Tribute To Major Rushikesh Ramani

TO MOM, WITH LOVE On his last visit home, Major Ramani had gifted the cap in the pic above to his mom. The grieving Ramanis are hoping their son's sacrifice will inspire more Gujarati youths to join the armed forces

Words can't describe the pain of Vallabh Ramani, who on June 7 lost his son Major Rushikesh Ramani to enemy bullets in Kashmir. On Sunday, the grieving father had a concern: "I hope boys from Gujarat are inspired, and not scared, by my son's death. Gujarat's presence in the armed forces is very little. The greatest tribute to Rushikesh will be more Gujaratis protecting our borders."

Vallabh Ramani, an advocate, was unable to hide his tears when he said, "My child had chosen this life. I am a successful advocate and Rushikesh could have followed me in legal profession. But he always wanted to be an Armyman. My son is a winner."

IN HAPPIER TIMES: Major Rushikesh Ramani with his father Vallabhbhai

Vallabh Ramani has a message for all those who want to pay a tribute to Major Ramani. "If you think my son died a worthy death, don't be scared by what happened to him. Let his death not be a deterrent. Let it be an inspiration. It's time we Gujaratis get more involved in the country's armed forces. If one Rushikesh can push back so many terrorists, imagine what thousands of Gujaratis can do."

Rushikesh was inspired by his uncle, Wing Commander Ashok Patel, to seek a career in the armed forces. Said the Wing Commander, "Rushikesh was a tough boy, and his father is a tough man. We will be happy if Rushikesh's death makes a difference in our thinking. It's important to live for others."

He said Rushikesh was a bright cadet, and had a number of choices even in the armed forces. "But he chose the Infantry. Infantry units have more physically demanding training than other branches of armies, and place a greater emphasis on discipline, fitness and physical strength. Rushikesh had set his sights very, very high. He wanted to become a General one day, and he knew Infantrymen stood the best chance."

Major Ramani's cousins, Hiren and Nrupen, remember him as a focused man, but also a fun-loving youngster. Said Nrupen, "He would freak out on Govinda movies whenever he would get a chance to come home."

The cousins, who shared a deep bond with the Major, often discussed the dangers of Army life. Said Hiren, "I used to tell him, 'Zyaada bahaduri mat dikhana'. Think about your life. And you know what he would tell me, 'When I wear this uniform, I think of nothing else but the country. If I fail in that, I will never be able to look my men in the eye.'

√ Major Rushikesh Ramani fought five militants and took 12 bullets
√ His team fought for two days between June 5 and 7 amid heavy rain
√ They survived on just dry fruits and chocolates
√ Major Ramani lost his footing and fell near the militants
√ Undeterred, he managed to kill three terrorists