In a poignant ceremony that reverberated with emotions, the mortal remains of soldier Malkhan Singh, who tragically lost his life in an air crash 56 years ago, were returned to his native village, Fatehpur, located in the Nanauta area of Saharanpur district. The journey of his remains began at Sarasawa Air Force Station, where they were brought with full military honor, encapsulating a legacy of bravery and sacrifice that resonates deeply within the community.

The ceremony was marked by immense respect and heartfelt tribute, as villagers gathered to pay their last respects. The remains were transported in a military vehicle, adorned with flowers, reflecting the admiration and love that the community holds for their fallen hero. The villagers raised slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Shaheed Malkhan Singh Amar Rahe”, which translates to "Long live martyr Malkhan Singh," showcasing their pride and respect for the soldier's sacrifice.

Before arriving in Fatehpur, the remains were transported from Ladakh to the Air Force Station Sarsawa by an Indian Air Force aircraft. The sight of armed soldiers giving the last salute to their comrade highlighted the solidarity and respect ingrained in military culture. The atmosphere was charged with emotions as the community prepared to honor the soldier they had long considered one of their own.

Malkhan Singh, who was just 23 years old at the time of his untimely death, left behind a family that has lived with the weight of his loss for over five decades. His younger brother, Ishampal Singh, shared the heart-wrenching memory of the day the family received the news of his brother's death on February 7, 1968. Ishampal was only twelve at the time, yet the pain of that moment has lingered throughout the years.

The family had chosen not to perform shraddh, a Hindu ritual for the deceased, as they had never accepted Malkhan’s death without having seen his remains. Ishampal reminisced about how his family grieved, with parents and relatives mourning deeply, feeling a void that could never be filled. When the authorities recently informed the family about the recovery of Malkhan’s body, the bittersweet news evoked fresh grief mixed with a sense of relief, knowing they could finally give him the last rites he deserved.

Malkhan Singh’s family comprised three brothers: Sultan Singh, Chandrapal Singh, and Ishampal Singh. He was married to Sheelawati, and the couple had a son, Ramprasad, who was only one-and-a-half years old at the time of the crash. Following Malkhan's demise, the family faced significant challenges, including the difficult decision to remarry Sheelawati to Malkhan’s brother, Chandrapal, who worked as a laborer. Unfortunately, she passed away two decades ago, adding another layer of sorrow to the family's history.

Malkhan’s legacy lives on through his grandsons, Gautam and Manish Kumar, both of whom are laborers, and his granddaughters, Seema, Sonia, and Moni, who are married. Tragically, Malkhan’s son Ramprasad, a tailor, is also no longer with them, leaving behind memories of a family that has endured so much loss.

The journey of bringing Malkhan Singh's remains home has not been an easy one. Chandrapal, Malkhan's brother, spent years confronting authorities to uncover details about the crash and the whereabouts of Malkhan’s belongings. Despite the passage of time, the family's struggle continued, as they received only minimal financial assistance of ₹3,000 from the Air Force on two occasions, but none of Malkhan's personal effects have been returned to them.

The emotional return of Malkhan Singh's remains serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty and the enduring pain of families left behind. As the villagers of Fatehpur performed the last rites with full military honor, they not only celebrated the return of their hero but also honored the unbroken bond between soldiers and their communities. This act of remembrance and respect underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by individuals like Malkhan Singh, who serve selflessly for their nation.

As the nation reflects on this event, it’s crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices made by countless soldiers and the impact on their families. The return of Malkhan Singh’s remains brings a sense of closure to a family that has waited decades for this moment, affirming the idea that while time may pass, the spirit of sacrifice and honor remains eternal.

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