Pune: A 150-minute documentary chronicling the life, military career and supreme sacrifice of Kirti Chakra awardee Major Pradeep R Tathawade has been released, offering a rare and intimate look into the journey of one of the most decorated alumnus of Sainik School Satara.Shekhar Naik has directed the 2 hour 33 minute film titled — Shourya Deep-Martyr Major Pradeep Tathawade, Kirti Chakra. Tathawade’s batchmates from Sainik School Satara’s 1981 batch initiated and supported the film.The Major was martyred on June 17, 2000, while fighting terrorists during a military operation in the Poonch sector of J&K. He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional bravery and sacrifice.The documentary traces his journey from Sainik School Satara to the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy and various elite military training institutions, before his commissioning into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment. It brings together memories from family members, school friends, fellow officers and soldiers who served alongside him.The filming took place across several locations, including Poonch, Srinagar, Kupwara, Leh, Ladakh, Siachen Base Camp, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nashik, Pune and Satara. The project involved nearly 60 interviews conducted with official permission of the Indian Army.Naik said, “The documentary is my personal journey of understanding a soldier. Major Tathawade’s life and work come alive through the memories of many.”A special premiere was held in a Kothrud theatre on June 21. The documentary will be screened across the country through free shows aimed to inspire young Indians to serve the nation with dedication and courage.
