In a poignant ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, July 5, President Droupadi Murmu honoured ten brave soldiers of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces with the prestigious Kirti Chakra, seven of whom were awarded posthumously. The event also saw 26 personnel from the armed forces, central armed police forces, and state/union territory police receive the Shaurya Chakra, with seven being honoured posthumously as well.

Amongst the recipients was the late Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps, whose widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony was marked by emotional moments, with many family members of the fallen heroes in attendance to accept the awards on their behalf.

Smriti Singh and Captain Singh’s mother, Manju Singh, were present at the ceremony to accept the Kirti Chakra. Captain Anshuman Singh lost his life while saving crucial medical supplies and equipment, and his fellow soldiers during a devastating fire in the Chandan Dropping Zone.

President Droupadi Murmu presents the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) to Captain Anshuman Singh. #DefenceInvestitureCeremony @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/CpWRHRjJbs

— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) July 5, 2024

Smriti Singh, visibly emotional, recounted her memories with her late husband. “Our love story began on the first day of college. It was love at first sight. Shortly after, he was selected for the Armed Forces Medical College while I was in engineering. Despite the long distance, our relationship thrived for eight years,” she said, her voice breaking.

She continued, “He proposed that we marry, and we did so. Unfortunately, two months after our wedding, he was posted to Siachen. We had a long conversation on 18th July 2023 about our future, our plans for a house, and children. The next morning, I received a call informing me that he was no more.”

Struggling to hold back tears, Smriti added, “Initially, we couldn’t believe it. It took hours to sink in. But now, holding this Kirti Chakra, I know it’s true. He was a hero. We will manage our lives; he managed so much. He gave his life so others could live.”

Cpt #AnshumanSingh was awarded #KirtiChakra (posthumous). It was an emotional moment for his wife & Veer Nari Smt Smriti who accepted the award from #President Smt #DroupadiMurmu. Smt Smriti shares the story of her husband’s commitment & dedication towards the nation. Listen in! pic.twitter.com/SNZTwSDZ1Z

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 6, 2024

Captain Anshuman Singh’s Supreme Sacrifice In Siachin

Captain Anshuman Singh served with the 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment. During Operation Meghdoot in Siachen, he was stationed as a medical officer. On 19th July 2023, a fierce fire broke out in the Chandan Dropping Zone. Without hesitation, Captain Singh rushed into the inferno to rescue trapped individuals and save critical medical supplies.

Despite his best efforts, the high-altitude winds at 17,000 feet caused the fire to engulf the shelter. Tragically, Captain Singh could not be saved and was martyred, his bravery ensuring the survival of others.