UNENDING: THE PRICE PAID FOR OUR FREEDOM

/ Meghna G

A million thoughts are muddled in my head as so much has already happened in 2019. It is over six months since I wrote my blog and over two years and six months since Akshay. We have lost many more of our brave soldiers, not only in terror attacks but also in air accidents whilst undertaking hazardous missions. Test Pilots Sqn Ldrs Sameer Abrol and Siddarth Negi were killed flight testing a fighter aircraft and Wg Cdr Sahil Gandhi of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team had a fatal crash just before the Aero India show in Bengaluru. India lost 6 air warriors in a helicopter mishap and the recent Air Crash of an AN 32 in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh with 13 air warriors killed has saddened us all.  I sit down to write but suddenly feel weighed down by negative, depressed thoughts. Feeling lost and very low, particularly after hearing about 5 more CRPF braves being martyred in yesterday’s terror attack in Anantnag, images from the gruesome suicidal vehicle bomb that took away 42 of our precious Jawans in Pulwama, reappear in my mind.  Yes, India retaliated with determination and deadly Air strikes on terror training camps in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan. Our Government also made sure our captured POW, our Lion, Wg Cdr Abhinandan, was sent home unharmed. Yet, terrorism on our soil continues and our soldier sons continue to bear the brunt of these attacks….when will the cycle end…..? Or will it, ever…?

It is 20 years since India’s real heroes fought a long-drawn war in Kargil. Sheer courage, grit and determination made them victorious against almost insurmountable odds……. and here I am…. brooding and caught up in depressing thoughts…… I give myself a shake and look up at Akshay’s picture. His steady gaze is calm and seems to lift my despondency while giving me direction. I find myself automatically putting aside the laptop and getting up to go look for a gift kept carefully among a few of Akshay’s precious keepsakes. Back wearing this amazing tribute to Capt Anuj Nayyar, I am transported to the short time I spent at his home, enthralled by another proud mother- Mrs Meena Nayyar. Vikas and Meena Ji were discussing how Capt Anuj’s closest friends  had decided to pay their respects to their very own war hero by actually going to Kargil and climbing Pt. 4875, also known as Pimple II, a strategic mountain peak on the western side of the more famous Tiger Hill. The young men from civvy street, all sporty and fit after regular ‘runs’ and ‘working out at the gym’ were determined to climb the peak to honour the memory of Capt Anuj and his amazing feat. Despite their enthusiasm and best efforts, they could not make it past midway up the steep rocky slopes of Pt 4875, that too in broad daylight, with no weapons or loads to carry, and no fear of enemy fire from high above. I share this recollection of their conversation so that you will truly appreciate what it takes to be a soldier of the Indian Army. To understand the tremendous passion, love, commitment and effort it takes to live up-to the motto of ‘Service Before Self’ and ‘undertake any task given to me even to the peril of my life’. To reflect on how we can also perhaps try to do more, crib less and never give up?

At 15,990 feet above sea level, Pt 4875 had the Pakistani army sitting armed and lethal in bunkers, making it impossible for the Indian army to attack by day. This was the peak young Capt Anuj is credited with reclaiming by evicting Pakistani troops, a feat for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (posthumous). Among the many battles fought in Kargil, after successfully recapturing Tololing and Tiger Hill, Pt 4875 in Mushkoh Valley was crucial for India because of its strategic location overlooking a 30 to 40 km stretch of National Highway. Charlie Company of 17 Jat was given the task to secure the peak on 06 July 1999.

Capt Anuj Nayyar’s Company Commander was injured early into the night attack and Anuj took on the leadership of his men. He and his team located the 4 enemy bunkers which gave the entrenched Pakistani’s on the peak a huge tactical advantage. Capt Anuj led his team, climbing up the sheer, bare slopes in the dark, under fire from enemy machine guns and destroyed 3 of the 4 bunkers, killing many Pakistani soldiers. The shocked enemy retreated but before that, one by one, all seven of his men were killed in battle and he also was hit on the neck by an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) while clearing the fourth bunker. Braveheart Anuj Nayyar left us on 7th July 1999 while capturing point 4875. This invaluable contribution by sheer courage and determination must never be forgotten. The 4th bunker was finally cleared by the ‘Shershah of Kargil’, Capt Vikram Batra who had in a crucial battle earlier, on 20th June 1999, successfully recaptured Pt 5140 leading his brave men. Sadly, this was Capt Vikram’s last battle as well and he made the supreme sacrifice after killing Pakistani soldiers, saving the life of grievously injured brave Lt Naveen Nagappa, and ensuring the Tricolour was hoisted on Pt 4875.

