The body of Indian Army soldier Awadhesh Kumar, wrapped in the national tricolour, reached his ancestral home in Puneet Bigha village under the Sadar block of Jehanabad district, Bihar, and the entire region was plunged into grief. Thousands turned out to catch a last glimpse of the soldier and pay floral tribute, the air ringing with chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Shaheed Awadhesh Kumar Amar Rahein as mourners bid him a tearful farewell. The moment the body reached the house, the family's wailing left everyone present in tears, and villagers offered floral tributes to their son one final time.
A Soldier Raised Against Hardship
Awadhesh Kumar was the only son of his father, the late Prabhu Yadav. His father died when Awadhesh was still a child, and it was his mother, with support from his uncle, who raised and educated him through years of financial hardship. Despite the struggles at home, Awadhesh held on to his dream of serving the nation and joined the Indian Army in 2012. His first posting took him to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, where he carried out his duties in tough conditions.
A Health Crisis at the Wagah Border and a Bypass Surgery
About seven years ago, while posted at the Wagah border, Awadhesh's health deteriorated sharply because of extreme cold. As his condition worsened, he was sent for treatment and underwent bypass surgery at the RR Hospital in Chandigarh. Once he recovered, he did not give up and returned to duty, continuing to serve the country.
Sudden Collapse Weeks After Returning From Leave
Family members said Awadhesh had come home in May on a month's leave. He had barely returned to duty after his leave ended when his health suddenly deteriorated again on June 7. Given the seriousness of his condition, he was rushed to the RR Hospital, a military hospital in Delhi, where he suffered a cardiac arrest during an operation and passed away. The moment army officials broke the news to the family, the household was overcome with grief and a pall of mourning fell over the entire village.
Body Flown to Jehanabad With Full State Honours
Awadhesh Kumar's body was flown to Gaya, where army personnel gave him a salute with full state honours. It was then first brought to his residence in Kalinagar Mohalla in Jehanabad city, where thousands of people gathered. Leaders from several political parties and social workers also arrived to pay heartfelt tribute to the soldier. After the tribute gathering in Kalinagar, the body was taken to his ancestral village, Puneet Bigha, for the last rites.
7-Year-Old Son Lights the Funeral Pyre
In Puneet Bigha, when Awadhesh Kumar's 7-year-old son lit his father's funeral pyre, everyone present broke down in tears. Awadhesh Kumar is survived by his elderly mother, wife, an 11-year-old daughter and two young sons. His death has left the family without its sole breadwinner, and they now face the road ahead in deep shock.
Army Officers Assure the Family of Support
The army officers who accompanied the body said Awadhesh Kumar was an exceptionally promising soldier who was completely devoted to his duties. They consoled the grieving family and assured them that all ex-gratia benefits and financial assistance due from the government would be provided at the earliest.
