With pride and pain, Jhajjar village bids tearful adieu to Army jawan

Wrapped in the tricolour, Army soldier Mohit Chauhan (26) returned home for the last time on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of passion for service of the nation and his unfulfilled dreams.

As his mortal remains reached Gijarodh village amid patriotic chants, grief mixed with pride and tearful eyes saluted the braveheart whose life was cut short in the line of duty. Mohit was one of the 10 Army personnel who lost their lives in a tragic road mishap in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir when an armoured troop carrier skidded off a narrow mountain road on Thursday.

Mohit, who hailed from a humble background, is survived by parents, wife and a younger brother. He joined the Army over five years ago. He last visited the village in November to celebrate his first wedding anniversary, after which he returned to duty in Jammu in December. His wife is over two months pregnant.

Mohit’s father Satpal, a small-time farmer who also does tailoring work at home, paid a touching tribute to his beloved son by wearing his Army jacket during the last rites. Tears rolled down his face when an Army officer formally presented him with the tricolour as a mark of honour, gratitude and the nation’s respect for the fallen soldier.

Satpal remembered his son as the backbone of the family. “Mohit was a gem and always cared for everyone. He worked tirelessly to fulfil his dream of joining the Army and serving the nation. After joining service, he built a house, bought a car and supported the family financially. His younger brother is unemployed and Mohit was planning to help him start a business. He had even discussed this with his brother Jitender, when he came home in November but destiny had other plans,” said the inconsolable father.

Satpal recalled that Mohit was scheduled to return home in February to execute some plans, as his leave had already been sanctioned. “Everything has been destroyed,” he added.

Earlier, the soldier’s body was brought to the village in an Army vehicle, adorned with flowers.

A group of local youths on two-wheelers escorted the vehicle, raising patriotic slogans such as “Mohit bhai amar rahe”, “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, and “Jab tak suraj chand rahega, tab tak Mohit tera naam rahega”. Army personnel fired ceremonial shots in the air to salute the departed soul.

Mohit’s younger brother lit the funeral pyre, as a large gathering of people from all walks of life assembled to pay their final respects. Former minister and BJP national vice-president Om Prakash Dhankar was among the prominent attendees.

“Mohit remained deeply passionate about Army service and consistently motivated village youth to join the forces whenever he would come home on leave. He guided them in preparing for written and physical examinations. Inspired by him, several youths have recently joined the Army as Agniveers,” said Naresh, sarpanch of Gijarodh village.

He said Mohit had been an inspiration to many youths, but the village had now lost its hero.