The quaint village of Labed in Ranchi erupted in grief as locals gathered to honor Shaheed Ajay Lakda, a jawan from Jharkhand who laid down his life in a tragic accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. On January 22, a military convoy en route to an operation met with disaster when the vehicle tumbled 200 feet into a ravine, claiming 10 lives including Ajay’s.

His remains reached Ranchi late Friday, receiving tributes from state dignitaries at the airport. Come Saturday, a somber procession carried him home under military escort. Slogans of patriotism echoed as the community united in sorrow.

Ajay’s mother, widowed since 2003, broke down beside her son’s coffin. Having single-handedly supported the family through odd jobs, she now faces an uncertain future. ‘He promised a new pucca house and his wedding,’ she recounted through tears. That phone call haunts her—a vow unfulfilled.

From his early days, Ajay embodied discipline, rising before dawn for training amid financial hardships. His family’s pride swells knowing his elder sister serves in IRB and brother in CISF Delhi. Yet, the loss cuts deep.

As final rites concluded, villagers vowed to support the family. Ajay’s story—a blend of poverty, perseverance, and patriotism—reminds us of the unsung heroes guarding our borders. Jharkhand mourns, but stands taller for his valor.