Behind every soldier is a group of silent soldiers who silently sign a pact to dedicate their whole life to the country. These silent soldiers are the family of every defense personnel – parents, siblings, children, and most importantly, their wives.
Life of these silent soldiers is never easy, especially of army wives. While the whole country mourns losing a soldier, it is their family that is left broken with a lifetime of pain, sorrow, and grief.
One such family is that of martyr Colonel Ashutosh Sharma.
Col. Sharma lost his life while combating terrorism in the north of Kashmir on May 2. He was among five security forces personnel killed during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara.
But, what would fill your heart with pride is the immense courage and strength shown by Col. Sharma’s brave army wife, Pallavi Ashutosh.
While remembering the selfless sacrifice of her husband, Pallavi shares how his family intends to remember the officer “not for the loss, but for his passion and courage.” She further adds:
“He had passion and prioritised his unit and the love for his uniform. My loss is irreparable and unbearable but I am proud of my husband for what he did for his men and safety of civilians,”
Pallavi also shared how his husband always prioritized his unit’s welfare over anything else.
About the officer losing his life while leading from the front, Pallavi said,
“I am sure he took the decision because he was confident that I will manage in his absence. He used to say to me, ‘I need to take care of 1,500 men. I am sure you will take good care of the family”.
Maintaining a courageous calm, she told India Today TV,
“He used to say to me, I will kill terrorists and return home. Yes, he is coming back tomorrow but will be wrapped in the tricolour.”
Colonel Sharma also leaves behind a mother and a young daughter.
Recalling what the bereaved wife wants her daughter to learn from her late husband, she said:
“I want my child to remember her father as a man of principles, who used to lead his men and operations regardless of the risk involved. He must be remembered as a man who loved his work and country. He was always smiling.
My husband treated me like a celebrity. I have no regrets,” she added.
Our brave men lost their lives while eliminating two critical terrorists, including the commander of banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, Haider, a Pakistani national who has been active in the North Kashmir area. The identity of the other was yet to be ascertained.
Losing the love of your life isn’t easy. No one will deny that it takes a lot of courage to not only accept such a devastating loss but to actually honor it. We salute the Pallavi’s grit, determination, and courage and pray for the strength and courage of this family.
