The air at Howrah station was electric with emotion and pride as Purnam Shaw, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, returned home after spending three harrowing weeks in Pakistani captivity. Dressed simply in a T-shirt and jeans, a protective mask covering his face and garlands of marigolds, roses, and gandharva flowers adorning his neck, the soldier was visibly overwhelmed by the throng of well-wishers who gathered to welcome him.
As he stepped away from the cheering crowd, a poignant moment unfolded— his elderly father Bholenath approached and embraced him tightly, tears welling up in both their eyes. No words were needed; the silence said it all.
Despite the jubilation, Purnam maintained a stoic demeanour with folded hands in greeting but refraining from speaking. Cries of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed across the platform as he departed for his hometown of Rishra, in Hooghly district.
In Rishra’s Baghkal area, a grand “Welcome” gate stood proudly, as residents waved national flags and cheered to honor the triumphant return of the valiant jawan. As his vehicle made its way home, a procession with a band party accompanied him, drawing residents out of their homes. The car, with its hood open, moved slowly through the cheering lanes. His residence had been illuminated with strings of lights, creating a festive ambiance befitting a hero’s return.
“I’m grateful to be back with my family today. My duty is to serve the nation, and I will continue to do so with unwavering dedication,” said Purnam in his brief reaction.
Inside the house, preparations were underway to host family and neighbors under the supervision of Purnam’s pregnant wife Rajni. A professional cook had been brought in to prepare a vegetarian feast in honor of Ekadashi, the sacred fasting day. A cake awaited cutting and later, Purnam’s favorite luchi with aloo curry would be served. Meat dishes were deferred to Sunday, in keeping with religious observance.
Purnam’s journey home is rooted in a deeply distressing turn of events. On April 23, just a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he was stationed at Pathankot, Punjab and while resting beneath a tree during duty, he inadvertently crossed the Line of Control into Pakistan. He was swiftly apprehended by Pakistani Rangers.
In typical border incidents of this nature, a flag meeting between the two nations' border forces usually facilitates the prompt return of the detained personnel. However, this time, Pakistan refused to release him immediately, escalating concerns on the Indian side. It wasn’t until May 15, nearly three weeks later, that Purnam was released by the Pakistan Army and repatriated through the Attari-Wagah border.
Upon his return, standard protocol followed— Purnam was subjected to comprehensive medical evaluations and debriefing sessions before he was cleared to go home. His long-awaited reunion with his family was further delayed as he fulfilled a slew of government formalities.
“I can’t describe how relieved I am to finally have him back. For weeks, I had no idea where he was, how he was. We were only told ten days ago that he had safely returned to India. Today, we’re cutting a cake in celebration and cooking his favorite vegetarian meal. On Sunday, we’ll prepare his favorite meat dishes,” said Rajni, her voice choked with emotion.
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