Ravinder Jakhar: A 3rd generation soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, January 2

Naib Subedar Ravinder Jakhar (40), who was killed in Pak shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district was a third generation soldier. His father Meer Singh Jakhar and grandfather Sheo Chand Jakhar also served in the Army.

Jitendra Jakhar, the elder brother of Ravinder, is serving in the Army as Subedar, while his son Nitin recently cleared the physical test and is looking forward to join the Army and maintain the family tradition of serving the nation.      

The mortal remains of the martyr will be brought to his native village of Salhavaas here on Sunday for last rites.

A pall of gloom descended on the village as soon as the news of Ravinder’s martyrdom reached his family last evening.

Ravinder had visited his home three months ago and went back to Rajouri a day before Diwali on November 13 after spending over a month in the village.

“Ravinder was so passionate towards joining the Army that he started preparations for it soon after the completion of his Class 12th exams,” revealed Jitendra.

“He joined the Army in 1998 and participated in the Kargil war in 1999. Our entire family has served the Indian Army and we want our next generation too to join the Army.

“We have built a house in Ambala so that our children can get good education and crack the requisite exam for getting into the Army,” Jitendra added.   

Jitendra also informed that Ravinder’s son Nitin was preparing for the medical exam – a prerequisite for joining the Army.

“We are shocked but also proud of Ravinder. He made the supreme sacrifice for the nation,” Jitendra added.

Ravinder’s cousin Ramesh said he was a brave, highly motivated and sincere man who always encouraged youth of the village to join the Army.

“He (Ravinder) would be known for his devotion to duty. A large number of people from nearby villages are likely to attend his last rites,” said Ramesh.

Ravinder’s last rites will be performed at Shaheed Park in the village and a statue of his will also be installed in his remembrance, said the villagers.