Remembering Major Nair: A Unique Choice He Made For Love Embodies His Noble Spirit

Over the weekend, the Indian military fraternity paid their tribute to Major Sashidhar Nair, a 33-year-old officer of the 2/1 Gorkha Rifles who was martyred in the line of duty on January 11.

Major Nair was tragically killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) laid down by the Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army in the Nowshera sector along the Line of Control.

He was laid to rest with full military honours at the National War Memorial in Pune.

Major Nair had only recently returned to his posting in Kashmir, after enjoying a month-long leave in Pune. Sitting besides his remains on a wheelchair was his wife, who he loved more than words could describe.

Their love story is legendary in army circles, and indeed one for the ages.

The couple met through a mutual friend in Pune, and it was love at first sight for both Major Nair, who was 27 and a Captain in the Indian Army at the time, and Trupti, who was a 26-year-old Masters’ graduate in Computer Applications.

Six months later they were engaged.

The first potential obstacle to their budding love story came eight months after the engagement, reports News 18. Trupti was diagnosed with multiple arteriosclerosis, which confined her to a wheelchair.

This diagnosis would test the young soldier’s commitment to his fiance, and boy, did he pass the test with flying colours!

While there were some who urged Major Nair to call off the engagement, he remained steadfast, and they got married in 2012.

Also Read: Lion of Ladakh: The Legendary Soldier Who Saved India While Still a Teenager!

The situation would only get harder for Trupti. Following the wedding, she suffered a stroke that left her paralysed waist down. However, despite her inability to walk, the couple would always arrive at parties, dinners or any get-togethers with high spirits.

During postings in Gandhinagar and Pune, Major Nair would be seen either pushing his wife on her wheelchair or carrying her in his arms if required. Such was the joy that the couple exuded, that pitiful stares gave way to respect and love.

When Major Nair was posted to Kashmir, Trupti was evidently worried, but he promised to return home soon. On January 2, 2019, Major Nair waved his goodbyes to Trupti as he returned to his posting in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was the last time he would wave to his wife.

Besides performing his duties as an army man, he was also a man of true character. They don’t make the likes of Major Nair anymore.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

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