Family, Friends in Tears as Mortal Remains of Soldier Arrive Home

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Apr 6: The mortal remains of young Girish, a soldier in the VI Madras regiment of the Indian Army, were brought to the Bajpe airport here on Wednesday April 6.

All of 35 years, Girish had passed away last week while watching the World Cup final on April 2. It is said that he left his colleagues, who were also watching the match with him, and went outside to check on the water pump when he suddenly collapsed. His body was found much later.

Girish's mortal remains arrived at the airport at around 1 pm, from where the coffin was taken to the Martyr's stand for a guard of honour. A host of army officers paid their last respects. Later, the coffin was brought to Kunjathbail and then to Katipalla where his family members reside. An atmosphere of great sorrow and void was palpable as his inconsolable mother was in tears at her loss.

Girish was born to Thangamma and the late Narayan, who hail from Kerala but are settled in Kunjathbail in the city. Girish had served the Indian Army for more than 16 years. His brother Harish is employed and lives here.

Apart from his mother and brother, Girish is survived by his wife Srikala, and two children Nikhil and Vaishnavi. Girish had built a house at Katipalla, where his wife and children stay now.