He was an outstanding student: Teacher of Captain Pranjal, who died in J&K encounter

Mangaluru: Captain M V Pranjal who was killed in an encounter between the security forces and militants in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir is from Bengaluru. His family is closely connected with  Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), where his father, MV Venkatesh, held a distinguished position as Managing Director.

Pranjal's journey from DPS MRPL to the echelons of the Indian Army was marked by unwavering dedication.

 "Pranjal, one of our outstanding students, was in constant touch with the school even after joining the army. He had a dream of joining the army since the 3rd standard. His death is a great loss," says Suma, the teacher who taught Capt Pranjal for four years in the school.

"Throughout his school years, he actively participated in various activities, displaying a lively spirit on the campus. Since his early childhood, he had dreamed of joining the army, remaining dedicated to his goal. As a scout, his commitment was unwavering. He was stationed in Jammu and Kashmir. Even when concerns were voiced about his posting, he took pride in serving the country. Pranjal was truly exceptional, and his passing is an immense loss," Suma told Deccan Chronicle.

"Pranjal attended our school from LKG to 10th grade, with the exception of one year during 6th grade when his father was transferred to Delhi. We've witnessed his journey from childhood.  Whenever he visited Mangaluru, including his most recent visit in June, he made it a priority to come to the school and meet every teacher," she added.  

Meanwhile, the school issued a press statement, highlighting Pranjal's achievements, including being a Rashtrapati Scout and excelling in science exhibitions.

“He was soft-spoken, sensitive, mature, and loaded with values and a human being par excellence, His stature is far more than our imagination. A proud cub, a wonderful scout, and finally achieved the honour of a Rashtrapati Scout. The school is proud of him. He was excellent in Hands-on activities in the Science Classes and thus qualified in the CBSE Regional level Science Exhibition and participated actively with his teammates at the national level as well,” a press statement from the Delhi Public School stated.

"November 22 is the darkest day for our school. We have lost our child DPS MRPL grieves, this is our school's greatest loss. We salute Capt. Pranjal for his bravery and supreme sacrifice,” the statement added.

MRPL, where Pranjal's father served for nearly three decades, also paid tribute to the fallen soldier.

“His father served this institution (MRPL) for nearly three decades, and during the final phase of his association with us, he was our Managing Director. Capt Pranjal was part of our family as he lived a significant part of his childhood and youth with his parents in MRPL colony, studied in MRPL school and was known to all of us,” MRPL General Manager (Corporate Communications) Dr Rudolph Noronha said.

“Capt Pranjal was born and raised in an atmosphere of patriotism and chose service to the nation as his occupation. A corporate career would have been a cakewalk to him due to his exposure, but he chose his heart over his mind, and today, he has given the ultimate sacrifice that any individual can for his nation. His parents always stood by him, proud of his choices and accomplishments,” he added.