Dr Sunita Kumari
“The bravest hearts often beat the shortest, leaving behind a legacy of love and an ache that never fades”
Exactly one month back, my dear brother, Martyr Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri (J&K UT), laid down his life in the line of duty, succumbing to injuries sustained during a cowardly cross-border shelling incident in Jammu and Kashmir. His absence has hollowed out a part of me, leaving an unending silence. As his sister, I am left with an unfillable void that can only be endured. Yet, in writing about my brother’s courageous spirit, I search for solace, seeking to heal the ache of his absence through the stories of his valor and unyielding dedication. This tribute is a small attempt to honor his memory and celebrate his unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
The disastrous night of May 9th unfolded with threatening intensity, as the hours ticked by with an air of uncertainty. The darkness of that fateful night wrapped itself around us. The shelling raged on through the night, and then, in the early hours of May 10th, at about 5:15 am, the tragedy struck. My brother succumbed to injuries sustained during the shelling, his life cut short in an instant. When I received the news, I was consumed by shock and grief. As a doctor I have spent years studying, practicing and teaching medicine, but in that moment my degrees felt hollow. I couldn’t do anything to save my brother’s life and the realization was crushing. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming, and it hit me hard.
Our last conversations are etched in my memory forever and I am trying to revisit them in the hopes of capturing the essence of our bond. On 28th April, I wished my brother a happy birthday, and expressed my heartfelt gratitude for the selfless love and care he showered me with after the death of our mother. He responded with good wishes and a warm smile. Then on 29th April, I visited my cousin-brother’s son Er Anil Thapa who was bravely fighting against advanced cancer and was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at GMC Jammu. His condition was critical; I couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending loss. I sent a message to my brother informing him about Anil’s dire situation and he immediately called me; his voice laced with worry and concern. He expressed a deep desire to see Anil one last time and asked me to video call, showing genuine distress. After the call I broke the news to him that Anil might not survive till the next day. Tragically, Anil passed away on April 30th at about 2:30 am. Same day my brother travelled from Rajouri to Jammu for Anil’s cremation, and that was the last time I saw him.
A few days later, on the night of May 8th, I reached out to him with a simple check in: ‘Is everything alright? Stay safe’. But little did I know, these words would take on a deeper significance later. He responded with, ‘Safe till now but we are on the job tonight’. His response, suggests a sense of foreboding, a grim acknowledgement of the perilous path ahead and duty-bound commitment.
His willingness to confront the unknown, to stand steadfast in the face of danger, speaks volumes of his unyielding dedication and heroism. In that moment, he seemed to rise above mortal concerns, embracing his duty with a resolve that would ultimately seal his fate. I sent him a message wishing him all the best and letting him know that my prayers are with him, to which he responded with a heart emoji. My prayers though sincere, were not powerful enough to change his fate. He was aware of the risks, yet he prioritized his duty over personal safety. He was dedicated to his work even in the face of potential danger, highlighting his bravery and fearlessness.
The next evening, amidst heavy shelling, I reassured him that me and my family are alright and encouraged him to stay strong, sharing an image of arm with a prominent deltoid muscle symbolizing strength and resilience which he acknowledged by liking my message. Little did I know, these would be our last exchanges.
Dear brother, with every breath I take, I feel your indomitable spirit urging me forward, whispering words of encouragement and strength. The path ahead may be shrouded with uncertainty, but with your legacy as my beacon, I am not afraid of the glooms. Adversity may knock on my door, but I will face it with the same fearlessness and determination that defined you. In the quiet moments I still hear your voice, guiding me, motivating me to rise above the storms. Your absence has left a void, but it has also given a blueprint for living a life of purpose, passion, and resilience. I will honor your memory by living the way you taught me to- with courage, with unflinching bravery, with an unbreakable will, unapologetically, fearlessly, and by turning every obstacle into a stepping stone towards triumph.
(Writer is Dr Raj Kumar Thapa’s younger sister)
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