Wife of Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, who was martyred fighting terrorists in Pulwama in 2019, has now been commissioned into the Army. Nitika Kaul completed one year of rigorous training at the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and on Saturday was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, by Commander of the Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General YK Joshi.
The PRO, Udhampur, HQ of Northern Command congratulated Kaul via a tweet. He wrote, 'Maj Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal made the Supreme Sacrifice at #Pulwama in 2019, was awarded SC (P). Today his wife @Nitikakaul dons #IndianArmy uniform; paying him a befitting tribute. A proud moment for her as Lt Gen Y K Joshi, #ArmyCdrNC himself pips the Stars on her shoulders!'
Union Minister Smriti Irani also congratulated the Lieutenant, and wrote on Twitter. 'Lt. @NitikaKaul, you’re an embodiment of dedication, determination and devotion of India’s Nari Shakti. Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal would be smiling today with joy and pride seeing Stars on your shoulder. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours,' she tweeted.
Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was martyred during the attack on the CRPF convoy. For his valour, he was decorated with the Shaurya Chakra. In an emotional statement, Kaul had said that joining the Indian Army was her way of paying tribute to her husband, and 'feeling close' to him. Bidding the soldier farewell, Kaul had said, 'You said you loved me, but the fact is you loved the nation more. I am really proud. We all love you. The way you love everyone is entirely different because you sacrificed your life for the people who you may have never met, but still you decided to give your life for them. You are such a brave man. I am very honoured to have you as my husband. I'll love you till my last breath. I owe my life to you.'
*Photo credits: Twitter