Thank You Lance Naik Hanumanthappa: We slept because you stayed awake

By Vicky

Updated: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 13:27 [IST]

As we salute Lance Naik Hanumanthappa who breathed his last in New Delhi today, let us always remember him for his determination and his love to serve the nation. Hailing from a very humble background, Lance Naik Hanamanthappa always wanted to serve in the army. In fact a family member of his tells OneIndia that his determination to be in the army can be made out from the fact that he was rejected on three occasions by a selection committee.

Despite being rejected thrice he went back and gave the test again and was selected. Normally any person would have been rejected, but he never gave up says his friend Santhosh who went with him to school. [Siachen 'braveheart' soldier Lance Naik Hanumanthappa passes away]

Never say die:

Santhosh adds that he was very humble and soft spoken. However behind this soft spoken man was a tough person who was willing to take up the harshest challenges in life. Some of his postings included one at Jammu and Kashmir between 2008 and 2010 which was followed by a posting at North East. [Pall of gloom descends on Lance Naik Hanamanthappa's village]

He was posted in Siachen last August and according to some of his friends he had even told his wife and two year old child that he would visit them soon on a holiday. [Lance Naik Hanumanthappa gives up battle for life: Twitter pays tribute to the real hero]

Named after Lord Hanuman, he was always one for a challenge. Even his colleagues in the army say that he never said no to any posting. He preferred the tough terrains. Even when in school he was a tough kid and would walk 7 kilometres everyday. A helpful person he was loved and revered by all at the Bettadur village.

His family, friends and well-wishers would all be present at the Nehru Ground in Hubbali where his body would be kept for people to pay their last respects. There is sadness but there is also a strong sense of pride among his friends and family. Lance Naik Hanamanthappa- Rest in Peace. We slept at night because you stayed awake.