How do families cope with such loss of a dear child? Anuj’s father, Late Mr S K Nayyar had with a smile recounted his son’s determination. “He was the best volleyball player in his school. We used to tell him not to play because he ruined his shirt. From then on, he used to take off his shirt and play. Then we told him, his vest was getting dirty so he should not play the game. But then, he took off his vest too and played! With a mind like his, how could one stop him from doing what he wanted?” Today, father and son are probably together, looking down at us from another world. The thought is somewhat comforting.

My mind now wanders into snippets I’ve heard and read about the budding love stories of young Capt Anuj Nayyar and the ‘Dil maange more’ Capt Vikram Batra. Both were young officers posted in the same area, in love with life and a girl back home, and looking forward to getting married on return. Before heading for his mission of capturing Pt 4875, it seems Capt Anuj took off his engagement ring and handed it to his Commanding Officer for safe keeping because he didn’t want it to go into enemy hands. Both young heroes fought to their last breaths, succeeding in their missions and making their Regiment, Army and Country proud, earning honour and glory after gallantry. Each soldier son also left behind heartbroken parents and sibling….and a lost love…..

When Meena didi was giving Vikas and Hutansh a T Shirt that says ‘ Capt Anuj Nayyar: Son: Brother: Friend: SAVIOUR # Maha Veer, I asked for one for myself and she quickly gave it to me saying ‘I didn’t know if you would want to wear one’. Meena didi, thank you for this. I am honoured to wear it and know that the words of my blog today are now in full flow, as a heartfelt tribute to your beloved son’s bravery and supreme sacrifice. Capt Anuj continues to touch many lives, including mine.

I look up again at Akshay’s half smiling picture and he seems to be smiling, encouraging me to go on. Akshay, who has the power to motivate me even when I am at my lowest, has somehow connected our family to all of you. You, who have in so many inexplicable ways, been part of our journey this far. For two and half years now, you have shared our pride and sorrow, tried to wipe our tears, held our hand, prodded us to go on, made us smile with shared stories and reinforced our faith in humanity by being there in our darkest hours. You have reached out with kindness, encouragement and guidance to stay strong and not give up. Yet, despair and grief still creep up on me without notice. So many times, I end up going blank, unable to stop the tears in public and fighting for composure while on stage. At other times, I have howled like a wounded animal in the privacy of my home and bathroom.

Every-time, I have also emerged stronger and more determined not to give up. Neither on Akshay. Nor on life. Akshays words ring in my ears….’You are strong ma….there is nothing you cannot handle….just focus on the positives….the good things that are happening ….life must go on’. So here I am, sharing the good news that Sangeeta is settled and smiling a lot more now, remarried with all our blessings for a new beginning with Anirudh. Excited about the event, the new clothes, jewelry and being the centre of attention, Naina also wanted mehendi on her hands and so I got young Chaya and Jyoti to show off their amazing skills on Naina and Sangeeta. Helping with a quick draping of the Sari before lighting the diyas and escorting Sangeeta to the tiny ceremony at a temple, this time, for Girish and me, it felt like we were part of another daughter’s wedding, along with Sangeeta’s parents. With Akshay’s grandparents’ blessings, his aunts and uncles standing shoulder to shoulder with us, we managed to smile through our tears. To Neha, Pradish and Akshay’s cousins, Sangeeta will remain a dear sister. She has found an understanding partner in Anirudh and a very kind mother in law. That Akshay also wanted to see Sangeeta and Naina always happy must have made this possible. Naina’s acceptance is so very reassuring when she cheerfully explains, ‘Now I call Anirudh uncle daddy…. because I already have my own papa.’ Akshay was well represented by his soldier colleagues from 51 Engineer Regiment with their families, as well as close friends. We hope you will all continue to extend your good wishes and blessings to new beginnings and a long and happy family life to Sangeeta, Anirudh and Naina.

