There are tales of unfulfilled love that evoke tears and pride, when we talk of our revered defense personnel and their surviving families. Yet, amidst these narratives, none resonates more deeply than the one about Captain Anshuman Singh and his widow, Smriti Singh. The two lovers who are forever parted after a love that transcended distance and a sacrifice that will always be remembered.  

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, Smriti Singh, widow of Captain Anshuman Singh and Captain Singh’s mother stood with their hands folded in front of the President Draupadi Murmu. Their grief was evident when they received Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. Captain Singh was awarded posthumously for his bravery during the Siachen fire incident.  

A video surfaced on social media showing captain Singh’s wife, visibly emotional, reminiscing about their relationship. Singh once told her, “I will die with the brass on my chest, I will not die an ordinary death”, she recounted. The viral video, shared by the Ministry of Defense captured Smriti remembering their first meeting on the first day of college.  

Recalling her cherished memories with Captain Singh, Smriti said, “We met on the first day of college. I don’t want to be dramatic, but it was love at first sight. She further adds that, he was accepted into the esteemed Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). Although we initially crossed path at an engineering college, his journey led him to medical school. Super intelligent guy. From then on, after just one month of meeting, our relationship endured eight long years of long-distance. We then decided to get married. Sadly, only two months in the marriage, he got orders for deployment to Siachen.” 

She recalled their most recent communication of July 18, which included a long discussion they had about their future. Singh tragically passed away the very next day on July 19.  

“For the next 7-8 hours, we were not ready to accept that anything of the sort has happened. Now that I have the Kirti Chakra in my hand, maybe it is true. But it’s okay, he’s a hero. We can manage a little of our lives. He has given all his life to save other families, his army family,” she added.  

How Captain Singh got Martyred?  

At three in the morning on July 19, a fire erupted in an Indian Army ammunition dump located in a fiberglass hut in the Siachen Glacier. Singh hurried to rescue as many people as possible from the burning hut, managing to save four or five before getting trapped himself. Despite fighting valiantly, he succumbed to his injuries.  

On July 22, Captain Anshuman Singh was buried in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, with full state honors.  

The grief experienced by Captain Anshuman Singh’s family is inconsolable, yet his sacrifice will live forever in the pages of Indian history. His selfless deeds to save others will continue to inspire generations. Captain Singh’s legacy of service and his ultimate dedication to the nation will be cherished dearly.