Jhunjhunu, May 11 – The mortal remains of Indian Air Force assistant medical sergeant Surendra Kumar, who was martyred in the recent Pakistani attack on the Udhampur airbase, were laid to rest with full military honours in his native village Mehradasi, Rajasthan, on Sunday.
A wave of grief and patriotism swept through the region as thousands gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral procession, held as a Tiranga Yatra from Mandawa to Mehradasi, was joined by hundreds of people who walked alongside the tricolour-draped coffin.
Eight-year-old Daksh, Kumar’s son, lit the funeral pyre in an emotional ceremony marked by slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Surendra Kumar Amar Rahe" echoing through the air.
Surendra Kumar’s wife stood by his body, saluting him with a trembling hand while tearfully repeating, "I love you." The heart-rending scene was witnessed by mourning family members and a sea of locals united in grief and pride.
Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa, along with ministers Avinash Gehlot and Jhabar Singh Kharra, were present to offer floral tributes and condolences to the bereaved family.
In a moving interaction with reporters, Kumar’s 11-year-old daughter Vritika recalled her father’s courage. “Papa had said that everything was fine and that he was safe. My papa has laid down his life to protect the nation. The whole of Pakistan should be destroyed. I want to become a soldier like my father and take revenge for his death,” she said with fierce resolve.
Surendra Kumar’s sacrifice has deeply touched the nation, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and unwavering patriotism.
