He is a hero. He gave up his life to save others,” said Smriti Singh, the grieving widow of Captain Anshuman Singh. With folded hands, she stood before President Droupadi Murmu to accept the Kirti Chakra on Friday, India’s second-highest gallantry award, posthumously conferred on her husband. The award honoured his heroic actions in saving his fellow soldiers and protecting critical medical equipment during a devastating fire at an Army dump on the Siachen Glacier.

Captain Anshuman Singh, serving as a medical officer with the 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, was stationed in Siachen when the tragedy struck on July 19, 2023. In the dead of night, an ammunition dump caught fire. Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut consumed by flames and immediately took action. He managed to rescue several trapped soldiers but tragically lost his life while trying to save vital medical equipment from another burning camp.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan released a statement highlighting his bravery: “Disregarding his own safety, Captain Anshuman Singh demonstrated exceptional courage and resolve to rescue many people during a major fire incident in Siachen.

In a video shared by a defence ministry spokesperson, Smriti Singh recalled, he was very much capable. ‘He once told me, ‘I would die with the brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death.’ 

Reflecting on their first meeting, she said, “We met on the first day of college. It might sound dramatic, but it was love at first sight. A month later, he got selected for the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). We initially met at an engineering college, but then he moved to medical college. He was incredibly intelligent. From then on, after just one month of knowing each other, it was a long-distance relationship for eight years.”

Our love endured the challenges of space and time. “We decided to get married, but within two months of our wedding, he was posted to Siachen,” Smriti shared. “On July 18, we have a long conversation about our future plans, dreaming of building a home and starting a family. 

The next morning, on July 19, I received the devastating call that he was no more. For hours, we couldn’t believe that its all happened. But holding the Kirti Chakra in the hand now shows that it would be true. It’s okay; he’s a hero. We can manage our lives. He gave his life to save others, including his army family,” she said, trying to hold back her tears but she couldn’t.

Captain Anshuman Singh was cremated with full state honours in Bhagalpur, located in UP’s Deoria district, on July 22, 2023. His bravery and sacrifice are a testament to the selfless courage of the soldiers who protect our nation. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the true meaning of heroism.