On May 9, 2025, India mourned the loss of a brave soldier, M. Murali Naik. He was a young Army jawan from Andhra Pradesh. Murali Naik died in a cross-border firing at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. His story is one of courage, dreams, and sacrifice. This article tells the life of Murali Naik in simple words. It shares his journey from a small village to becoming a hero for the nation.
Murali Naik Early Life
Murali Naik was born in Kalli Thanda village. This village is in Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. His parents, Mudavath Sriram Naik and Mudavath Jyothi Bai, were poor agricultural laborers. They worked hard in the fields to earn a living. Murali was their only child. The family lived a simple life in a tribal hamlet. They faced many struggles, but they were close and loved each other.
Murali naik Army Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Village, Wife, Father & Family Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | M. Murali Naik |
| Date of Birth | Not specified (Age 23/24 at time of death in 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Kalli Thanda village, Gorantla mandal, Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Parents | Father: Mudavath Sriram Naik; Mother: Mudavath Jyothi Bai |
| Family Background | Only child of poor agricultural laborers from a tribal hamlet |
| Education | Completed schooling at Vigyan High School, Somandepalli; Bachelor’s degree in Somandepalli |
| Childhood | Happy, friendly, loved playing with friends, admired soldiers |
| Dream | To join the Indian Army and serve the nation |
| Army Joining Date | November 2022 |
| Army Role | Agniveer, posted with 851 Light Regiment, Northern Command |
| Training Location | Nashik, Maharashtra |
| Posting Location | Jammu and Kashmir, Line of Control (LoC) |
| Date of Death | May 9, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m. |
| Cause of Death | Injuries sustained during cross-border firing by Pakistani forces at LoC |
| Operation Involved | Operation Sindoor, response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam |
| Last Contact | May 8, 2025, spoke to cousin Ranjit Naik, expressed concern for parents |
| Funeral Date | May 11, 2025 |
| Funeral Location | Kalli Thanda village, with full military and state honors |
| Government Support | Rs. 50 lakh ex gratia, 5 acres of land, 300-sq-yard house plot, job for father |
| Additional Support | Rs. 25 lakh from Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan; proposed bronze statue |
| Proposed Honor | Renaming Kalli Thanda to “Murali Naik Thanda” |
| Community Response | Candlelight rally in Devanakonda on May 12, 2025; prayer meeting in Mumbai |
| Tributes | Attended by Andhra Pradesh ministers, CM, Governor, and opposition leaders |
| Legacy | Symbol of courage, inspiration for youth, remembered as a national hero |
As a child, Murali was a happy and friendly boy. He loved to play with friends in the village. He went to Vigyan High School in Somandepalli, Andhra Pradesh. Murali was a good student. He worked hard in his studies. After finishing school, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Somandepalli. Murali had big dreams. He wanted to do something great for his country. His biggest dream was to wear the Army uniform and serve India.
Murali’s love for the Army started when he was young. He admired soldiers and their bravery. He often told his parents he wanted to join the Indian Army. His father, Sriram, said Murali loved the uniform very much. It made him feel proud. Murali’s dream was not just for himself. He wanted to make his parents proud. He also wanted to give them a better life. His parents supported his dream, even though they were poor.
In November 2022, Murali’s dream came true. He joined the Indian Army as an Agniveer. An Agniveer is a soldier under a special Army scheme. Murali was trained in Nashik, Maharashtra. He worked hard during his training. He learned how to be a strong soldier. After training, he was posted to the 851 Light Regiment. This unit was part of the Army’s Northern Command. Murali was sent to Jammu and Kashmir, a place with many challenges.
Jammu and Kashmir is a tense area. The Line of Control (LoC) is the border between India and Pakistan. There is often firing and shelling across the LoC. Murali was stationed in this dangerous area. He knew his job was risky, but he was not afraid. He was proud to protect his country. Murali was a brave and motivated soldier. His seniors said he was always ready to serve.
