Fallen Soldiers Live on Through Bravery Awards: Shaurya Chakra Highlights

"Soldiers don't die; they live on in the hearts of people," said Fatema Bohara, mother of Major Mustafa Bohara. He sacrificed his life for the nation and was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his exceptional bravery. The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, following the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 10 Kirti Chakras, including seven posthumously, to Army and paramilitary personnel for their extraordinary valour. The supreme commander also presented 26 Shaurya Chakras, seven posthumously, to armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state/Union Territory police during a defence investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Major Mustafa Bohara's Heroic Act

The Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X that President Murmu awarded the Shaurya Chakra to Major Mustafa Bohara of the 252 Army Aviation Squadron posthumously. In October 2022, he displayed remarkable courage and flying skills by steering a burning helicopter away from an inhabited area, sacrificing his life in the process.

Fatema Bohara shared fond memories of her son in a video posted by the Ministry of Defence's Spokesperson on X. She recalled his days at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and his unwavering resolve to serve the nation. "Material wealth doesn't matter as much as honour does," she said.

Emotional Recollections

In the video, Fatema emotionally recounted how her son often spoke about the support he received from his seniors. She also remembered the telephone calls and letters she used to get from him. Major Bohara's Shaurya Chakra was accepted by his parents during the investiture ceremony.

Fatema revealed she had a premonition about her son's death. "They say a mother gets a feeling about her child. Somehow I had a foreboding about this. Two days before the incident, I started crying and didn't eat food. Then the news of death came," she said.

Despite her grief, Fatema expressed pride in her son's sacrifice. "But soldiers don't die. They go on to live another life in the hearts of their family members and people of the nation they serve," she stated.

The ceremony highlighted the bravery and dedication of those who serve in India's armed forces, honouring their sacrifices and commitment to protecting the nation.