Jaipur Veterans Day Event Highlights Stories of Sacrifice and Resilience
On Wednesday, Jaipur hosted the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day event at the Polo Grounds inside the Jaipur Military Station. Decorated ex-soldiers from across Rajasthan gathered to share their combat experiences. The atmosphere was charged with memories of past heroism and sacrifice. Among the many tales, one theme stood out strongly. Several veterans continue to live with bullets still embedded in their bodies. They wear these fragments as literal badges of honour from their service.
Havildar Om Singh Shekhawat's Courageous Tale
Retired Havildar Om Singh Shekhawat of the 17 Rajputana Rifles (Sawai Maan) shared his harrowing story. He is a recipient of the Sena Medal for his bravery. On October 18, 2007, he faced two terrorists in Bandipora, Jammu & Kashmir. During the encounter, he was struck by seven bullets. Six bullets hit his legs, and one lodged in his right shoulder. Despite his severe injuries, Shekhawat managed to eliminate both terrorists. Doctors later removed all the bullets from his legs. However, they could not extract the bullet from his shoulder due to medical risks.
Life with a bullet in the shoulder has been challenging for Shekhawat. Almost two decades have passed since the incident. The bitter winters in his native Shekhwati region make the pain more intense. "The colder it gets, the more painful it becomes," he confessed. Yet, Shekhawat considers this a small price to pay for the honour of serving his country. He resides in Dabri village in Sikar district.
Shekhawat attributes his incredible courage to his upbringing. His father served in the Army and fought in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars. Shekhawat was only four years old when his father retired. He grew up listening to battlefield stories from his father. "The day I was awarded the Sena Medal, I finally understood what an honour it is to serve in the Army," he recalled proudly.
Havildar Zakir Hussain's Story of Bravery
Shekhawat was not the only veteran with a 'souvenir bullet' at the event. This term is sometimes used in military circles to describe a bullet left in the body because removal could be more dangerous. Retired Havildar Zakir Hussain, formerly of the 13 Grenadiers (GJ), also carries metal in his body. He hails from Kirdoli village in Sikar district.
In November 2007, Hussain was posted in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir. He was part of a team that cornered a group of terrorists. A fierce gunfight ensued. Tragically, five soldiers from his team were killed during the exchange. Hussain himself was shot three times. One bullet hit his arm, and two struck his chest. Despite his critical condition, Hussain focused on his fallen companions. That thought gave him the strength to shoot down five terrorists.
Today, like Shekhawat, Hussain lives with a bullet still lodged in his body. He takes pride in this reminder of his service. "I take it with pride because it was all for protecting the nation," he stated. For his bravery, Hussain was supposed to receive the Sena Medal in 2008. However, he skipped the ceremony to celebrate the birth of his son, prioritizing family over personal recognition.
The Spirit of Veterans Day in Jaipur
The Armed Forces Veterans Day event in Jaipur served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers. The gathering provided a platform for veterans to connect and share their experiences. Stories like those of Shekhawat and Hussain highlight the physical and emotional scars carried by ex-soldiers. Their resilience and patriotism continue to inspire many.
These veterans embody the true spirit of service and sacrifice. They carry their wounds not as burdens, but as symbols of their dedication to the nation. The event underscored the importance of honouring and remembering the contributions of armed forces personnel. Their tales of courage will resonate for years to come.