On May 8, 2025, Murali called his family. He spoke to his cousin, Ranjit Naik, that night. He told them there was heavy firing from Pakistan. Murali sounded worried, but not for himself. He was concerned about his parents. He asked his cousin to take care of them. Murali’s love for his family was clear even in tough times. He was a caring son, even when he was far away.
The next day, tragedy struck. On the night of May 8, 2025, Pakistani forces fired heavily along the LoC. This was part of a ceasefire violation. The Indian Army fought back bravely. Murali was in the frontline during this fight. He was part of Operation Sindoor, an Indian response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During the heavy shelling, Murali was badly injured. The Army tried to airlift him to a hospital in New Delhi, but it was too late. Murali died at around 2 a.m. on May 9, 2025.
The news of Murali’s death reached his family in the morning. His parents were heartbroken. Sriram Naik, his father, spoke to a local channel. He said, “My son died for the country. He fought bravely. But we are sad because he was our only son. We depended on him. Now we feel alone.” His words showed both pride and pain. The loss was huge for the family. Murali was their hope for a better future.
The news spread quickly in Kalli Thanda and nearby villages. People came to the family’s home to offer support. The entire village was in grief. Murali was loved by everyone. He was known for his kind and friendly nature. Neighbors remembered him as a boy who always smiled. They were proud of his bravery, but sad for his loss.
Murali’s body reached his village on May 10, 2025. It was first brought to Bengaluru Airport. From there, it was taken to Gorantla in a military convoy. Hundreds of people paid tributes along the way. They showered flowers on the convoy. The village was filled with emotions. People shouted slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Murali Naik Amar Rahe.” These words meant Murali’s sacrifice would live forever.
On May 11, 2025, Murali’s last rites were held in Kalli Thanda. The funeral was done with full military and state honors. Thousands of people came to say goodbye. The Army gave a gun salute. The Indian flag was draped over Murali’s body. Andhra Pradesh ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, attended the funeral. They paid tributes and consoled the family.
The Andhra Pradesh government announced help for Murali’s family. They gave an ex gratia of Rs. 50 lakh. They also promised five acres of agricultural land and a 300-square-yard house plot. The government said Murali’s father would get a job. Pawan Kalyan added Rs. 25 lakh from his personal funds. He also said a bronze statue of Murali would be built in the district. Nara Lokesh promised to consider renaming Kalli Thanda as “Murali Naik Thanda” to honor him.
Leaders across India praised Murali’s bravery. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu shared his sadness on social media. He wrote, “It is sad to hear of the loss of soldier Murali Naik from Sri Sathya Sai district. Tributes to the martyr who gave his life for the nation.” Other leaders, like the Andhra Pradesh Governor and opposition leaders, also paid respects. They called Murali a true hero.
Murali’s story touched many hearts. In Devanakonda, people held a candlelight rally on May 12, 2025. They prayed for Murali’s soul. Ex-servicemen and youth joined the rally. They condemned Pakistan’s actions. They also asked the government to support Murali’s family. The rally showed how Murali’s sacrifice inspired people beyond his village.
Before joining the Army, Murali’s parents lived in Mumbai. They worked as laborers in Kamraj Nagar, Ghatkopar. Murali spent some time there as a child. When he died, the people of Kamraj Nagar were also sad. They held a prayer meeting on May 9, 2025. Over 100 people gathered to honor Murali. They remembered him as a cheerful boy who loved talking to neighbors.
Murali Naik’s life was short but meaningful. He was only 24 years old when he died. Yet, he achieved his dream of serving India. He showed what it means to be brave. His sacrifice reminds us that freedom is not free. Soldiers like Murali give their lives to keep us safe. His story is an inspiration for young Indians. It teaches us to love our country and work hard for our dreams.
Murali’s parents are now alone, but they are not forgotten. The government and villagers have promised to help them. Murali’s memory will live on in Kalli Thanda. His statue and possible renaming of the village will keep his name alive. For his family, the pain of losing him is great. But they are proud of their son. He was a hero who fought for India until his last breath.
