Vir Chakra (VrC)

Naik Mani was section commander in a battalion of Madras Regiment deployed in the Rajasthan Sector. On 16 December 1971, the enemy subjected the battalion position to heavy shelling. Unmindful of his safety, Naik Mani moved from trench to trench to ensure that the digging was completed. Early on 17 December, the enemy mounted a massive attack supported by heavy artillery and medium machine gun fire. The light machine gun post operator of his section was hit and the gun was put out of action. He immediately took over the light machine gun and manned it till he was mortally wounded.

In this action, Naik Mani displayed gallantry and determination of a high order.