On the national front, we are glad to see that our soldiers who gave their all for the motherland since Independence have finally been accorded a place of honour in the national capital. Girish and I made separate visits to the National War Memorial to pay our tributes to our 26000 heroes martyred in line of duty. Every soldier who fought to protect our Tricolour and fell defending our freedom has been immortalized with a brick of his own.  So many heroes, sung and unsung. I was lucky to be joined by many of you, hearts filled with gratitude and pride. Together, we also found Akshay’s brick and those of many of his brothers and spent some time bonding with them and with each other. Although overwhelmed with emotions, tears were held in check. Salute them all.

The questions however will be asked. What is the price of our freedom and who pays for it? Apart from securing our borders, isn’t it also a fact that all internal conflicts are managed by uniformed personnel? Even the recent elections have been held and a new government is now in place because our soldiers have striven and protected democracy, no matter what the cost to themselves.  Why is it important to reflect on these issues?

 

Trupti Koti, a young Electronics and Communications Engineer who works in the corporate sector in Bengaluru is braveheart Lance Havaldar Shankarappa Koti’s daughter. Her father had been part of many operations during his service tenure and he left the world fighting ULFA terrorists after taking 13 bullets on his chest in Solmara village of Tezpur district on 10th September 1999.

Lance Havaldar Shankarappa and Uma’s only child Trupti was then 11 years old. Young Trupti’s unforgettable memories include how it took 4 days for her father’s mortal remains to be brought to the family home in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. That day was Ganesh Chaturthi and yet, the entire neighbourhood in Jamkhandi, for the first time ever, did not bring Lord Ganesha home as they waited to pay their respects to their valiant soldier. Shankarappa was finally cremated in the village school he had studied in and everyone turned up to salute his sacrifice for the nation.

He fondly called his daughter ‘Avi’ and Trupti’s eyes get misty as she recounts how he wanted her to learn everything and become independent, even if it meant taking a knock or two along the way. When her mother Uma worried about little Trupti falling off a cycle and getting hurt, her father would say, let her gain confidence, don’t stop her.  He also encouraged his wife to manage everything on her own, purposely staying home with little Trupti while insisting on Uma doing the Bank work and manage the finances. This shows how love teaches, encourages and motivates ….it is neither possessive, nor over-protective. Because a soldier knows life can be cut short so suddenly, they want their loved ones to be prepared to cope and manage independently in their absence.

In a tribute to her father published by ‘Honourpoint’, Trupti penned her feelings. ‘Pappa ji, it’s been 19 long years since you went away from me and Amma. But all these years, we have never felt that you’re not there with us, as it wouldn’t have been possible for both of us to come thus far without your invisible presence. We remember your oft-repeated words that one should never compare one’s lives with others and always live a life of gratitude, thanking God for a beautiful life. But the little daughter in me is not convinced and always feels that the life would have been much more beautiful if you had been around to hold her hand, when needed’.

You would be happy and proud to know that today your little ‘Avi” has evolved into an independent woman, capable of taking care of her mother without anyone’s help/support. I know that I owe it to Amma’s upbringing (bringing me up alone fighting against all odds) and your blessings. I feel proud to be your daughter as you lived and died for the nation.

As Akshay’s family, we have many reasons to be grateful to our ‘Star’. The biggest ideal is the way he lived his life with passion, courage and unselfish dedication. He has given us purpose and ability to continue serving the nation in our own small way, through the Major Akshay Girish Memorial Trust.  This month, the year-long School Program for students from a Govt High School culminated in an exposure visit to the CRPF Centre in Bangalore, thanks to proactive help from an Officer on leave from Kashmir, Mr Kashyap Kaddagatur. The visit commenced with children paying respects to martyrs at the impressively solemn Shaheed Smarak followed by a guided exposure to weapons training, computer training and a short film on CRPF.  To see the excitement, motivation and interest among students to serve the nation in uniform in future, makes the effort truly satisfying.  Besides the Trust’s increasing initiatives and activities, Naina, the energetic apple of our eye, our ‘little Akshay’, has taken to tennis like her ‘champion papa.’ Like Trupti, I feel confident that one day, Naina will also make her papa very proud. I don’t know if we will still be around to see that happen, but my heart says Naina will grow up kind and strong, very proud of her hero papa and a true patriot. Fingers crossed.

On that note, its time to say goodnight after a long post. I leave you with a short quote that motivates me to never give up on what feels right, without a fight. ‘Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever’.  

Thank you for reading. As always, your comments, suggestions and experiences are much appreciated as shared learning and growing, so please keep them coming.

God bless you all.

Jai Hind!

