Know About Lt. Nitika Kaul, Pulwama Martyr's Wife, Who Has Become Symbol Of Strength For Nation

“You said you loved me, but the fact is you loved the nation more,” Nitika Kaul said as she stood in front of her husband's coffin covered with tricolour.

Photo Courtesy: File | ANI

New Delhi: Nitika Kaul the wife of Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, who was martyred in Pulwama, has become a source of inspiration for many as she followed his footsteps by donning the Army uniform.

The commander of the Army's northern command Lt Gen YK Joshi on Saturday pipped stars on her shoulders at a ceremony held at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence shared the video on its official Twitter handle which is garnering spontaneous praises for Kaul and the Army.

Who is Nitika Kaul?

On 18 February 2019, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was martyred in an encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. The whole nation wept for Nitika when she gave a final farewell to her brave husband by saying 'Jai Hind' with moist eyes. 

Major Dhoundiyal and Nitika had married only 9 months before he attained martyrdom, both were to celebrate their first marriage anniversary in April 2019. Nitika Kaul described her husband as a brave soldier. She expressed confidence that his sacrifice will inspire more people to join forces.

“You said you loved me, but the fact is you loved the nation more. I am really proud. We all love you. The way you love everyone is entirely different because you sacrificed your life for the people who you may have never met, but still you decided to give your life for them. You are such a brave man. I am very honored to have you as my husband. I’ll love you till my last breath. I owe my life to you,” she was quoted as saying as she stood in front of the coffin covered with tricolour.

Originally a resident of Kashmir, Nitika used to work in HCL while living with her parents in Delhi. 6 months after her husband’s sacrifice, in September 2019, she filled the form for Short Service Commission (SSC) and called it her way to heal and get back to life.

Entering the exam hall was a very emotional moment for her as she felt her husband's fears and anxiety which he would have dealt with while giving the exam. She revealed that she felt connected with him.

She worked very hard to qualify and excel in one year of training. She said she wants to be an officer who "Vibhu can be proud of".

Nitika cleared the examination and interview last year to undergo rigorous training as a cadet. After completing one year of training, she was ready to wear the army uniform like her husband.

Army’s Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Y.K. Joshi pipped the stars on her shoulders at a simple ceremony held at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, and wished her the best of luck for future endeavours.

Lieutenant Nitika Kaul remembered her husband while speaking about her achievement: "I've experienced the same journey he has been through. I believe he's always going to be part of my life".

In April 2020, she also contributed to the fight against coronavirus, by donating 1,000 protective kits to the Haryana police which included masks, gloves and goggles, etc. Haryana Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar revealed the same on Twitter while expressing gratitude.

Through her brave sacrifice and commitment, Lieutenant Nitika Kaul has surely become a symbol of strength and perseverance for the nation.