A profound sense of sorrow enveloped Karora village in Kaithal district on Wednesday as the community came together to mourn the loss of Sepoy Gurmeet, a valiant soldier of the Indian Army. His mortal remains were brought home and laid to rest with full military honours, a testament to his dedication and service. Gurmeet, just 27 years old, served in the 20th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, stationed in Srinagar, until his untimely passing on Tuesday at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi after a lengthy battle with illness.
For the past five months, Gurmeet had been grappling with a severe intestinal condition. His journey through treatment began at a military hospital in Srinagar and later progressed to the Command Hospital in Chandigarh. Unfortunately, as complications escalated, he was transferred to the RR Hospital in Delhi, where he underwent surgery but ultimately succumbed to his illness.
Gurmeet joined the Indian Army in 2017 and quickly established a reputation in his village for his unwavering discipline and dedication. As an unmarried soldier, he leaves behind a grieving family: his father, Raja Ram, a farmer; his mother, Maya Devi; and his elder brother, Sandeep.
The atmosphere during the final rites was charged with emotion, as hundreds of villagers gathered to pay their respects. Many wept openly, illustrating the significant loss felt by the community. The heartbreaking scenes underscored Gurmeet’s integral role not only as a soldier but also as a beloved member of the village.
Sandeep, reflecting on his brother’s struggle and the family’s hopes for a recovery, expressed gratitude for the extensive medical care Gurmeet received, emphasizing that they had remained optimistic until the very end.
Condolences flowed in from various quarters, including a heartfelt tribute from former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He acknowledged Gurmeet’s service and sacrifice on social media, joining the chorus of voices honouring the young soldier’s commitment to his duty and his country. The village’s collective grief serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the profound impact of their service on their communities and families.
