Meerut. Independent Morning Bureau. Someone lost her husband in defense of the country five decades ago and someone's marriage was ruined in the Kargil war. Someone waited for her husband's mortal remains for months. These brave women bore the pain of martyrdom, raised their children and took up the responsibilities of the family. When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored these women at Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut on Saturday, the memories of their struggle and sacrifice were refreshed. Some had moist eyes while others were proud of their husband's martyrdom. For him, this honor was not just a formal event, but a recognition of years of patience, struggle and sacrifice.
The glory of martyrdom persists even after five decades
Santosh's husband, a resident of Chhapra village of Nangal area, was martyred while protecting the country about 50 years ago. Even after half a century, the memories of her husband are still fresh in her mind. Being honored by the Chief Minister, he described it as a proud moment for his family.
Ajmer Ali, husband of Abrisha Khatoon, resident of Shobhapur, Meerut, was martyred in an accident in Ladakh in 1987. The family could not even find his mortal remains. Ajmer Ali was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. Abrisha said that the honor received by the Chief Minister was a recognition of her husband's martyrdom.
From Kargil to Sikkim, the pain of losing loved ones
Kankarkheda resident Vimlesh Devi's husband was martyred in the Kargil war. He was awarded the Sena Medal. Vimlesh expressed pride on receiving the honor from the Chief Minister and appreciated the efforts being made for women's safety.
Mala's husband, a resident of Bijnor, was martyred in an accident in Sikkim. The family had to wait for his mortal remains for about five months. Later he could be identified through DNA testing. After her husband's martyrdom, Mala got a job on compassionate grounds.
'Today it felt that the entire country stood with us'
Geeta, who lost her husband in 2016, described meeting the Chief Minister and receiving the honor as an emotional moment. She said that today she realized that she is not alone, but the entire country stands with her family.
Suman, wife of the soldier who was martyred in October 2022, also expressed happiness on receiving the honour. He told that he has been given a job by the corporation to take care of the children and fulfill the responsibilities of the family.
The honor of these brave women underlines the sacrifice of those soldiers as well as the long struggle and dedication of their families. Behind the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the defense of the country, their families have also shouldered the responsibilities of life with patience and courage in difficult circumstances.