Soldier Colonel Jojan Thomas' Last Journey in Bangalore
Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Aug 24: Thursday night was the last time Meghana Thomas spoke to her father, Colonel Jojan Thomas, who was killed in an encounter with militants in North Kupwara of Jammu and Kashmir.
"He was there on the webcam also, he was showing the room, he had a different kind of smile on his face that night," said Meghana Thomas, daughter of Colonel Jojan Thomas.
The body of Colonel Thomas was brought to Srinagar early on Saturday, before being flown to his home in Bangalore.
Colonel Thomas was the Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles and had started the operation against a group of militants on Friday.
Back at his Bangalore home, the 43-year-old Colonel was mourned by people who knew him closely.
"He once told me "I am in a dangerous operation" So I said "As a colonel, you probably don't have to be on the front", to which he said, "If one of my soldiers has to be hurt, it has to be over my dead body," said Thomas, friend of Colonel Jojan Thomas.
Those who worked with him in the Army also remember him.
"For one year, we shared the same tent, same food, he was like a mentor and was posted in Siachen, he was a fantastic leader. The men under him were ready to do anything for him," said Major Sandhu, Room-mate during Operation Parakram.
Bright officer, brave soldier, and a role model leading from the front, Colonel Jojan Thomas will remain an inspiration to many.