Meghna Girish

P.S. This rare video taken after the capture of Pt 4875 also shows how the Indian Army is not just a fighting fit army where young officers have always led from the front to achieve almost impossible victories, but also a moral Army that respects even its enemy. Do watch.

 

 

 

 

 

76 thoughts on “UNENDING: THE PRICE PAID FOR OUR FREEDOM”

  1. Heartiest congratulations to the entire family as Sangeeta gets married and Naina got a Daddy☺ the most heartwarming thing I read today and it brings a broad grin on my face. I feel so connected with your writings, Ma’am as if it’s my own family.

    Love to read about another braveheart, Trupti. Huge respect and salute to all of you.

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  2. As always a very heart touching post Meghna. Each n every soldier gone had so much to tell. It’s our loss that they are not around. All must be happy up above there n looking down at all of you moving ahead confidently in life. It’s never easy, no doubt, but they all are your guiding lights.
    Days since you wrote something, didn’t hv the courage to ask n invade your privacy too.
    A very very happy life ahead to Sangeeta, Anirudh n dear little Nainu. So happy for them.
    Indeed ur little Akshay will make her Hero paapa proud n Akshay will see to that u r around to witness it.
    Tk care dear

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  4. Dearest Meghna ,
    A moving, absorbing and heartwarming blog . Congratulations on on your daughter’s wedding and Naina getting a new Daddy . You will continue to inspire us all , motivated by Major Akshay Girish .
    Loads of Love and Hugs to you and family .
    Namans to our soldiers, martyrs and the ones still in the line of duty .

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  5. Dear Meghna
    Such a heart rending read that was.As usual I feel you put your heart and soul into what you write. I am so happy to hear about Sangeeta and Nainas new life with Annirudh.wishing them happiness joy and lots of blessings. Life has to go on and you all are an inspiration for all. Stay blessed.

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  6. I feel lump in my throat & the core of my eays are moist with tears of joy Meghna Dee ! My desire to meet you and connect to you is becoming stronger day by day. You are a mother every son should have & Ma-in-law every daughter should have. God bless Sangeeta & Naina with happiness in their life! I am sending all my heartfelt good wishes to you & your family.

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  7. I feel lump in my throat & the core of my eays are moist with tears of joy Meghna Dee ! My desire to meet you and connect to you is becoming stronger day by day. You are a mother every son should have & Ma-in-law every daughter should have. God bless Sangeeta & Naina with happiness in their life! I am sending all my heartfelt good wishes to you & your family.

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  9. What a heartwarming post! Congratulations to your family. It is wonderful to see a new beginning! Your kindness and love shines through in your words. And your patriotism in how you keep building deep connections with families in the armed forces. Jai Hind ma’am

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    • Humbled Kalpana. Yes, I am deeply patriotic and very proud of the courage and sacrifices of our brave soldiers. Akshay will always be part of me. Jai Hind.

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  10. Chinni aunty, truly a heart warming post. My congratulations to Sangeeta and the entire family.. it’s so nice to see the picture with all your smiling faces.
    Please continue to tell us more about the valor of our jawans – the true heroes who keep us humbled through their sacrifices.
    I think of Akshay often and he inspires me to push harder every day.

    Siddharth

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    • So nice to hear from you Siddharth. Need to see you on your next visit. Thank you for wanting to know more about our soldiers. Will try to keep writing. Akshay is of course eternally with me. Love to you and your wife. Stay blessed,

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  11. Many congratulations Aunty to all of you. Very Happy to know that Sangeetha is smiling more and lots of blessings for little Naina. Love these beautiful words from braveheart Trupti “one should never compare one’s lives with others and always live a life of gratitude, thanking God for a beautiful life”. I know you through your blog but feel the utmost respect and gratitude for your family. Thank you.

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    • Thank you for reading and responding to the post Monica. God willing, maybe we will meet some day. Sending you love. Take care.

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  12. My Joy knows no bounds over this wonderful new development which, I’m sure has dear Akshays lavish blessings. My best wishes to Sangeeta, Anirudh and darling little Naina.

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  13. Respected Maam,
    I have been a regular and a silent reader of ur blog. I get drawn into it and experience every emotion behind it. Immense respect for all the bravehearts who selflessly protect our motherland. My prayers to keep them safe and happy.

