Daijiworld Media Network - Ferozepur

Ferozepur, Jul 21: In a heartwarming gesture, the Indian Army has pledged to bear the educational expenses of 10-year-old Shvan Singh, who supported soldiers during an intense gunbattle under Operation Sindoor in Punjab's Tara Wali village.

The brave Class 4 student, hailing from Mamdot area in Ferozepur district, had volunteered to supply tea, milk, water, ice, and lassi to soldiers as they engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with Pakistani forces near the international border.

Impressed by his courage and dedication, the Golden Arrow Division of the Indian Army announced full sponsorship of Shvan’s education. The boy was felicitated by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, during a special ceremony held at the Ferozepur Cantonment on Saturday.

"Shvan’s selfless act during a critical operation reminds us of the quiet heroes in our midst," the Army said in a statement, highlighting his bravery and willingness to serve.

“I want to become a fauji when I grow up. I want to serve the country,” Shvan had said earlier in May. His proud father noted that the boy offered help entirely on his own initiative, earning the admiration of soldiers stationed in the border village.

Tara Wali, located just two kilometers from the international border, was at the centre of action during Operation Sindoor, which saw the Indian Armed Forces conduct pre-dawn missile strikes on May 7 targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The strikes were a retaliatory response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

In retaliation, Pakistan launched an offensive targeting Indian military installations and border areas over the following three days.