By Lija Feba

Bidding goodbye to sigh, keeping her head high, here Lieutenant Nikita Kaul is all set for the battle. And one can say indeed that this is the inspiring story of the day.

It was on February 18, 2019 Lt. Kaul lost her dear husband Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal during a gunfight with Jaish-e-Mohammad militants at south Kashmir, Pulwama. The major with four other personnel were killed in the horrifying encounter.

Honouring his sacrifice for the nation, he was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. But the profound agony of losing her beloved partner didn’t stop Lt. Kaul from paying him the best tribute.

The 29-year-old Lt. Kaul cleared the Short Service Commission exam and interview. Completing one year of rigorous training in Tamil Nadu, she joined the Indian Army. Donned the Army uniform, this brave heart was welcomed by Army’s Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Y. K Joshi after which he put stars on her shoulder.

Lt. Kaul, originally a resident of Kashmir, lost her husband just nine months after their marriage. From then on she was determined enough to follow his way. She left her job at an MNC in Delhi and joined the Army as a tribute to her better half’s supreme sacrifice.

A tweet by PRO Udhampur-Ministry of Defence said “#MajVibhutiShankarDhoundiyal, made the Supreme Sacrifice at #Pulwama in 2019, was awarded SC (P). Today his wife Nitika Kaul dons #IndianArmy uniform; paying him a befitting tribute. A proud moment for her as Lieutenant General YK Joshi, #ArmyCdrNC himself pips the Stars on her shoulders!”

Lt. Kaul in a statement said that she wanted to walk on a similar path like her husband and the decision to join the Army was a big one. She wanted to keep herself busy and accept the situation. She was in need of a breakthrough. She further added that she needed positivity and to stand on her own feet. Undoubtedly, Lt. Kaul’s is an inspiring story, a story of courageous survival and sheer perseverance.