Smriti Singh, overcome with emotion, accepted the Kirti Chakra awarded posthumously to her late husband, Captain Anshuman Singh, who tragically lost his life in July 2023 while displaying exceptional bravery in the line of duty.
President Droupadi Murmu, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, conferred India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, the Kirti Chakra, to Captain Singh posthumously. Smriti received the award on behalf of her husband during a ceremony held on Friday.
Reflecting on their relationship, Smriti fondly recalled their initial meeting, saying, "It was love at first sight. We met on the first day of college, and within a month, he was selected for the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). He was incredibly intelligent. After eight years of a long-distance relationship, we decided to marry after he graduated from AFMC in February 2023."
Her emotions overwhelmed her as she recounted the last conversation she had with Captain Singh. "On July 18, we talked about our future—building a home, having children, and more. The next morning, I received the devastating news that he was no longer with us," she said, her voice breaking with grief.
Describing the profound impact of the tragedy on her family, Smriti shared, "For the first 7-8 hours, we couldn't believe it had happened. Even now, I find it hard to accept. But holding the Kirti Chakra in my hand reminds me of his sacrifice. He's our hero. We'll manage because he sacrificed so much—for his colleagues and their families."
Captain Anshuman Singh exhibited extraordinary courage during a fire incident in Siachen in July 2023. Despite the danger, he rescued fellow soldiers trapped in a fire at an ammunition dump and attempted to save life-saving medicines from a medical investigation shelter engulfed in flames. Tragically, he sustained fatal injuries from severe burns incurred during his rescue efforts.
Captain Anshuman Singh's selflessness and bravery earned him the Kirti Chakra, a testament to his valor and dedication to duty.