    We never met but i still feel there is a deep connection.
    Thanks a lot for sharing the wonderful news with all of us.
    All.my best wishes to Sangeeta and dear Naina. I wish her the most beautiful life ahead.
    May God bless all of you with whatever your heart desires.
    You are an epitome of strength, dignity and grace.

    Jai Hind!!!!

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  14. Namaste Aunty ji,
    I was waiting for your post.
    Capt. Anuj and Capt. Vikram both are my personal heroes. Thank you for penning down your thoughts on them.
    God bless Sangeeta n Naina with all the happiness.
    Take very good care of yourself. Major Akshay is our shining star forever

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  15. Another heart touching story from you,respect & salute to our hero’s for their supreme sacrifice……..somewhere for me u,meena aunty & all the respected parents of our hero’s are equally real brave ones. Ur somebody whom I look up to with a lot of respect & someday I would like my children to know about u.Very happy for Naina & Sangeeta God bless them abundantly.tkcr hugs & love.

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  16. Heartiest congratulations to the new couple, Naina and the entire family. May God bless them with lots of happiness,good health and years of togetherness.
    Ma’am your optimism,kindness,strength and never give up spirit has always inspired me like you brave son. The write ups of yours on the grit,determination and valor of our soldier is so inspiring. In this world of selfishness,where people are in the race of acquiring worldly comfort for themselves,these stories makes us believe that there much more to a person than to materialistic pleasures.
    Akshay sir is eternal and he is an inspiration for generations to come.All thanks to your blogs that has made us possible to know more about our hero. God does not make people like them more,it’s an privilege to know him through you ma’am.
    Naina is growing up to be a shadow of Akshay sir and she will definitely make him proud. She is such an adorable kid.
    Keep writing ma’am,keep sharing stories of our brave hearts and little Naina,keep touching lives as you always do.
    Hope meeting you someday!!!

    Tanmana

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    • True that there is lot more to life than materialism and our heroes have proved it beyond doubt. Glad to read your inspired thoughts. Look forward to meeting someday! God bless Tanmana.

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  17. It is by far the best news of this year….Sangeeta getting married & Naina getting a ‘Daddy’❤
    Heartiest Congratulations to each one of you…my blessings to dear Sangeeta- Anirudh & loads of love to our dear Naina for happy & a blessed life together ❤

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  18. Dear Meghna…. reading your your blog after many months. Thank you for writing once again…it’s always so inspiring to read your blogs. You never cease to amaze me…you truly are one of a kind. Heartiest congratulations to Sangeeta and I wish her all the best for her future. Rightly said…life must go on.
    Your story here is such an eye opener…facts we would never have known of. Families of so many martyrs. You have given us real time facts.
    My humble salute to you and Girish for being such exceptional parents!! Love and hugs Meghna. Hope to see you soon.

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  19. Dear aunty,

    Your post always touches my heart.. it is very sad indeed that we are losing one braveheart after the other and the country is still not giving them their due. When I look at you, I feel that as a family you all have decided to collect the positives and go with it.. maybe that is how Maj Akshay would have desired and that is how it is panning out.
    Service to the nation through education and supporting the formative years of young students is indeed very rewarding and in case you need my help in any way, I will be honoured to pitch in.
    For Sangeeta.. this thought that occurred to me many times in the last two years that she has a lifetime ahead of her and many a times when I have been down and I sit down to share my sorrows with Rahul, I have remembered her and hoped that she gets that one person who she can share her life with. No matter how close any other relationship is, a spouse can never be substituted. So I am very very very happy for her.. it is immensely brave of you and uncle to support her and she is truly blessed. All of this adding to your good karma..
    Wish the time comes soon when I get to meet you. I have recently started working for Women’s Web. Being a Bangalore based company, maybe a trip will happen soon.
    Lots of love to you aunty
    Ruchi

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    • Congratulations on your work with Womens Web Ruchi. I was invited by them for an event- an ‘in conversation’, and met few young authors. Look forward to your Bangalore visit soon. Thank you for your warm response. Love and hugs.

