'Remember Pahalgam, Don't Look Back': Village Bids Farewell As Soldier Cuts Short Leave

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The Indian Army canceled all leaves amid war-like conditions at the border. Soldier Raju Singh Rathod from Rajasthan cut his leave short, receiving a heartfelt village farewell
With India and Pakistan on the brink of full-blown war, the Indian Army has cancelled all leave for its personnel. Across the country, soldiers who had briefly returned home are now making their way back to the frontlines, answering the call of duty without hesitation.
Among them is Raju Singh Rathod, a soldier hailing from Chauradi Aguni in Surajgarh area of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. Raju Singh had been on a month-long leave since April 19, spending precious time with his children. He shared that during his leave, he had visited his children's maternal home in Shahjahanpur.
It was there that he received instructions from headquarters informing him that his leave had been cancelled and he must report back to duty. Without delay, he returned to his village and immediately set off to rejoin his unit.
As he prepared to leave, his village gathered to see him off in a heartfelt and patriotic farewell. His mother, with tearful eyes, urged him to return victorious. His father, retired Subedar Sumer Singh Rathore, garlanded his son and blessed him with a soldier's words: 'Don't look back, son, duty comes first."
His wife, Roop Kanwar, holding back her emotions, reminded him of the pain inflicted by terrorists in Pahalgam and asked him to defend the nation's honour. Local women sang traditional folk songs, and children waved the tricolour as villagers chanted ' Bharat Mata ki Jai" with pride.
The emotion in his words, and the pride in his stride, reflected the spirit of countless Indian soldiers ever ready to defend the nation, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
First Published:
May 09, 2025, 12:06 IST

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