In a solemn tribute to the valiant soldier, Agniveer operator Gawate Akshay Laxman, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the formidable heights of Siachen, the Indian Army and the nation stand united in grief. Enlisting on December 30, 2022, through the Agniveer recruitment, Gawate served with unwavering dedication for nine months and 21 days before his untimely departure. He leaves behind grieving parents and a younger sister, their hearts heavy with the weight of loss.
The Indian Army, via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), conveyed the highest respect for Gawate’s sacrifice. General Manoj Pande, along with every member of the armed forces, saluted this hero who gave his all in the line of duty. Gawate will be honored with all the distinctions befitting a “battle casualty”, a testament to his extraordinary commitment.
Yet, questions arise surrounding the benefits accorded to Agniveers and their families. While Gawate’s kin will receive insurance of Rs48 lakh, an ex-gratia amount of Rs44 lakh, and full pay for the unfulfilled portion of his four-year term, including the ‘Seva Nidhi’ component, there will be no provision for family pension or ex-servicemen benefits. This discrepancy within the Agnipath scheme has raised valid concerns.
Major Navdeep Singh (retd), a distinguished high court lawyer, pointed out the disparity, emphasizing that in all other services, a soldier’s sacrifice in an operational zone guarantees liberalized family pension and lifelong service benefits for the bereaved family. Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that had Gawate been a ‘regular’ soldier, his family would receive all the entitled benefits. The question remains: should India, a nation of immense strength and resources, not extend these rights universally?
Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman’s name will forever be etched in history as the first Agniveer to lay down his life in operations. Deployed in the unforgiving terrain of the world’s highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier, his courage and sacrifice will serve as an enduring reminder of the dedication and valor exhibited by our armed forces.
