"It is the cause, not the death that makes the martyr," Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France  had once said.

True to his mettle, NSG Commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan laid down his precious life fighting the terrorists at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai on the fateful 28th of November, 2008. Even truer to his determination, Sandeep surrendered his most valuable asset for the cause dearest to him - protecting the country.

A year later, his father is resolute to carry forward Sandeep's legacy.
"I've learnt so much from Sandeep that I feel our lives should revolve around the concern for the country. Love for the country should be the centre of everything we do," he told Deccan Herald.

"Sandeep had a happy-go-lucky face, he never seemed dull. He wanted everyone to remain happy and cheerful. He didn't fail in this quest, not even after his death," he says with emotions.

Sandeep epitomised concern for others. "Once his mother fell ill and Sandeep didn't sleep for 48 hours. That was his dedication. That he made the ultimate sacrifice isn't surprising on his part," Unnikrishnan reminiscences.

Sandeep was very attached to his parents. "I always had to convince him about my views, he wouldn't agree so easily," he says.

Well, how would Sandeep react while angry? "He was very calm and composed. He had very amiable attitude. Alas, he's left us with only his memories hovering around," Unnikrishnan adds reflectively.

Being the father of one of its brave sons, what message does he want to give to the country’s youth? "He has filled the air with the accomplishment of his mission. What else can I say?" he ends the conversation.