Munish Sood
Mandi
It was a wedding steeped in both tears and pride when the family of martyr Grenadier Ashish Kumar solemnised the marriage of his sister Aradhana (Poja) in Bharli village of Anjbhoj, Giripar, Paonta Sahib subdivision.
Ashish Kumar had laid down his life on 27 August 2024 during “Operation Alert” in Arunachal Pradesh, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. On the day of his sister’s wedding, his absence was felt deeply, from the turmeric (haldi) ceremony to the emotional farewell (vidai). Yet, the void left by the martyr was filled in the most poignant way possible — by his regiment brothers and members of the ex-servicemen organisations of Paonta Sahib and Shillai.
Clad in uniform, the soldiers not only participated in the rituals but also took on the roles of brother and father, standing by the bride at every stage of the ceremony. They blessed her, shouldered the responsibilities, and carried forward the legacy of their fallen comrade.
The sight of the jawans performing these duties moved the entire village to tears. Every ritual was marked by moist eyes and heavy hearts, yet also by an unmistakable sense of pride. Many felt as though the martyr’s immortal spirit was present through his brothers-in-arms.
This rare and inspiring gesture underscored the timeless bond within the Indian Army — a bond that often transcends blood relations. It reaffirmed that the families of martyrs are never left alone, and that the vows of brotherhood and sacrifice extend far beyond the battlefield.
As the bride bid farewell, the emotional send-off became a testament to both the grief of loss and the glory of service. Every eye was wet, but every chest swelled with pride.
