Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari’s heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army’s core values – selfless service, integrity, leadership by example, and the unbreakable bond between officers and men, which transcends rank and is nurtured in both war and peace. At just 23 years of age, Lieutenant Tiwari embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army — placing the life of a comrade above his own, leading from the front, and upholding the highest standards of military ethics and valour,” the Army said.
The officer is survived by his parents and a sister.
The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who, despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come.
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, expressed deepest condolences on the demise of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who made a supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier from being swept away in a river during an operational patrol in HAA in North Sikkim.
The Indian Army said that it stands firmly with the bereaved family.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
Army officer dies while rescuing jawan
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Indian Army’s Sikkim Scouts sacrificed his life while saving a fellow soldier during an operational task. The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December last year, was leading a ‘route opening patrol’ Agniveer Stephan Subba lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain
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The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December last year, was leading a ‘route opening patrol towards a forward tactical base in Sikkim.
Around 11 am, Agniveer Stephan Subba — member of the patrol — lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream.
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Demonstrating presence of mind and leadership , Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer. However, Lt Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his team, the body of the officer was recovered 800 m downstream.
He is survived by his parents and a sister. The Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RC Tewari condoled the death.
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, Commissioned in Army Less Than 6 Months Ago, Dies While Saving Drowning Agniveer Soldier in Sikkim
Lt Shashank Tiwari’s heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army’s core values — selfless service, integrity, leadership by example and the unbreakable bond between officers and men. The incident took place on May 22, the officials said. The officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December 2024, was leading a route opening patrol towards a tactical operating base (TOB) in Sikkim. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by around 11:30 am, he added. The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie.
Lt Shashank Tiwari’s heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army’s core values — selfless service, integrity, leadership by example and the unbreakable bond between officers and men, they said. He belonged to the Sikkim Scouts. Jammu and Kashmir: Soldier Dies on Duty, Preliminary Probe Points to Accidental Fire From Own Rifle in Kishtwar.
The incident took place on May 22, the officials said. “#IndianArmy #EasternCommand #InTheLineofDuty Lt Gen RC Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks express deepest condolences on the demise of Lt Shashank Tiwari who made supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier from being swept away in a river during an operational patrol in HAA in #NorthSikkim. #IndianArmy stands firmly with the bereaved family,” the Eastern Command said in a post on X.
The officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December 2024, was leading a route opening patrol towards a tactical operating base (TOB) in Sikkim — a key post being prepared for future deployment, a senior official said. Agniveer Stephan Subba, a member of the patrol, lost footing while crossing a log bridge around 11 am and was swept away by a powerful mountain stream, he added. Naib Subhedar Baldev Singh Martyred: Indian Army Soldier Dies at Siachen Glacier.
“Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to his team, Lt Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment of hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer,” the official said.
However, Lt Tiwari was swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by around 11:30 am, he added.
At such a young age, Lt Tiwari embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army — placing the life of a comrade above his own, leading from the front and upholding the highest standards of military ethics and valour, the officer said.
Lt Tiwari is survived by his parents and a sister. “The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come,” the official said.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Young Officer’s Supreme Sacrifice: Lt Shashank Tiwari Lays Down His Life Saving Comrade in Sikkim
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Indian Army made the ultimate sacrifice while saving a fellow soldier during an operational task in North Sikkim on 22 May 2025. The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago on 14 December 2024, was leading a Route Opening Patrol towards a Tactical Operating Base (TOB) The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who, despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie.
The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago on 14 December 2024, was leading a Route Opening Patrol towards a Tactical Operating Base (TOB) in Sikkim–a key post being prepared for future deployment. Around 11:00 AM, Agniveer Stephan Subba, a member of the patrol, lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by a powerful mountain stream.
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Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, selfless leadership, and unwavering commitment to his team, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer without hesitation. Another soldier, Naik Pukar Katel, also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer. However, Lieutenant Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by 11:30 AM.
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari’s heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army’s core values- selfless service, integrity, leadership by example, and the unbreakable bond between officers and men, which transcends rank and is nurtured in both war and peace.
Also Read | Gadchiroli Encounter: 4 Maoists Killed During Gunfight With Security Forces Along Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh Border.
At just 23 years of age, Lieutenant Tiwari embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army – placing the life of a comrade above his own, leading from the front, and upholding the highest standards of military ethics and valour. The officer is survived by his parents and a sister.
The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who, despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Source: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/lt-shashank-tiwari-sikkim-soldier-ayodhya-13891204.html