Mumbai couple cancels dream vacation, donates over ₹1 lakh to martyred LoC soldier Murali Naik's family in stirring act of patriotism

Time of India

13-05-2025

A Mumbai couple gave up their long-cherished dream of a foreign vacation to support the family of Havildar Murali Naik, who was martyred in LoC shelling. Donating over ₹1 lakh, their silent salute to a fallen hero has stirred hearts across the country, reminding us of the power of empathy and unity in grief.
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A Life Cut Short, A Nation Mourns
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The Village That Rose in Tribute
Pawan Kalyan Salutes Murali
A Country United in Grief and Gratitude
In an age where travel dreams dominate social media feeds, a Mumbai-based couple quietly chose a different kind of journey — one of empathy and nationhood. The couple, who have opted to remain anonymous, had been saving for their dream foreign vacation for months. With over ₹1.09 lakh earmarked for the trip, plans were nearly final. But the tragic news of Murali Naik's martyrdom on the Line of Control shook them deeply. And just like that, a suitcase meant for souvenirs was replaced with a donation envelope — sent straight to the bereaved family of the 20-something jawan who gave his life defending India.Their decision wasn't born out of obligation or fame, but out of a deeply felt gratitude. 'At a time like this, it didn't feel right to indulge in travel pleasures while families like Murali's mourn silently,' they reportedly said to the youth platform We Are Yuvaa. Their gesture — selfless, quiet, and deeply human — has now struck an emotional chord with thousands across the country.On the night of May 8, 2025, amid intensified cross-border firing from Pakistan, young Havildar Murali Naik lost his life while manning the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. His death was not just another statistic; it sent ripples of grief from the rugged terrain of the LoC to the dusty bylanes of Kallithanda village in Sri Sathya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh — the soil he once called home.Though born in Andhra, Murali spent his growing years in Mumbai's Kamraj Nagar, where his quiet strength and ambition to join the forces were well known. From a humble family of labourers who recently moved back to Andhra after losing their home to a redevelopment project, Murali was their only child — their sole pillar of support.'My son died for the country,' said a visibly broken Sriram Naik, Murali's father. 'Now we are like orphans, my wife and I.'As Murali's mortal remains arrived in his native village on May 10, a sea of mourners gathered — neighbours, school friends, and strangers alike. Emotions ran high as thousands queued to pay their final respects, many carrying garlands, others simply their silence. A full military funeral , complete with a 21-gun salute and state honours, was held as his casket, draped in the tricolour, was lowered into the earth he once tilled as a boy.The Government of Andhra Pradesh announced a ₹50 lakh ex gratia for Murali's parents, a five-acre land allotment, a house site measuring 300 square yards, and a government job for the family — gestures aimed at honouring a life given too soon.Among those present at the final rites was Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who offered a stirring tribute both in person and on social media. Describing Murali as 'a brave son of Bharat,' he recalled the soldier's unwavering choice to serve in the armed forces, despite having other career options.'His journey from a tribal hamlet to the frontlines is marked by great love for the motherland,' Kalyan wrote, pledging ₹25 lakh of personal support to the grieving family. 'Murali's story is a reminder of the countless unnamed warriors who stand tall at our borders, ensuring we sleep in peace.'The Mumbai couple's donation, though financial in nature, stands as a profound symbol of emotional solidarity. In a world often too preoccupied with individual goals, their act has emerged as a poignant reminder of the invisible threads that bind this nation — sacrifice, empathy, and the eternal debt we owe to those in uniform.As India continues to reel from the loss of yet another young soldier, stories like these remind us that the spirit of service doesn't belong solely to the battlefield. Sometimes, it's found in the quiet corner of a cancelled holiday, where the only thing packed is compassion.