‘Not Going To Die An Ordinary Death’: Widow Of Capt Anshuman Singh Recalls His Supreme Sacrifice

Gallantry Awards: Captain Anshuman Singh's widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the posthumous Kirti Chakra for her husband and recounted her memories with him along with his supreme sacrifice.

Captain Anshuman Singh's widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the posthumous Kirti Chakra for her husband on Friday.

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In a poignant ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, July 5, President Droupadi Murmu honoured ten brave soldiers of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces with the prestigious Kirti Chakra, seven of whom were awarded posthumously. The event also saw 26 personnel from the armed forces, central armed police forces, and state/union territory police receive the Shaurya Chakra, with seven being honoured posthumously as well.

Amongst the recipients was the late Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps, whose widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony was marked by emotional moments, with many family members of the fallen heroes in attendance to accept the awards on their behalf.

Smriti Singh and Captain Singh's mother, Manju Singh, were present at the ceremony to accept the Kirti Chakra. Captain Anshuman Singh lost his life while saving crucial medical supplies and equipment, and his fellow soldiers during a devastating fire in the Chandan Dropping Zone.

President Droupadi Murmu presents the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) to Captain Anshuman Singh. #DefenceInvestitureCeremony @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/CpWRHRjJbs

— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) July 5, 2024

Smriti Singh, visibly emotional, recounted her memories with her late husband. “We met on the first day of college. I would not be dramatic but it was love at first sight. After a month, he got selected for the Armed Forces Medical College. We met in an engineering college and he got selected in a medical college, so super intelligence guy. From then on, after just one month of meeting, it was a long-distance relationship for eight long years," she said, her voice breaking.

She continued, "He said 'Let's get married now', so we did. Unfortunately, within two months of marriage, he got posted to Siachen. On 18th July, We had a long conversation about how our life is going to be for the next 50 years. We are going to build a house, we are going to have kids and what not. 19 morning, I get up and I get a call (informing me that) he was no more."

Struggling to hold back tears, Smriti added, "So for the first seven-eight hours, we were not ready to accept that anything of such sort has happened. In seven-eight hours, it got confirmed that he is no more. Now we are coping, I am trying to figure out maybe it's not true. but now, with that I have Kirti Chakra in my hand, I know it's true."

"He is a hero. We can manage our lives because he managed a lot. He has given up all his life, all his family just to save the other three families, his army family.”

Cpt #AnshumanSingh was awarded #KirtiChakra (posthumous). It was an emotional moment for his wife & Veer Nari Smt Smriti who accepted the award from #President Smt #DroupadiMurmu. Smt Smriti shares the story of her husband's commitment & dedication towards the nation. Listen in! pic.twitter.com/SNZTwSDZ1Z

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 6, 2024

"He was very much capable. He would tell me I will die with a brass in my chest. I am not going to die an ordinary death that nobody would know (about)," she recalled.

Captain Anshuman Singh Supreme Sacrifice In Siachin

Captain Anshuman Singh served with the 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment. During Operation Meghdoot in Siachen, he was stationed as a medical officer. On 19th July 2023, a fierce fire broke out in the Chandan Dropping Zone. Without hesitation, Captain Singh rushed into the inferno to rescue trapped individuals and save critical medical supplies.

Despite his best efforts, the high-altitude winds at 17,000 feet caused the fire to engulf the shelter. Tragically, Captain Singh could not be saved and was martyred, his bravery ensuring the survival of others.