An emotionally charged moment unfolded during the Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, leaving attendees in tears and solemn silence. At the investiture ceremony, the mother of fallen soldier Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar collapsed on stage while receiving her son’s posthumous gallantry award, the Sena Medal. Kumar, who served with the 1 PARA (Special Forces), was honoured for his bravery during Operation Sindoor, where he made the ultimate sacrifice.
As she stepped forward to accept the medal on behalf of her son, the overwhelming grief became too much for her to bear. Witnesses reported that she fainted, prompting a swift response from senior Army officers present at the ceremony. They rushed to her aid, and she was quickly taken off the stage and transported to a nearby hospital in an Army ambulance. Medical personnel are currently monitoring her condition closely.
Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar displayed extraordinary courage during a counter-terror operation in Kulgam district on July 6, 2024. Acting as the lead scout in a high-stakes cordon and search operation, he identified a concealed hideout where terrorists were hidden. When gunfire erupted, Kumar demonstrated remarkable presence of mind; he neutralized one terrorist and pinned down another, which allowed his team to find cover.
Even after sustaining severe injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, Kumar continued to fight, providing his comrades with crucial time to escape. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries, achieving martyrdom in the line of duty. The terrorist he had eliminated was later identified as a hardened operative of Hizbul Mujahideen.
In recognition of his indomitable spirit, fearless leadership, and ultimate sacrifice, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) posthumously. His extraordinary actions serve as a testament to the bravery of soldiers serving on the front lines.
The incident at the ceremony poignantly illustrated the emotional toll on families of martyrs. While the nation takes pride in honouring its heroes, such moments remind everyone of the profound loss experienced by their loved ones. As the ceremony resumed following the incident, a heavy atmosphere of respect prevailed, reinforcing the significant sacrifices made by soldiers like Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar and the silent strength of the families who support them.
