Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur

Jaipur, May 12: The mortal remains of Assistant Medical Sergeant Surendra Kumar, who was martyred in the recent Pakistani attack on the Udhampur airbase, were laid to rest with full military honours in his native village Mehradasi in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Sunday.

A wave of grief and pride swept through the village as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen hero. Surendra Kumar's body was brought home via a solemn ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from Mandawa, accompanied by a massive procession of mourners, many waving the national flag and chanting patriotic slogans.

In a moment of heart-wrenching emotion and courage, eight-year-old Daksh, Surendra’s son, performed the final rites by lighting his father's funeral pyre. Cries of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Surendra Kumar Amar Rahe” echoed through the crowd as the nation bid farewell to one of its valiant defenders.

By the pyre, Surendra’s wife stood grief-stricken, repeatedly saluting her husband while whispering through tears, “I love you.” Family members surrounded her, offering strength as she struggled through the devastating loss.

Prominent leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and ministers Avinash Gehlot and Jhabar Singh Kharra, arrived at the village to lay floral tributes and offer condolences, honouring the supreme sacrifice made by the soldier.

Earlier in the day, Surendra’s 11-year-old daughter, Vritika, spoke to the media with remarkable composure and fierce pride. “Papa had told us everything was okay. Now he has laid down his life to protect our country. I want to become a soldier like him and take revenge. The whole of Pakistan should be destroyed,” she declared, her voice resolute with the spirit of patriotism.

Surendra Kumar’s sacrifice has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people, turning a village into a symbol of national pride and mourning. His story is a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and the unwavering courage of those who defend it.