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      • Yes aunty.. I also did interact with the author Meha Sharma who wrote the post.. and saw your pics for Orange Flower promotions.. you are an inspiration.. can’t describe in words how much I look up to you

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  20. Hello Ma’am,
    Warm greetings to you and Wg. Cdr. Girish (Retd.) Sir…. It’s so nice to see you again blogging…
    Awwe it’s great news that Sangeeta Ma’am has started new journey….and got married….Wish her a very happy married life…God bless her with all happiness…Anirudh is a lucky chap..ha..ha.
    Naina might be sharing a wonderful chemistry with Mr. Anirudh…I m sure she would have been more than happy with new beginning…
    Well since starting to this year we have lost many mens in uniform… especially Sqn Ldr Abroll and Negi..we lost very fine test pilots…but nothing has changed in HAL nor in bureaucracy …no one held guilty in HAL …no reports of final outcome of COI … as they fell from sky…
    Lt. Cdr D S Chauhan lost his life while fighting fire on a 45 thousand tonnes soviot era Carrier…
    Many officer’s and Jawan loosing their precious life on line of duty.. Brutal was pulwama attack.
    Two days back we lost another unit officer of my Brother….Maj. Ketan Sharma of 57 Er. Regt. Posted in 19 RR…13 IAF including Wg. Cdr Charles lost life in Twang… Sad news from every corner of insurgent area…whereas
    bravery of soilders had been used in elections.. Elections are over and new nautanky started..Parliament is divided in Jai Shri Ram and Allah hu Akbar…Defense Minister changed but when Govt will change 30-40 years old flying coffins and machineries…hope some day will come..when Civvy, Politicians will think of it …
    I was 15 year old when I saw my father has been called for Operation safed Sagar launched by IAF to eliminate mujahideen from those peaks.. During those times I saw many restless nights my mother had pass through at CH Chandimandir.
    In Kargil conflict we lost 527 men’s..the cost of these loses are borne by their yelling families…
    We have brought up listening story of courage and breavry of those men’s and inspired by them..
    Anyways…I think all I was mentioning is know fact..
    Well… don’t forget us … You have another son @ Mumbai…if I can be of any help to you…it will be pleasure for me…mother…
    Take care and stay fit…
    Jai Hind…

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    • Thank you Amit- for the good wishes to Sangeeta and Naina nd for reminding us all of the huge loss of brave soldiers of all services. Also for your kindness. Stay blessed and take care. Jai Hind.

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  22. Dear ma’am,

    I have been reading your blogs and have come to know about your family only recently. It so happened that One day when browsing the net , I somehow got directed to your page. I have read almost everything about Major Akshay Girish. I feel your pain. (I am a mother of a 13 year old.) I don’t know why, but I read your blogs repeatedly at times.I pray sincerely that Major Akshay gets his due honor and respect from the govt. I have read all the posts of Sangeeta concerning Major Akshay, her feelings ….that she did not wash his regimental jacket…

    I have read all the family posts from the the last two and half years , and today’s blog that Sangeetha is married and settled was real pleasant surprise. I wish her and Naina all the best. Your family constitutes of all wonderful people and that is reflected in your writing. Please keep writing. I hope one day soon you will write that Major Akshay has received his rightful honor from his country. Please accept my regards and pranaam.

    Sincerely,
    Arpita

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    • Thank you for your wonderful response to the blog and your thoughts Arpita. We can only hope and pray that Akshay’s valour and selfless sacrifice is duly recognised in future. As of now, sad to share that justice by decision makers has not been done.

      Love and regards to you. God bless your family.

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    • Same to same with me also Arpita…….same things I also keep on praying….and you know how magical he must be ….that he is now living in so many hearts,among so many families……….may he keep shining…….

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  23. You are very brave aunty…just like major akshay…you have been such a strength to your family….akshay bhaiyya must be smiling to see his loved ones hearty and well….do visit kerala once aunty…u can slowly initiate the trust activities in neighbouring states too…and major akshay has the love and respect of all indians …. india is blessed to have such sons…. who loves her more than anything…warm hugs to you…

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  24. India is indeed blessed to have such soldier sons who love her over anything…
    Major akshay must be smiling to see his loved ones hearty and well….aunty do visit kerala once and you can slowly initiate trust works here also ..the video of naina saying what her pappa told her about our army has been shown in malayalm youtube channels a lot…we would love to do our bit here also…to really make people aware what price is paid for defending india and her integrity….warm hugs to you…

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    • Thank you Athira….for your pride in or soldiers like Akshay, and for your love and support. Hope to meet some day- God willing. Stay blessed.

