From the wife of a soldier who laid down his life 50 years ago to a woman who lost her husband in 2022, several brave women were honoured
Women say after receiving the honour from the Chief Minister: “Today, we felt that we are not alone; the entire country stands with us.”
Meerut: Some women lost their husbands while defending the country five decades ago, some became widows during the Kargil War, while others waited for five months for the mortal remains of their husbands. These brave women endured the pain of losing their loved ones, raised their children and shouldered family responsibilities with courage.
When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured these women at Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut on Saturday, memories cherished in their hearts for years came alive once again. While pride in their husbands’ supreme sacrifice was visible on some faces, others had tears in their eyes as they recalled the past. For them, the honour was not merely a ceremonial gesture but recognition of the sacrifice, struggle and dedication of their families.
Memories of Sacrifice Remain Alive Even After Five Decades
Santosh, a resident of Chapra village in the Nangal area, lost her husband nearly 50 years ago while he was serving the nation. Even after half a century, memories of her husband remain an inseparable part of her life. Receiving the honour from the Chief Minister, she described it as a proud moment for her family and the families of soldiers.
Abrisha Khatoon, a resident of Shobhapur in Meerut, lost her husband, Ajmer Ali, in an accident in Ladakh in 1987. The family could not even receive his mortal remains. Ajmer Ali was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. Abrisha said the honour presented by the Chief Minister was recognition of her husband's supreme sacrifice.
From Kargil to Sikkim, the Pain of Losing Loved Ones
Vimlesh Devi, a resident of Kankarkhera, lost her husband during the Kargil War. He was honoured with the Sena Medal. After receiving the honour from the Chief Minister, Vimlesh said she felt proud. She also appreciated the work undertaken in the field of women's safety.
Mala, a resident of Bijnor, lost her husband in an accident in Sikkim. The family had to wait for nearly five months for his mortal remains. His identity was eventually established through DNA testing. Following her husband's martyrdom, Mala was given a job on compassionate grounds.
‘Today, We Felt That the Entire Country Stands With Us’
Geeta, who lost her husband in 2016, said meeting the Chief Minister and receiving the honour from him was an extremely emotional moment. She said that she felt today that she was not alone and that the entire country stood with her family.
Suman, whose husband was martyred in October 2022, also expressed pride at being honoured by the Chief Minister. She said that the Corporation had provided her with a job to help her raise her children and fulfil her family's responsibilities.
For these brave women, the honour represents not only the sacrifice of their martyred husbands but also their own struggles and dedication towards their families. It conveys the message that the nation remembers not just its brave soldiers but also the sacrifice, patience and resilience of their families.
