Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has ordered that the road stretching from Tambaram Railway Station to Velachery be named Major Mukund Varadharajan Salai, honouring the supreme sacrifice of Indian Army officer Major Mukund Varadharajan, who was killed in action in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay issued the directive on Wednesday following a request from senior Army officials to commemorate the decorated officer’s service to the nation.
Road to bear name of Ashoka Chakra awardee
The 16-km arterial road falls under the jurisdiction of the Tambaram Corporation and connects Tambaram Railway Station with Velachery.
According to an official release, the decision came after Lieutenant General V. Srihari, General Officer Commanding of the Dakshin Bharat Area in Chennai, met the chief minister and requested that a prominent road be named in honour of Major Mukund Varadharajan.
The Tambaram Corporation subsequently passed a resolution supporting the proposal, following which the state government formally approved the naming of the road.
A government order to this effect was issued on June 23.
Officer laid down life in Jammu and Kashmir
Major Mukund Varadharajan, an officer of the Rajput Regiment, was killed on April 25, 2014, during a counter-terrorism operation in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir while serving on deputation with the 44 Rashtriya Rifles.
He was 31 years old at the time of his death.
For his exceptional courage and sacrifice in the line of duty, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour.
Strong connection with Tambaram
Major Mukund spent his early years and college days in Tambaram and had studied journalism at Madras Christian College.
His life and military service have continued to inspire many across the country.
The officer’s story also reached a wider audience through the 2024 Tamil biographical film Amaran, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi.
Tribute to a national hero
The decision to name the road after Major Mukund Varadharajan has been widely viewed as a fitting tribute to an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.
By dedicating a prominent road in Tambaram to the Ashoka Chakra awardee, the Tamil Nadu government has sought to ensure that his courage, service and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.