The mortal remains of Agniveer Akashdeep Singh, a 20-year-old soldier from Punjab's Chahal village in Faridkot district, were cremated with full military honours on Friday, a day after he died of a bullet injury in Jammu.
Akashdeep, who was serving with the Punjab Regiment under the Agnipath scheme, had joined the Indian Army two years ago. His body arrived in his native village wrapped in the Tricolour, as hundreds of villagers and people from nearby areas gathered to pay their final respects.
A gifted sprinter, Akashdeep had earned accolades in 100m and 200m races during his school and college years, and continued to shine in unit-level sports competitions during his posting in Hisar. “He was selected for the Army because of his physical fitness and sports achievements,” his father, Balwinder Singh, said with a trembling voice. “After completing Class 12, he enrolled in a B.Com course. But once he was selected as an Agniveer, he chose that path without hesitation.”
The family was informed around 1 a.m. on Thursday that Akashdeep had been fatally shot in the head. “He wore the uniform with pride and a sense of purpose,” said Balwinder.
Heart-wrenching memories now fill the family home. One recalled moment was when Akashdeep, during a past visit, returned from leave and saluted his mother in the courtyard — a scene captured in a mobile video that has since become a cherished keepsake.
Another emotional video, now widely shared online, shows him tightly embracing his parents before boarding a bus on 17 April, unaware it would be his final farewell.
Akashdeep’s younger brother, 17-year-old Komalpreet Singh, a Class 12 student and an NCC cadet, is inspired by his elder brother’s legacy and is also determined to join the armed forces. “He is very disciplined and focused on his goal. But after this tragedy… we are devastated,” said Balwinder.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan visited the bereaved family to offer his condolences and support.
Singh’s sacrifice has left a void in his village and his family, but his memory and service are being honoured with pride and sorrow.
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