India Today TV spoke to the wife of late Colonel Santosh Babu, who was the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, and was martyred during clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan last year.
Colonel Santosh Babu, who laid down his life for the country during the brutal clash with Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley in May last year, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Late Col Santosh Babu’s wife Santoshi on Tuesday accepted the Maha Vir Chakra (posthumously) given to her husband by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
Late Colonel Santosh Babu was the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Regiment. He was among the Indian soldiers who were killed during clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan last year.
Read also: Col Santosh Babu’s gallantry: How he fought the Chinese in the Galwan Valley and led his troops
India Today Executive Editor Shiv Aroor spoke to Santoshi to find out how she deals with the situation and how it feels to be in solidarity and appreciation from across the nation.
My full conversation with Santoshi, wife of Col Santosh Babu, CO of 16 Bihar, during the Galwan clash: pic.twitter.com/TSvRTTNExC
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) November 23, 2021
Interview excerpts:
Q) Your feelings and thoughts on the day you received the Maha Vir Chakra from the President?
This is a very proud moment for me and my family. His sacrifice has given me more strength to move forward in life.
Q) What has the last year been like for you and your family? How did you cope with the loss?
We haven’t forgotten him. He may not be with us physically, but his memories, thoughts and guidance are always with us. We have always been taught that no matter what happens, we should remember that my husband has made a selfless sacrifice for the country. He has done exemplary service to the nation. Whenever I feel sad, I bring these thoughts to the fore and face the sadness.
Read also: Col Santosh Babu’s gallantry: How he fought the Chinese in the Galwan Valley and led his troops
Q) The whole country was with you after Galvan. What is it like to have the solidarity and admiration of the entire nation?
It gives me goosebumps when people talk about my husband’s service to the nation. I feel proud when people say that Col Santosh Babu is a great man. All the compliments about my husband cloud my sorrows and I feel so much better.
Q) Inspired by Colonel Santosh Babu, what is your message to the men and women of India to join the army?
This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the country. Not everyone gets the opportunity to work for the nation especially in the defense forces.
Read also: Galwan Nayak Colonel Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra
Click here for IndiaToday.in’s Full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.