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  25. Dear Aunty , Missed your writing and thanks a ton for sharing the wonderful news about Sangeetha. Best wishes and tons of happiness to her and Nainu💕
    Love u all 😘😘😍😍

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  27. Wow..just wow..Meghna mam u have written it so beautifully. Though we don’t know each other it seems like we r connected by your writings. Felt each and every word and emotion, laughed, cried as if even i m a part of u all like ur family…really we r a part of a big family and i m really grateful for it. Thanks alot for writing all this nd sharing all this with us ….please keep writing and sharing i just love to read your writings. Mam one request please tell Sangeeta mam to check her DM on instagram. I luckily found her on IG and i wrote a message about everything wanted to tell u all. As i don’t use Facebook i couldn’t connect to u all on fb nd u don’t use IG yet so when i found her on IG i just wrote everything please don’t mind. Hope for ur reply soon😊

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  28. God bless you all aunty. Hearty congratulations to Sangeeta and Naina. Lots of love and prayers. I couldn’t control my tears after reading ur post. You star giving you all the strength from above aunty. Love you and plz accept my virtual jaadu ki jhappi.

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  29. Hello Meghna tai,

    It is very heartening to read about Sangeeta and Aniruddh 🙂 Naina looks just like her papa! Thank you very much for sharing these beautiful pictures.
    Take care and much love to you all!

    Kavs

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  30. Namaste Aunty, Heartiest congratulations to Sangeeta and entire family.. I really admire your way of, how to move on in life in such a graceful manner..
    Today the newspaper is full of articles on Kargil Vijay Diwas.. It might be a Vijay of land but the life long loss of families was much greater than this Vijay.. and that takes me again deep into this question – Why wars happen..
    Each night I sleep with a prayer, let there be no war, let there be no terror..
    We are indebted to all those selfless warriors, to all those real heros..
    Thank you aunty for sharing their stories.. They impart a strange energy in me to keep going and never to give up..
    With love and respect,
    Juhi

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    • So glad you take inspiration from our bravehearts Juhi. No one wants peace as much as soldiers and their families. They pay the heaviest price and yet, the most loving and courageous souls selflessly serve the nation. Sending you love and God bless always.

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  31. It is heartening to read about Sangeeta’s marriage to Anirudh and of Naina’s new home. It must have been a big wrench to see them leave your home, but I know you were happy at the same time
    I followed your blog till the end when you wrote about Akshay. It was a touching narration for people like me who met him only as an adult.

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  32. Hello aunty,this is Dr supriya sharma,I am twin sister of your fb friend shilpa.I really want the war to end .there should be no war anywhere in the world.I pray to God.May God give strength to our real heroes the indian soldiers and their family members.
    I am so happy to learn about sangeeta being settled now.I am so happy and content after this news.May God give her abundant happiness always.and lots of joy and happiness to lil naina.
    Lots of love and positive vibes to your whole family.stay healthy stay happy.May God give you abundant strength always.

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  33. Dear Meghna G,

    We are immensely indebted to our men in uniform and their families 🙏.
    Happy to have come across this blog of yours ..too moved to express anything at the moment.
    Pls take care .
    Saran

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  34. I went through your blog today itself. This must have been a plan of Destiny. So good to know that Naina is happy with her ‘daddy’. May God bless you and your family always. You are a very kind soul and Major Akshay has reflected your ideals and your perfect upbringing so well. I can very well understand how does it feel when you lose your child…..My parents have also gone through a similar loss.
    Warmest regards ever

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  35. This must have been a plan of Destiny. So good to know that Naina is happy with her ‘daddy’. May God bless you and your family always. You are a very kind soul and Major Akshay has reflected your ideals and your perfect upbringing so well. I can very well understand how does it feel when you lose your child…..My parents have also gone through a similar loss.
    Warmest regards ever

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  36. Ma’am my father had lost his brother when he was just 14,and I have seen my Dadi cry for him for her whole life. I can only imagine your pain at the loss of your beloved son, and I really admire the strength, courage and stoicism with which you have used that pain to develop this blog and the Major Akshay Girish Foundation. We are forever indebted to our soldiers for our safety; we sleep because they are awake. God bless you and your family.

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    • Honest admission…I still cry too… try not to do so in public though thinking Akshay would like his mother to stay strong. Thank you for reaching out with shared pride in our soldiers. God bless your family. Happy Navratri and Jai Hind

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  37. Very well written, madam. We are truly indebted to Major Akshay and all other defence personnel. Major Akshay, you and your entire family is a source of inspiration for all of us.
    Thank you for the service, Major Akshay.
    Warm Regards.

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