Fallen hero's wife receives Kirti Chakra, shares their love story

President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously to Captain Anshuman Singh for his exceptional bravery during a fire incident in Siachen. The poignant ceremony saw Captain Singh's wife, Smriti, and mother accepting the award, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry honour.

In a viral video from the event, Smriti Singh, dressed in white, stood before the President with tears in her eyes, folding her hands as her late husband's sacrifice was honoured. President Murmu praised Captain Singh's selfless act, stating, "Disregarding his own safety, he exhibited exceptional bravery and resolve to rescue many people in a major fire incident."

Following the ceremony, Smriti shared the couple's touching love story. "We met on the first day of college, and it was love at first sight," she recalled. Their relationship endured eight years of long-distance as Captain Singh pursued his medical studies at AFMC after initially meeting in an engineering college.

The couple married shortly before Captain Singh's posting to Siachen. Just two months into their marriage and a day after discussing their 50-year life plan, Smriti woke to the news of her husband's death on July 19.

Captain Singh's story of valour and the couple's brief yet profound love has resonated deeply with the public, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by India's armed forces and their families.