A pall of sorrow descended on Ranchi’s Labed village as army jawan Ajay Lakda was given a hero’s send-off. Martyred in the January 22 Doda gorge accident that killed 10 comrades, the young soldier’s return home stirred raw emotions.
After airport honors from state leaders Friday night, Saturday’s funeral procession drew crowds chanting nationalistic slogans. Full military rites marked the end of a life cut short.
Witnessing her son’s draped coffin, Ajay’s mother lamented the shattered dreams. Widowed in 2003, she scraped by vending liquor to feed her kids. Ajay’s recent call painted a hopeful picture: home leave soon, new concrete home, marriage ahead. Cruel destiny intervened.
Undeterred by hardship, Ajay pursued his calling with 2 a.m. jogs. Family achievements—a sister in IRB, brother with CISF Delhi—reflect their resilience. Now, they grapple with irreplaceable loss.
Ajay’s tale from rags to regiment exemplifies national service. As the village heals, his memory fuels pride and a call to honor all such warriors who defend silently.