"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
7 May 2024
In the quaint village of Dubi, in Rajasthan's Alwar district, the air buzzed with anticipation as the community prepared for a wedding. But this wasn't just any ordinary celebration; it was a solemn occasion tinged with both joy and sorrow.
Sarika Meena, the daughter of late CRPF Constable Rakesh Kumar Meena, was getting married. Her father, a valiant member of the 168 Battalion, had made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district in 2010. Yet, his memory lived on, cherished by his comrades and honored by the entire village.
On the wedding day, a procession of CRPF jawans, dressed in their crisp uniforms, made their way through the winding lanes of Dubi village. They carried with them not just the traditional wedding paraphernalia, but also a profound sense of duty and respect for their fallen brother-in-arms.
At the Meena residence, the atmosphere was both solemn and celebratory. The jawans, with gentle reverence, performed the sacred wedding rituals for Sarika, standing in for her beloved father who could not be there in person but was undoubtedly present in spirit.
The photo that captured this poignant moment, immortalizing the unwavering bond of brotherhood within the CRPF was shared by Indian Military Updates. It quickly garnered over 9,000 likes, echoing the sentiments of a nation grateful for the sacrifices made by its brave soldiers.
Online, the photo sparked a wave of heartfelt reactions. "Protection at best," one user commented, while another remarked, "Brothers from another mother." Yet, amidst the virtual applause and admiration, one sentiment stood out—a poignant reminder that the Indian armed forces never forget their own, even in the face of adversity.
"You may leave the Indian armed forces, but they will not leave you alone," a user wrote, encapsulating the profound sense of camaraderie and solidarity that defines the spirit of our armed forces.