'Remember Pahalgam, Don't Look Back': Village Bids Farewell As Soldier Cuts Short Leave
Last Updated:
The Indian Army canceled all leaves amid war-like conditions at the border. Soldier Raju Singh Rathod from Rajasthan cut his leave short, receiving a heartfelt village farewell
With India and Pakistan on the brink of full-blown war, the Indian Army has cancelled all leave for its personnel. Across the country, soldiers who had briefly returned home are now making their way back to the frontlines, answering the call of duty without hesitation.
Among them is Raju Singh Rathod, a soldier hailing from Chauradi Aguni in Surajgarh area of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. Raju Singh had been on a month-long leave since April 19, spending precious time with his children. He shared that during his leave, he had visited his children's maternal home in Shahjahanpur.
It was there that he received instructions from headquarters informing him that his leave had been cancelled and he must report back to duty. Without delay, he returned to his village and immediately set off to rejoin his unit.
As he prepared to leave, his village gathered to see him off in a heartfelt and patriotic farewell. His mother, with tearful eyes, urged him to return victorious. His father, retired Subedar Sumer Singh Rathore, garlanded his son and blessed him with a soldier's words: 'Don't look back, son, duty comes first."
His wife, Roop Kanwar, holding back her emotions, reminded him of the pain inflicted by terrorists in Pahalgam and asked him to defend the nation's honour. Local women sang traditional folk songs, and children waved the tricolour as villagers chanted ' Bharat Mata ki Jai" with pride.
The emotion in his words, and the pride in his stride, reflected the spirit of countless Indian soldiers ever ready to defend the nation, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
First Published:
May 09, 2025, 12:06 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Indian jackal spotted for 1st time at Pallikaranai marsh
Chennai: Bird watchers at Pallikaranai marshland were surprised last week when they spotted an Indian jackal, marking the first-ever recorded sighting of the species in core areas of the wetland. Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan confirmed the sighting and said jackals are known to adapt well and coexist alongside human settlements. Wildlife experts previously recorded jackals in several parts of Chennai, including the islands behind Theosophical Society, Blue Cross Road, Besant Nagar, Guindy National Park, and Nanmangalam Reserve Forest. With this sighting, Pallikaranai marshland now joins the list as a habitat for the elusive species. Conservationist K V R K Thirunaranan, who has been monitoring the marsh's fauna for years, said, "This is a positive sign of improving biodiversity." Another key factor contributing to the presence of jackals here is the abundance of food. The marsh provides ample prey, including fish and crabs. Notably, jackals have been observed feeding on African catfish, an invasive species. Their predation helps control the population of this invasive fish, contributing to ecological balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The arrival of the jackal signals the marshland's growing role as a sanctuary for urban wildlife and adds urgency to the call for its protection. As urban sprawl threatens green spaces, sightings such as this highlight the ecological significance of wetlands and the complex interdependence of species that inhabit them, say experts. While jackals are primarily nocturnal hunters, they may become active during the day when females feed their newborns. G Kamaraj, a biologist from Vandalur Zoo, said jackals were once found in large numbers, especially in rural areas where paddy fields were abundant. They play an important role in the ecological food chain by controlling the rodent population, which forms a significant part of their diet. This, in turn, helps farmers reduce crop loss. Even today, their wailing howls can be heard in the countryside — a reminder of their quiet presence near human habitations.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Air India mishap: Crash site becomes a spectacle, draws more than just investigators
AHMEDABAD: The allure of the macabre is irresistible. As police push a motley crowd away from the barricade at the crash site, where human remains are still being found, the group simply shifts direction. "Agad chalo tyan thi saaru dekha se (We may get a glimpse from there)," a boy said expectantly. One of three men murmured, suggesting another vantage point - his voice a blend of morbid curiosity and sorrow. A little further, five men attempted to climb a wall for a better view, but were quickly turned away by exhausted officers. Ahmedabad, stunned by the crash, found itself balancing profound shock with a raw, undeniable urge to witness, as different teams continued to sweep the wreckage meticulously, searching for body parts, looking for clues, collecting what could be evidences.... Even as police urged them to step back, onlookers strained their necks and shuffled for space, seeking a glimpse. The pull to watch proved stronger than fear or sadness. Inside the crash site, a team from Boeing and US delegates spent over two hours meticulously sweeping the debris, their presence underlining the global scale of the tragedy. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau ( AAIB ) was carefully recovering more human remains. There was hushed talk that teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad ( ATS ) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had also quietly swept the area as part of the investigation. At Civil Hospital, the mood was tense and restless. The DNA match confirming former chief minister Vijay Rupani 's remains brought a mix of relief and grief. Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel visited the hospital's 'Baarso Bed' wing, which is now the central point for post-crash coordination. In another part of the hospital, three women arrived quietly, carrying a folded Indian flag and three bags of garlands, heading to perform final rites in silence. At the airport, away from the crowds, a group of at least 14 technical experts worked on the black boxes, decoding the flight's final moments from its voice and data recorders. In the hours following the AI-171 crash, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel oversaw a swift, organised response. District collectors personally contacted families of victims. The state quickly appointed nodal officers to guide families through insurance and compensation procedures. Helpdesks from New India Assurance , HDFC Life , and LIC were set up at Civil Hospital, along with an IRDAI-mandated joint cell to streamline the claims process. Twelve teams worked round the clock on DNA sampling, collecting over 250 blood samples from relatives and residents. So far, 62 DNA matches have been confirmed, and 35 mortal remains-including eight identified without DNA testing-have been handed over to families. More than 250 nodal and assistant nodal officers are assisting families through the process, even escorting remains for final rites.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Schools in Maharashtra reopen with flowers, decorations, puppet shows and a warm welcome
Pune: After a long summer break, schools across Maharashtra reopen today, with the first day of the new academic year expected to be filled with excitement as students return to classrooms. On Sunday, school staffers prepared to welcome the children with flowers, chocolates and decorations. Some schools are also planning puppet shows and fun activities to make children feel comfortable and to create a friendly school environment. Management committee member of a school in Yerawada, Ashok Kale, said, "Our staff has organised puppet shows and fun activities to ensure children are excited about returning to school. We will greet our students with roses, sweets, chocolates and pens, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere." This year, the state govt has launched a special initiative to make the first day of the academic year memorable. Ministers, local politicians and education officers will visit schools located in their constituencies to greet students and encourage a joyful start to the year. In govt schools, free textbooks and uniforms will be distributed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo Education officer Shriram Panzade said the purpose of this large-scale engagement is not just symbolic. "Officials will also review facilities in schools, interact with teachers, students and parents, and evaluate the readiness and quality of school infrastructure. They aim to boost student attendance from the first day, improve the learning environment and promote community participation in education," Panzade said. Parents, too, excitedly purchased new uniforms, tiffins, raincoats and bags for children. While many girls chose butterfly-shaped school bags, boys preferred Doraemon designs. Reshma Lalani, a parent, said, "We started preparation for school one week ago. We bought a new school bag and uniform for my son. It is a new academic year, and although it comes every year, my son is excited." This year, the drop in prices of school supplies, such as bags, notebooks and raincoats, has brought cheer to parents. Krishna Agarwal, a trader at Appa Balwant Chowk, said, "A school bag that earlier cost Rs 1,200 is now available for Rs 800 to Rs 1,000. Notebooks are 20% cheaper, and raincoat prices have stabilised. Indian-made products are easily available at lower prices, owing to increased local production." Some shops even offered discounts and even free items with purchases to compete with online stores. As schools open their gates with smiles, colours and positive energy, students, teachers, and parents are set to begin the new academic year with hope and happiness.
