Jhunjhunu, May 11 (H.S.): Under Operation Sindoor, Sergeant Surendra Kumar was cremated with full state and military honors on Sunday in his village, Mehradasi (Mandawa), Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. His eight-year-old son, Daksh, lit the funeral pyre for his father, a brave martyr who lost his life due to Pakistani shelling in Jhunjhunu. The minister in charge, Avinash Gehlot, represented Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, offering condolences to the family and placing a floral wreath. Surendra's mortal remains were escorted to his village in a tricolor procession, accompanied by a military contingent from Jaipur. A large crowd gathered to pay their respects, with slogans of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoing during the ceremony. A guard of honor was presented by army and police contingents led by Air Force Group Captain Vinay Bhardwaj.

Tributes were also paid by several dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Baid and Soldier Welfare Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. After the funeral, Minister Avinash Gehlot provided financial assistance of 5 lakh rupees to Surendra's widow, Seema, assuring her of the government's support. Surendra, who had served in the Indian Air Force for 14 years and was the only son of his parents, left behind Seema and two children, Daksh and 11-year-old Vritika. A poignant video surfaced of Vritika expressing her desire to join the army, highlighting her father's bravery and dedication to protecting the country. Her words reflected the family's pride in Surendra's sacrifice and their resolve to carry his legacy forward.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar