Pune: They have been the anonymous, unsung heroes of India, but a memorial now honours the valour and sacrifices of Military Intelligence (MI) personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Located at Wanowrie in Pune cantonment, and named Satark Park — inspired by MI's motto, "Sada Satark" (always alert) — it is the country's first memorial dedicated to MI personnel. The park features busts of MI bravehearts, with brief details of their contributions to operations executed on the borders and outside the country.
Among the busts of the heroes are Kirti Chakra awardees Naik Pratap Singh (June 12, 1977) and Brigadier Ravi Datt Mehta (July 7, 2008), Shaurya Chakra awardees Sepoy Om Shiv Sharma (September 5, 1994), Naik Jangbir Singh (August 20, 1996), and Havildar S Samy Kannan (April 2, 2004). It has been constructed by Military Intelligence Training School and Depot (MITSD), with the help of Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd. An island strip outside MITSD, the alma mater of MI personnel, has been converted into a park-cum- memorial.
Since 1962, 40 brave personnel belonging to the Corps of MI of the Indian Army , including 11 officers, have laid down their lives in various operations. However, stories of their war heroes have not been told or discussed openly/publicly owing to the "core character" of the services. But for the first time, their sagas will be briefly shared with the public.
War Widow Sunita Mehta, the wife of Kirti Chakra awardee Brigadier Mehta, to.
